ECSA Offshore Circuit
by M. Kondracky
Paul Jennings was pleased with the performance of his thirty year old boat as she went on to win the ECSA offshore circuit. During the length of the season, he kept a close eye on Dr. Evil, last years winner. He credits a little luck and great crew work for the exemplary season. He indicated that they had learned a lot from a mid fleet finish in last years Key West Race week. With those lessons in hand they went on to top the ECSA fleet. During our phone interview, Paul recounted some of his memorable races. Spring Off Soundings topped the list. During the round island race most of the boats played the shore to keep out of the foul current. Towards the end of the beat, En Charette ventured out into current but was rewarded with greater wind pressure. They played the middle of the course during the second leg near Southwest Light and were able to carry their chute for three quarters of the way around the back of the island. As the breeze came up, and went forward, many of the leaders had trouble carrying a chute. En Charrette changed early and close reached to 1BI. Once around, they played the left side towards, but not on top of the reef while keeping track of their competition. Another memorable race was The Windjammers Last Chance Regatta. The course was a windward leeward out to Stratford Shoal and back. Here, they played the middle of the course for the beat and rounded behind Savage. As the breeze and waves built, they were able to surge down the waves and correcting ahead of Savage. Paul indicates that he plans to do the same races next year and to do Key West Week in 2007. Great job Paul and crew.