Sunday May 31, 1999 saw clear skies with temperatures in the 80's and a very light easterly wind. Race chairman Terry Pratt wisely chose to set a short 6.7 mile course out to Middle Ground Shoal and back. This kept most of the fleet well away from shore or islands where the wind disappeared completely. The short course and light winds meant a crowded starting area as all the boats started within about ten minutes of each other. It was difficult to get clear of the crowd as the "snowfence" effect lifted what little breeze there was up over the concentration of boats. On Blues Power our strategy was to stay outside, upwind of the pack and keep moving, reaching in to the start line only during the final approach.
The right (easterly) side of the course paid off by offering clear air. The strategy was to keep moving. As we approached the shoals the catamarans had passed us and were working their way around the Shoals. Careful observation of the cats showed that there was a left shift at the Shoal, so we approached on starboard to catch the shift and tack to the first marker on port. It took a long time to finally round all the markers on the Shoal.
Once around, we set and after ghosting at one knot or so away from the disturbed area of the Shoal, we were able to fill the kite and head off across the broads at about 4 knots. What a treat! As we approached Welch Island we got a big header that forced us to douse the chute. After a couple of "auto tacks" we found ourselves dead in the water with no breeze. Race committee officer John Goodhue then mercifully finished everyone in position. Ten minutes later an 8-12 knot westerly filled in.
| Racing: | |
| 1 | Blues Power |
| 2 | Excess Bandwidth |
| 3 | Mail Order Bride |
| 4 | Pinnocchio |
| Cruising: | |
| 1 | Totem |
| 2 | Babe II |
| 3 | Wildflower |
| 4 | Scott Free |
