Sail Newport 2010 – Viper Fleet

Team Black Mamba assembled on a hot and humid Friday afternoon for a quick practice sail, since the last regatta sailed together was back in November on Lake Norman. Sail Newport was teeming with activity, with a mix of Vipers, K6s, and J Boats launching and prepping for the regatta. The main launching area at Sail Newport always has a relaxed atmosphere, with cars and trucks parked on the lawn and trailers moving seamlessly in and out. We caught up with the current North American champs Team Jackpot (sans Brad Boston, who was sailing Etchells ACCs at the same regatta) and did some downwind practice to just north of the Newport Pell Bridge (the racing circle for the weekend). The winds were a light and variable 5 knots, unfortunately after some upwind tuning, the wind was quickly dying as we tried to head back. With no paddle and a strong adverse current, our only choice was to rock, pump, and “hand” paddle our way back… until I heard some laughing behind us. A Club Swan 42 was also headed in, but under power and friendly enough to give a tow.  We got back to Fort Adams, pulled the boat for the night and headed to dinner as we saw other Vipers just getting into Newport.

Saturday morning we had breakfast at a Newport institution, the Atlantic Grille. After our ridiculously large portions, we arrived at Sail Newport to see that the Vipers had taken over the flag pole circle just in front of the launching lifts. It was already heating up as we headed towards our racing circle, which was shared with the fast cats, 505s, and K6s. The first race was with current headed into the bay, which made the right side upwind favorable for current relief. We got a slow start and despite our decision to go right, we were pin balled to the middle left, which didn’t bode well at all as we got to the top mark at the bottom third of the fleet. Barry Parkin and crew were launched that first leg despite a slow start as well and never looked back as they continued to extend their lead. A quick gybe later for more breeze we were able to catch up to upper mid fleet by the leeward mark. The second upwind leg we were able to play the right and by the downwind finish we ended up sixth. The light (5-8 knots) and variable breeze persisted a bit so the RC picked up and moved towards the shore even more, as a couple squall lines passed just overland next to the racing area on Jamestown Island. The breeze finally settled as the RC got off the second race, this time the wind picked up to steady SE 8-10 knots and the name of the game was definitely the shore once more. We got a decent start and were able to make our way over to cover most of the fleet. Rounding first, the main focus was to stay in the pressure as the current was starting to slack. Back upwind the fleet was on our heels as we tried to defend the shore once more, but the breeze was starting to lighten and shift towards the top of the leg. The fleet proved to be quite strong because a quick headed tack landed us at fourth as we rounded the top mark. With the final downwind leg left the top of the fleet split as we headed for the middle this time for some pressure, the second half of the downwind leg was a battle between Hebb, us, and Parkin as we finished in that order after some intense gybing action. The breeze now was starting to pick up now that an ominous squall line finally broke the shore and soon consumed the big boat racing circle further up the bay. The RC began a starting sequence for us and quickly postponed after making the general recall as the breeze shifted with the squall line. Unfortunately for us, we had a collision with a boat on port. Though lucky enough that the boat’s bow hit just three inches in front of the chain plates, the force of the collision stripped the forward keel boat right out, which was now causing the keel to jump out with every wave. The team decision to retire for the day was not disappointing as our racing circle decided to end racing for the day shortly after we headed in as the rain started to fill and reduced visibility. The sail in was fun with the kite up as we shot across the bay in marginal planing conditions.

The tent party was enjoyable as the rain stayed at bay and the Vipers enjoyed their haul out around flag circle for all to see.

Sunday we went to Gary’s Handy Lunch for an earlier breakfast and headed to the boat for a quick keel fix, 3/8 to 7/16 bigger bolt was all that was needed! The Vipers were quick and efficient on their final day of launching, everyone was extremely helpful in getting the boats ready to go. The breeze was light and stable to start with, but the forecast was for a lightening and unfavorable Northerly, with a Southerly sea breeze to kick in the later afternoon.  By the time the first race was started, it had begun to lighten. The race was a four legger and once more the shore proved to gain the most. Unfortunately, with the current still going out, several boats ran aground, though all (eventually!) were able to get off and continue racing. We actually ran aground twice, but the amount gained almost made it necessary to run aground! On the final downwind leg finish, the bay turned to glass with the fleet relying on wisps of air near the shore and current to guide them back to the finish. The RC decided it was too little breeze and decided to abandon, although 7 or 8 boats were able to finish well within the time limit. Then came the drift fest! Team Black Mamba and others settled on some pretty lobster traps to tie off on as makeshift moorings, while several Vipers headed for the shade of the bridge and others went swimming. A couple hours later some boats started to wander back to the hoist and after that the whole K6 fleet decided to retire as a whole. We decided to go in as well and were able to catch the end of the current before its reversal. In the end, the RC was able to run a short last minute race with the patient leftovers, allowing the regatta to be scored as a series. I did hear of several Vipers duking it out with a lobster pot on the way in and having the pot winning because of the current! Though the conditions ended up thoroughly trying, it was safe to say that the Viper fleet had an enjoyable time and it was definitely great to see 18 boats on the line! Congratulations to Barry, Ben, and Dan for placing top three, the fleet was definitely high caliber and talented!

Christine Pai

USA 109 Black Mamba Crew

(Skipper David Guggenheim and Crew Brian Bennett)