Captain Oliver set us up perfectly for the start of the first race. Many other spectator boats were actually late and missed the first gun - their loss. The tacking duel started early as the two giant boats headed towards the narrow channel trying to get into a controlling position. We followed the J's South through the narrow channel as the fog began to build and then out into the open ocean towards Point Judith in lumpy, rolling, thrashing waves. It was not a day for anyone with seasick tendencies to be out and apparently there were a number of people who had a rough day. We soldiered around the course and got to watch the kites fill with RANGER leading, although the sentiment of the day was for the underdog VALSHEDA.
As the boats headed back North towards Breton Point, a dense fog set in and the large boats, within close proximity to each other, disappeared. The race patrol had their hands full keeping traffic far enough away so the giant boats could maneuver safely. At 14 knots of speed, they were barreling back into the narrow channel cloaked in fog. Those of us watching the racing up close had an uneasy feeling. What if a tanker or clueless sailor decided to come through in these near-zero visibility conditions?
Alas, it was not to be the glossy, navy-hulled VALSHEDA's day. Race one ended with a win for RANGER. Race two was over before the start. VALSHEDA was pinned in the wind-up and both boats were early and they decided to luff while the seconds counted down. (Who knew these 130 footers could park themselves on the starting line like a Laser?) As RANGER held it together, VALSHEDA was at the Committee Boat trying hard to remain on safe edge of the breeze. The groan onboard AMBROSIA was loud as we all sadly watched VALSHEDA's jib give way and backwind slowly across her deck while RANGER powered away across the starting line.
After we upload our photos, we'll post some of our favorites of the J's and of the spectator fleet, which included a number of gorgeous classics. And yes, the Transatlantic boats were all tuning equipment as the countdown starts for their historic race across the North Atlantic. Here are a few to kick things off:
