Melges 32s racing off Newport. Image copyright Joy Dunigan.
by Joy Dunigan
After two days and six races, John Porter on Full Throttle continues to lead the 15-strong Melges 32 fleet in Newport, RI. Kip Meadows on roXanne had a splendid day to finish second overall, six points out of first. Newport local, Michael Dominguez on Bronco performed well once more taking him from fifth to third overall.
Everyone’s expectations for the day was a potential carbon copy of Friday’s extremely light and difficult conditions. But much to everyone’s enjoyment, the sunshine and moderate temps prevailed with the breeze building throughout the day to a pleasant 10-12 knots.
Race one of the day was all Jim Swartz on Q. Port tacking the fleet, at the pin end to take an immediate lead was a key maneuver giving him an almost immediate lead. Swartz rounded the first mark several boat lengths in front of the fleet, followed by Dominguez and Meadows respectively. His biggest competition didn't arrive until the last mark when he fumbled the set. It was just enough of a snafu to make everyone nervous as it allowed Dominguez to gain a little ground. Swartz was quick to recover and take first, Dominguez was second, Meadows kicked in some speed to take third.
Porter took race two in stride, stealing the lead from early race leader Meadows. A seriously tight fleet race from mark, to gate, to finish found Porter pulling ahead for the win, his second bullet of the regatta. Commonly referred to and revered as ‘the Admiral’, Porter went on to win the heat with Meadows in second, the young Ryan Devos (Ed Baird, tactician) on Volpe was third. Geoff Pierini (Max Skelley, tactician) on Shakedown sneaked in from the right to take a surprise fourth ahead of John Taylor (Andrew Campbell, tactician) on Ninkasi finishing fifth.
The last race of the day was a steady course four, 225 at 1.4 nm bringing out the best in long-time Melges 32 owner Taylor. He took the lead at the top, performed perfect sets and jibes to take the ultimate win over of Devos. Jeff Ecklund on STAR stepped up to take third.
Saturday night is Melges Rocks party night! Teams will congregate at Riptide for beer, prizes and daily awards. It will be the ultimate regatta party!
Top Five Results(After 6 Races and 1 Discard)
1.) John Porter/Jonathan Mckee, Full Throttle; 1-3-4-6-1-[10] = 15
2.) Kip Meadows/Andy Horton, roXanne; 4-5-[10]-3-2-7 = 21
3.) Michael Dominguez/Anthony Kotoun, Bronco; 3-7-7-2-7-[14] = 26
4.) Jim Swartz/Gavin Brady, Q; 10-1-6-1-9-[11] = 27
5.) Jeff Ecklund/Bill Hardesty, STAR; 8-9-[14]-5-3-2 = 27
Melges 32
