While our position in the standings remained the same, we showed marked improvement on the second day of gold fleet racing. In the three races we scored a 25-15-16. It is difficult to convey how tight the racing is in this fleet. We have both seen good racing over the years, but this has to be the least forgiving. We are getting there, and today we faired much better both on the starting line and downwind, two places we have struggled in the past.

The wind was finally somewhat normal, at least in that we have seen the direction in our training. The Southwest breeze filled in at about 8-12 knots and held for the entire day. The racecourse was close to the parallel shore, and there was a consistent geographic shift on the right-hand side of the course. We capitalized on this feature a number of times upwind, making significant gains.

On the downwind legs of the course we began the day with some frustration. We were not able to get to an edge early in the run, instead finding ourselves stuck in the middle of the course. In the 49er, like any planning asymmetrical spinnaker boat, the power to have clear air from the start of the run in the direction you want to go is paramount. We began to take into account the direction we planned to go long before arriving at the starboard tack layline, which allowed us to exit the mark with clear air and speed. The rest of the run then became much easier.

Saturday is the final day of the World Championship. There will be two more gold fleet races followed by a medal race in the afternoon. The preliminary forecast calls for more Northerly breeze at about 15-20 knots, which should make for exciting racing.

Thanks for your support, and thanks for following along!