Round Bowen Race - 2009
Whippet won the west (inshore) end of the start line but soon found out that the outside was favoured. We were looking for the usual geographic shifts along the shore at the outset but realized about half way to Cowen Point that there was better pressure (and current) outside. It was remarkable how much was to be gained by getting offshore and staying in the slightly better pressure but often more importantly, in more favourable current. Before Cowen, pressure was the key; after Cowen, current and pressure killed those inshore until a little more than half way to Roger Curtis. The wind was south-south-westerly along the bottom of Bowen and it appeared that the wind started to lift over the island about a 1/2 mile off shore, especially near the higher, eastern hump. Further west, as the land falls toward Roger Curtis, the wind moved closer to shore.
As the tide ebbs out of Howe Sound there can be back eddies along the south shore of Bowen. Past Cowen, to about the middle of the south side, you can be in unfavourable current but, once closer to Roger Curtis, the back eddy can work in your favour. This is why I was more confident in getting off shore near Cowen, but more importantly, why we headed into Roger Curtis when others around us stayed out. There appeared to be a wind line about 100 yards off the point but this was more an indication of wind against tide: the boats near us that ventured into the rougher water slowed dramatically in speed over the ground. Close in to Roger Curtis the water was smooth, indicating more favourable current, and the wind held right into the point.
Spotting the adverse current and sailing close to Roger Curtis paid off and put us ahead of Simply Red. . .for a while. The Drinkwaters (Alan and John on Simply Red) had been sailing an excellent race and we'd change places a few times before heading up Collingwood channel. The contest didn't end and, while we led them past Hutt Island, places continued to change as one of us and then the other 'discovered' the better place to be. The final call which secured our position was getting around Hood Point and Finisterre Island. The crew work of Richard and Claire executing perfect reach to reach gybes in light air enabled us to keep moving and close right in to the tip at Finisterre. We got our nose around and into the fresh southerly wind coming up Queen Charlotte Sound first and were away. Those who stayed off the point were once again stalled by more adverse current and unable to break into the new wind. The hitch from Finisterre to the finish was uneventful; the lead gained at Finisterre held and we crossed the line ahead in our division.
Craig Strand
Whippet
June 14, 2009
