I believe in giving credit where credit is due,, and I also saw the Taipan do those things in the 1999 Steeplechase,, and that was not the only time.
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<br>Earlier that year, Jim Boyer and his daughter Chris (I believe) dazzled us all at the Hamlin Beach regatta, in medium heavy air. Thier windward performance was very impressive,, and while we were able to recoup on the downwind legs (270sf has to have some +'s), I recall them catching us up on one beat. And instead of embarrasing us by taking us to windward with that sweet little boat,,, they embarrassed us by blowing thru our lee,, and then outpointing us.
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<br>Glen Ashby and Dave Chamberlain might have won on the T5.7, if they had not stopped to wash thier spinnaker. As it was Jim and Chris took the honors. And Bob-O' and I lined up for rides on the Taipan's afterwards.
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<br>BTW,, I suspect that if Jim's daughters ever decide demonstrate what the Taipan 4.9 can do in some of our higher profile events,,,, well, they say that a little humble pie is good for soul !!!
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<br>footnote: There is a T4.9, not owned by a racer, that seems to just sit and bake in the sun all summer,,,,,,, What a crime !<br><br>Keep at least one hull in the air !!!
<br>Alan Maguire