Race day and the tension mounts

                                          Race 1 & 2 got off the starting blocks this afternoon,
                                                               with everyone alert and race ready...

                                    there was the polishing of boats from unsuspected sailors..

                                        Marias' 'Dolly" boy, Dieter,  was taking himself off for a ride

                                                               it was busy , busy all around...

                                                     It was a gently sail to the start area..

for competitors, officials, and all

                                                ... there were other interesting water sports happening

                                                 
                                                             the wind was moderate,
                        12- 15 knots perhaps, with a light chop and a few little white caps..

enough to cause a splash..

                                                        exciting beginnings ..

                                                                 a line up of Impulses,

                                                                     a general recall...

                           
                                                             uh, uh, back you go...

                                           which gave us a chance for some quick head on running shots..

                                                                       as we ran the gauntlet...
                                          

                                                            they finally started to turn back...

                                                        for another boat end, start line

                                                              Michael Brown an early leader..

                                                      while the middle pack took a bit of sorting ..

                                                                 and got a bit wet...

                                                 there were lots of near water experiences..

                                                    it was a procession around the buoy..

                                    
                                                                   one by one ..

                
                                                                                 

                                                                 all very tidy..
             

                                                               and then in packs..

                                                   water, spray, noise, and click, click, click..

                                                               time for a smile today!

                                              Steve is my skipper, Kevin,  first mate...

                                             before we knew it, Michael was back again..

                                             Race? what race?    oh ... is this a race?

                                                              neck and neck the leading pack..

                                                       here come the rest of the crew
    

                                                            minor adjustments..

                                                                PU 672 was back ..

                                                           .. and there was still race two to go...

                                                        which was actually a lot of the same ...

                                                               so we watched awhile

                                                until sailors headed for home ...

                                                             .. and ensured they all made it..

back tomorrow for more of the dame..