J122 Aurelia skipper Chris Power Smith outlines how his team recovered from an early setback to win the ISORA Viking Marine Coastal opener off Dun Laoghaire.
“We had a great start and hoisted the A2 on the line as the gun went,” he said. “We were immediately hit by a big gust and spun out after an override on the sheet. It was early-season stuff.”
Early Drama — Aurelia’s spinnaker collapses in a gust shortly after the start, reflecting the broach that tested the crew before their winning recovery off Dun Laoghaire
Power Smith said the crew needed time to settle despite pre-season training. “Nothing prepares a crew for the intensity of racing. We all felt a bit rusty early on.”
After clearing the harbour, Aurelia moved inshore to escape the foul spring tide. “We gybed inshore and managed to cross ahead of Cristina,” he said.
At the Muglins, the team changed gears as conditions became unstable. “The breeze was very variable. We opted for the Code Zero while Cristina held her A4 and built a lead.”
By the East Kish mark, Aurelia was trailing. “She was about 1.75 miles ahead as we settled into a 10-mile beat to the finish.”
Opening Move — Aurelia (left) and ReQuest pass the Dun Laoghaire harbour mouth on the opening leg, setting the early pace in the ISORA coastal opener
The turning tide proved decisive. “We went right into the new stream in oscillating winds from 10 to 25 knots,” he said.
Aurelia then worked inshore again along the Dublin coast. “We hugged the shoreline looking for relief, though it was tricky with lobster pots and shifting breeze.”
Final gains came close to home. “We gained good ground on the beat and finished seven minutes ahead on corrected time.”
Power Smith said the fleet remained close throughout. “We were hotly pursued by Indian, ReQuest and Ruth in a very competitive race.”
He added: “It was a great start to the season and we’re looking forward to next weekend.”
Read the race report here.
