Friday, September 20, 2019
Mike Wilde Protects His Lead at Sonar World Championship
Rochester Yacht Club, Rochester, NY
The following recaps key accomplishments in the past 10 months:
With half the regatta completed (two days and seven races), Rochester Sailor Mike Wilde has held his lead on the fleet and opened his points advantage with a 6-2-4 performance today giving him a total of 21 points (the six got dropped). Tied for second place with points are Brian Doyle (NH) and local sailor Eric Voss. In fourth, three points out of second, is Andreas Josenhans (NS).
Today’s conditions light and started out of S/W. Left side was hugely favored as it was in Day 1 but a major wind shift and a dying breeze resulted in the racing being abandoned. Apparently the Race Committee had anticipated a lengthy on-the-water postponement and, after a while of drifting Sonars, they, they went around the fleet and distributed bingo cards. Announcing numbers (and winners) via VHF helped the fleet pass the time.
Eventually the wind filled-in enough to get off a race although the wind was only in the 5-6 knots range out of NE quadrant. Continues to back for all three subsequent races. As noted, the left side was dominant and, as Class President and Paralympic Silver Medalist Rick Doerr said, That’ why we call this place ‘Leftchester.’ Mike Wilde sailed great today, winning the left end of the line, and getting to the left first. That paid for him in the first two races. BTW, I’ve started to call Mike ‘Lefty’ for his tactics…and his boat is called GOIN’ LEFT.”
By the time the third race was sailed, the thermal effect had maxed out so, with the wind now osculating there were opportunities to be realized on the right side of the course. On the lasts race of the day, Brian Doyle, sailing with TK Kenny, got to the right and controlled that side of the course which, matched by their excellent downwind speed, gave them the win for the race and moved them up into second place.
Racing resumes tomorrow but the forecast is for more light wind. Sunday’s finale, however, is forecast to bring with it more substantial winds.
Results: https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=6051
