by Andrew Connell
After a long cold winter, the crew of Polar Express was ready to head South
for the J-24 mid winters in Tampa Florida.. On the first day of racing in the 45-boat fleet, we worked hard to get tuned in to the conditions provided by the passing front. With each race, we were getting faster and faster constantly turning out solid mid fleet finishes amongst some of the world’s top J24 sailors. By the end of the day we were exhausted but stoked at what lay in the days ahead.
For the second day, the docks were very busy early on with every one preparing to go out for another exciting day. To our misfortune, the wind (or lack there of) held the entire fleet at the docks. By lunchtime, the race committee postponed racing for the day.
The third day would be very similar to day two. The front that had passed through had pushed all of the wind out of the area. After spending most of the day with every one out on the race course waiting for the slightest breeze to fill, the race committee would once again experience defeat and head home for the day.
The morning of day 4, the last day for racing, would start just like the past two days. Fortunately, the breeze would begin to fill. The race committee was quick to react and had a course set in no time. With much disappointment, the crew of Polar Express was unable to overcome a problem with pointing. When all was said and done, we would have to settle with a 38th place finish. Although we may not have finished where we had wanted to, fun was had by all and we look forward to heading south again next winter.