Wind!

Art working hard in the pre-start...

Eileen enjoys multiple warm layers.

Randy says: Does this make it look like we're heeled over?

Though the skies were pewter gray, no rain fell and there was measurable wind for the third Goosebump race. Full Moon crew Randy “Long & Thick” Olsen, Art “Halyard” Teller, Eileen “Warm” McHugh, and skipper John “Puffs” Mengedoht had a decent second-row start, tacked for clear air, and made it to the first AGC buoy in 11th place. With a short beam reach to the Cove buoy, the Equalizer stayed in the bag until the 3rd leg up the Eastlake shore where it helped Full Moon gain on a red Thunderbird and always-fast Runner.

Runner had problems with their spinnaker drop at the Freeway buoy and Full Moon rounded ahead, nearly catching the T-bird and the big Buchan 37 Distance. Returning upwind to complete the first lap, Distance had pulled out ahead and Runner caught up but the T-bird suffered in lighter air near the western shore and Full Moon got by. Always nice to pass a T-bird!

Full Moon held position to start the second lap but the spinnaker hoist went awry with the head trapped under the top of the forestay. The Equalizer still filled and pulled the boat but with reduced area. This allowed the red T-bird to slowly work on by. The wind began to decrease at this point but was still blowing and the remainder of the race was a battle with the T-bird which, unfortunately, finished just a few feet ahead to leave Full Moon a still-respectable 10th. The rest of the fleet was left to suffer with fading wind, old rivals Fortis and Shogun a full half lap down on Full Moon.