by Paul Cayard
Three races today and onboard Artemis Racing, we were very consistent: 4, 4, 4 and moved up to 3rd overall with 37 points. It was not as boring as it sounds because at time we were near the back on the first leg and made some pretty big comebacks.
The conditions were very good; 7-14 knots from the northeast.
The wind was behaving really well today (steady) until the middle of the last race when the westerly from the other side of the island tried to pulse through. That collapsed the wind for 15 minutes and is was a little less than straight forward at that point. The wind went from 12 knots at 025 to 5 knots from 350. We managed to hold our own in the shuffle.
Aqua had the best day with scores of 3, 3 ,2 and now leads with 28 points. Yesterdays leader, Cereef, had a decent day but slipped to second with scores of 7, 5, 6 and 30 points.
Katusha had two good races at the end of the day and is now 4th with 38 points. The local team with Francesco Bruni of Palermo as tactician, was threatening to make a big move with 2, 1 in the first two races but then collected 10 in the third race and are now in 5th with 43 points.
It is all very tight as is typical of the RC44 fleet.
The smooth sea and mild winds were perfect for the owners who steer these boats. The water is very clear and that deep Mediterranean Blue color. The sun has be out too so it is what you would call perfect conditions for sailing.
Two more days of racing here and there will be plenty of ups and downs. The important thing is the be in the hunt on Sunday.
For complete results go to www.rc44.com
