(San Diego, CA)- The last major San Diego YC racing event came to a close on the first day of December with the final of three races in the Hot Rum Series. The fleet of 130 boats in 6 classes enjoyed gorgeous sunny, warm "winter" sailing conditions on the 11.9 nm pursuit race course located off the majestic Point Loma.Race 1 was simple enough with nice sun and a great wind, and the usual inquisitions and opinions over ratings. The conditions favored the smaller sport boats and the early finish line looked a little like a J/105 regatta. But you know what they say about the Hot Rum, one "nice day", one "light day".
And so, the fleet experienced "the light day" for Race 2. Sunny, yes, but very light winds. There was enough breeze (6+ knots) to whisk everyone out to the half-way mark in the Roads, but the wind evaporated from there. The larger boats, that have 50+ feet of mast and sail up in the air, managed to make enough breeze to ghost to the finish. A last little puff of wind just before the 1600 deadline brought the front of the other five fleets to the finish, but in total, only 57 of the registered 130 boats finished. Several boats received ratings adjustments that reduced their handicaps (estimated their speed faster) at the start of Race 2, and after a protest hearing, those boats were given redress (RDG) of a time credit for that race and their ratings were returned to those posted for Race 1. The redress did not change any of the results.
And the last part of the saying about the weather for the Hot Rum says "one stormy day". But despite the low clouds and rain through the night, a really nice day popped out of the clouds around 10 am. At noon, fluffy white clouds with 10+ knots of wind got the race going in perfect Hot Rum conditions.
Class 5 had several of the J/Classics sailing. Getting third overall was Mark Clements' J/24 BRIGADOON with a 4-3-6 record for 13 pts. Finishing behind them was the J/22 GOOD ONE! sailed by Shala Lawrence and the J/24 IRIE sailed by Jeremy Miller.
Many thanks to Mount Gay Rum and San Diego Yacht Club and the Race Committee for their support of this hallmark event. Mark you calendars now for next year's Hot Rum (Nov. 9, 23, Dec. 7)! Sailing photo credits- Bob Betancourt and Bronny Daniels/ JOY Sailing. For more San Diego YC Hot Rum sailing information
