After a morning storm blew through, the winds disappeared just in time for the midday start of Race 5 of the series, leaving the fleet bobbing on Chalong Bay and praying for a lone gust of wind to get them over the start line.
Niña and Adrenaline, skippered by Mark Horwood, were both caught on the wrong side of the start as the fleet inched their way into the main race area, but a gutsy call to sidle along the west coast of Koh Lone saw Niña rejoin the fleet at the southern turn around the island.
Adrenaline, however, followed the fleet into the main race area, and paid the price by bringing up the rear for most of the course.
The tactical difference was huge. Niña eventually placed first on corrected time, while Adrenaline placed last.
The new Stealth cat Wow, built in Phuket and launched only weeks ago, placed second in the class. After scoring outright victory in Race 4, Wow now sits in fourth place overall in the series.
Tim Milner’s Seekronghuk, with Mark Pescott on board, placed third on the day.
Horwood’s crew on Adrenaline can take some consolation from their poor performance. They finished last overall on corrected time on the day – their worst performance this season – but the boat suffered a broken bow prodder on the course, meaning they could not fly a spinnaker downwind. Yet they remain in first place overall in the series.
In the Monohull class, Brent McInnes on the First 53 Overdrive was the sole entry, as many local racers are in the Gulf of Thailand taking part in the Samui Regatta, which got underway on Monday (May 25).
Race 6 in the ACYC race series will be on June 7. All are welcome to join, regardless of sailing experience. For more information, visit ACYC.asia or call 090-705 9466.