What's happened at the Newport Regatta?

[Bob Hodges]

We were slower than you guys, Kris and Hunt, and we believe Chris Brown most of the time when non-trapezing downwind. Part of this we attributed to WF's non-functioning and very painful left arm (it made trimming difficult to say the least and gybes were downright painful for him). Another issue that was our fault was the condition of our boat's wetted surfaces. "Ellie Mae" has a clean bottom but she has numerous scratches and the rudders and daggerboards are not very smooth. Your boat and the Stookey's boat were much better on the bottoms and foils and that does make a difference in my book (kudos to your impeccable boat prep which is part of this game).

Regarding our going to the wrong marks in two races, we're still dumb asses. Both of us have been sailing long enough to know better. Good wake up call to pay attention! I wasn't offended at all by your comments. But I will say in the 3rd race on Sunday, we did think the right side looked better pressure wise before the start and that is why we were trying a port tack start (I was ready to duck boats to get a clean lane in that direction).

I probably sail with the most competitive person in the world (I'd hate to be in a war and have WF on the other side). We still second guess and pregnant dog at each other at least 50% of the time but we're getting better (two classic Type A personalities).

Guest-Peter said:

First off, apologies to Cor for getting his name spelled incorrectly. It is C-O-R as Bill has now pointed out to me.

As for the dumbasses on USA-3.....it's pure respect on my part that you can make so many mistakes and still win. Every single race, you guys were leading, or in the race at the first mark. Wish I could say the same. WF's glasses must have been fogging up. If I didn't stroke you guys enough, sorry. It would sound just like every other 18HT regatta. As Bill said... Bob and Wf won. End of story. That can get a little boring in a small class after so many events. Don't be so sensitive!

[Hunt]

Bob-

You would have enjoyed observing the intermarital dymanic while deciding which mark to round after the shorten course. Ultimately we were undecided and kept following you guys -- so who's the dumbass

When they decided to pick up the mark as you were on a short final we lucked out and definitely had a better angle w/ the chute back down to the new mark. Then, with Peter on our hip we jibed away for the wrong finish line and gave Peter the win -- again, so who's the dumbass?

[Peter]

Hunt,

I like the intermarital coaching while you're trimming the kite. "TRIM!" .....sort of like "DON'T GO IN THERE!"

We were chuckling as you guys rolled us downwind listening to the orders barked from your helmswoman.

[Hunt]

She calmed down as the day went on -- or was it after I pointed out that I had not jibed out of 1st place with 20 yards to go and that we would have no more yelling on board?

A wee bit competitive my little Miss Margerita -- and she misses Louise.

[Peter]

But Hunt, aren't your mammories bigger?

[Peter]

Meant to point out that Hunt and Kris had the lowest point total on Sunday by two points. I imagine that the regatta would have been a good three way battle if they had not broken down on Saturday.

[Hunt]

Peter-

Don't be dissin' Lou.

Yeah, we wish we had been there. Felt pretty good warming up on Sunday AM when it was still double trap weather.