Quite the opposite of the week before, the Holmes Hole Sailing Association (HHSA) races on both Thursday and Sunday saw southwest winds in the upper teens, making for some exciting and challenging competition. Sienna, a Catalina 34 owned by Jerry Goodale, was the first of five in the A Division on Thursday under dramatic evening skies. A Vineyard Haven Yacht Club Sonar finished a few minutes later for second place, and Steve Besse sailed his J120, Apres, into the third slot on corrected time. Steve was first over the finish line. Holmes Hole sailboats come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and each is assigned a carefully constructed handicap to even out the competition.
There was a close race in the B Division, as five of the six participants were Alerion 28s. Finishing in first place was Angelina, sailed by John and Lisa Stout. The only non-Alerion, Altius, a Stuart Knockabout skippered by Alan Wilson, came in just 24 seconds behind Angelina for second, and Jim Dixon’s At Last, first at the finish, was third, 22 seconds after Altius, on corrected time.
The Sunday race was an upwind and downwind trip across the Sound. With a lively breeze that filled in to about 18 mph, it was a little rough, a little wet, but a fine day of summer sailing for the eleven participants. It will be a good afternoon to pull out of the summer memory bank on a bleak February morning.
Zenith, Tim Colon’s lovely Whitney 45, took first place in the A Division. Sienna, again liking the stronger winds, was second. Tango, Phil Hale’s J100, although first across the line, was third on corrected time. Three Alerion 28s took the top three spots out of five finishers in the B Division. At Last was first, with Tom and Holly Wescott’s Tamu second, and Penelope, sailed by Pam and Mo Flam came in third, although she was first across the line in actual elapsed time.
Holmes Hole races are held on Thursdays and Sundays. All are welcome. Please consult holmeshole.org for details.
