Malihini, a 35-foot catamaran that captured top honors last week, tumbled to sixth place in a flat sea Thursday.
The catamaran piloted by Doug Gibson successfully negotiated the lack of wind last week, but this week, the winds picked up a tad for the Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s Rum Series, Race No. 4, blowing from the east northeast at 5 to 12 knots compared with last week’s 0 knots to 5 knots.
That wind was not enough to kick up the seas and, with the consistent breeze, Fast Company, relegated to second by Malihini last week, topped the field of nine boats.
Lelele, a Wells 30, was a strong challenger last week, and continued to exert pressure, finishing Thursday’s race less than a minute after Fast Company.
Fast Company crossed the line on a 44:42 elapsed sail, chased by Lelele at 45:05. With the PHRF correction, Fast Company topped the field at 44:46 to Lelele’s 44:57.
Another close race took place between fifth and sixth place as Speedy, an Olson 30, slipped across the line just 19 seconds ahead of Malihini.
Following the leaders, Papa‘au (48:54 PHRF), Bonjolea (51:37 PHRF), Speedy (52:37 PHRF), Malihini (53:32 PHRF), Coyote (57:15 PHRF) and Trinity (1:01.01 PHRF) rounded out the field.
The Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) system adjusts elapsed finishing times based on yacht sizes and capabilities, allowing boats of varying sizes and designs to compete against each other without having to separate them by size and class.
The public is invited to view the NYC Rum Series, Race No. 5, next Thursday at the Nawiliwili Harbor jetty wall area. There is no charge for viewing the race. First flags fly at 5 p.m.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
