2nd Place Overall - Pugwash Harbourfest

Sydney B had a great weekend of sailing in Nova Scotia as she placed 2nd overall at the Pugwash Harbourfest. After three races we were tied for first at 6 points with the Kirby 25 "O Chute" but lost the tie break (wins).

The first race, the 20 nautical mile Northumberland Straight Assocation Race, had us end up second behind O Chute. The wind was awsome, blowing 15 to 20 SW. During the race we hit two new speed records for Sydney B. 7.8 kts hard to weather and 8.43kts on a reach. Thanks to Jon and Morgan who worked their butts off to grind the 145% into place.

The second race, a windward leward 5.33 mile course found us in a tack and cover match with a couple other boats with us a close second at the windward mark. We ended up finishing 3rd over the line and placed 2nd on corrected time - only 12 seconds back of the Kirby 25. A solid 2nd once again.

The final 10 mile Bermuda start race had us working hard to catch the starting boat who was giving a surprising 8 and a half minute lead. Tacking up the narrow channel into Pugwash while doing everything to hold off Osprey, a Beneteau 305 from Armdale, was a great experience - especially seeing many town folk cheering us all on from the shore (which was only boat lengths away). Another 2nd place.

Thanks to Morgan Payne who sailed over to Pugwash with me on Friday night - in 15 knots on the nose and rolling seas and who sailed back on Sunday. Thanks to crew Jon Band, Jillian Clark and Andrew Deveau for driving over and helping us compete.

Newer Personal Speed Record

This boat loves wind. With six crew aboard in 20 knots + of wind and with full sails up, Sydney B went 8.38Kts of boatspeed on a broad reach - fantastic. Taking a victory was just as excellent. Many thanks to the crew.