Haystack Island Race

Wild winds, a pod of dolphins chasing the boat, and a glorious sunset are just a trio of highlights from the Haystack Island Race, enjoy the first of our Racing Recap videos.

6 entries, 3 starters, 2 boats completed the race, we lined up for the start in 3-5 knots of wind. With less than 5 minutes to the start, a significant wind increase to 25/30 knots saw us scramble to change headsail with no time to spare. Carrying our full main to exit the Port River followed by reefing the main and settling in for a long hard night.

Only 10 minutes in, some significant gear failure in our main sheet system, time lost whilst repairing we were off again.

XX Factor retired with a torn main within minutes of the start and now it was just Clockwork and ‘Bowline’ heading into our 200 mile journey to Marion Reef, Haystack Island, Kingscote and then back to North Haven. The AMS rating for each: Clockwork 0.972 and Bowline 0.975 = very closely matched boats, so we had to push hard for the whole time.

The wind stayed up for the entire race peaking at 35 knots and always between 15 to 25 with shifty and gusty winds. Seasickness was a factor in the lumpy seas. Lots of lessons and crew experience growth moments.

In the end after 28 hours racing, Clockwork took the victory on AMS rating by 9 seconds.