LEG FIVE - HARDWICKE ISLAND TO TELEGRAPH COVE

June 16, Telegraph Cove, B.C. The fifth leg of the Cadillac Van Isle 360 started at Hardwicke Island in almost no wind with a 2 knot positive current. Most of the fleet knew that an over early would be “a kiss of death”. However, Tryst, an Aphrodite 101; Carl Richardson’s, Allons-y and Solla Sollew an Amazon 37 took a chance and were over the line early. Tryst and Allons-y spent well over an hour trying to return to the start line while Solla Sollew carried on. Allons-y received the Turkey Head blunder of the day award, presented by the Turkey Head Sailing Association, for dropping 200 feet of anchor rode in 300 feet of water, in a desperate attempt to stop their backwards momentum away from the start line. Once out of Chancellor Channel everyone popped their spinnakers which made an incredible sight against the steep mountainous backdrop. Most of the boats stayed right of Helmcken Island, playing the current and fickle winds. Those who went to left side of Helmcken Island, near Kelsey Bay, paid dearly. Flash, Steve Travis, 1D 48 and the catamaran Bad Kitty, pulled into a significant lead. As the breeze filled and died the race turned into a game of catch up as the boats in the rear brought freshening breeze. As the day wore on it looked doubtful that any boat would finsh inside the time limit but fortunately a nice breeze filled in near finish and all boats were able to finish with good speed and full spinnakers. In an amazing finish Dragonfly beat Cheekee Monkee by only one second to win line honors once again. Several boats spied killer whales and grey whales on their approach to Telegraph Cove. What a spectacular day on the water, flat seas, a spinnaker run, incredible views and whales. Div 1 Evolution first, Farr- Ari, second and Karina third. Div 2 Meltemi first, Tryst second, Lordelpus third. Div 3 Bad Kitty first, Cheekee Monkee second, Blue Lightning Third. telegraph cove finish telegraph cove race committee