Raceday four got off to an early start in medium winds which intensified during the races to a full 23 knots, the strongest so far. As a result, the rounds were quick and sailing, exhilarating. All classes got off cleanly down a spinnaker run to 210 degrees on course #5. Crossing together the Racers, IRCs and Premier Cruisers all gibed to the first mark, some reaching far to the east to gather more speed. But, as usual, Yo rounded first and set off for the hotdog leg after mark two.

Officials had posted the same three courses as Wednesday, #s 5, 6 and 7, since those had proven to be the most popular challenges. The 14-mile racers’ course consisted of a hexagon with an up and down detour in the middle. On the shorter 11-mile courses the Club boats and Multi’s skipped the hot dog providing them an advantage especially over the Sports Class.

Two late-departing cats nearly came to grief as one careened around the bow of the Start Boat almost directly into the other, ducking across its stern. But some deft helmsmanship by the offending cat brought both across the line like long time lovers.

Around the first mark and up the Racers’ extra leg the divisions could be seen clearly with Yo in the lead followed by Sonnenkoenig and Ulumulu, the rest of the racers and then the Club boats. The battle for second place heated up, around 10:30, on the tough upwind beat to mark 4 and the two racers met at the mark, rounding neck-and-neck and raising their kites amid splashing seas. But downwind Ulumulu’s spinnaker twisted knocking her back severely as Sonnenkoenig ran for the mark.

With the advantage of a shorter race, the Multi’s were first through the gate at 11:00 represented by Chameleon with no other challengers in sight. Then in regular procession, leaders of the other classes reached down upon the finish led by Lady M racing as a Classic; Kilo (above) for the Cruising Multi-hulls; Nom de Plume, a Club Live-aboard; Chantique for Club Cruisers and, just two hours after her start, Yo swept past with all crew manning the rail. Other leaders finishing around noon were the Premier Cruising vessel Bolero, Sports racer Somtam Express and IRC boat Abraxas at 12:15.