Racing a J120...

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Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
..on Wed nite. Wow!! what a machine!! We got the jump on her at the start and it took her two full legs to catch us. Winds 15 to 20 and the puffs were all over the place. Hitting them meant big gains(or losses). After the 120 went by us we rode her leeward hip to the leeward mark with our #3 up under the kite. She made trees on us to the end of the race but not enough. We still corrected out ahead of her although she took line honors. We didn't sail a perfect race but everyone on board did a good job and stayed focused till the end. In this kind of race crew work is the key to success. It truly comes down to the boat that makes the fewest mistakes wins. Being out gunned by a boat that rates 51 isn't good enough unless you can minimize your mistakes.
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,193
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
That's Impressive, Alan! :D

nm
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Rick...

...ya just had to be there......I keep reliving the race!! It was awesome. ;D
 
T

Tom D

Which is the machine?

Alan- In your reference to "the machine", were you talking about the 120 or the 35.5 for hanging in there? Congrat's on your race.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Tom D

The 120 is an awesome boat! The HUGE A kite she carries is a powerful weapon. The helm is a hired gun(the owner wasn't even on board) but some of the their crew was young and inexperienced. They mishandled one of the spinnaker launches which cost them some valuable time and getting the jump on them at the start probably was the difference in the race. None the less, I have the utmost respect for the speed of that 'machine'. I'll bet she could easily get into the high teens without even breathing hard.
 
Feb 6, 2006
249
Hunter 23 Bay Shore, LI, NY
Alan,

Sounds like a great race. Not my thing, but I won't hold it against you!! Here's link to some info on that "machine": http://www.jworld-sailing.com/j-120.htm
 
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