World Match Racing Tour Hits Sail Newport

Day 1 wrap-up:

http://wmrt.com/newport-fog-creates-testing-opener-for-wmrt-nwpt/

More info:

http://www.sailnewport.org/regattas/World%20Match%20Racing%20Tour/2016worldmatchracingtour

Any locals heading over?

Mike

The WMRT also features a nice Youtube channel; however, there is nothing from Newport at this hour.

Mike, are you a volunteer?

Absolutely, but not for the whole week, unfortunately. Streaming starts tomorrow.

Mike

Quite a day, and not yet over. Foggy start, increasing wind and eventual clearing. Two capsizes, then mandatory reefs.

Canfield fighting his way back after an OCS start in his last race of the day, clawed back through the fleet, gybed from port directly in front of the lead starboard boat, got a black flag penalty from the umps (instant DSQ for that race). Fourth group starting now...

TV testing underway, not sure if that's streaming.

Mike

Day 2 report:

http://wmrt.com/newport-day2/

On our boat, it was very quiet through the first few races. Once the breeze picked up, we started having to chase marks (too little rode, hit by boats, etc.).

The WMRT team does a great job fixing breakdowns (provided boat format) on the water, and downtime between races was minimal.

Mike

Day Three was broadcast on Livestream ... they are featuring all of the WMRT series races, not youtube.

Scott Free (Signal boat) was from Key West???

Saw one boat drag a mark, and from what I have experienced when the rode becomes trapped between the transom and rudder, it may be likely caused by too much rode ...

Viewed the early part of today's racing with a veteran IOR sailor from Newport who dropped by just after I discovered the Livestream channel on the Samsung web browser.

Mike, hope you get to hang with them as long as you can.

Will they have more sea breeze tomorrow?

Day 3 report:

http://wmrt.com/newport-day3-living-another-day/

Forecast for tomorrow is easterly again, and lighter. Hopefully it's wrong and the sea breeze prevails. Less likely, though, because the inland temperature forecast is cooler. Time will tell...

Scott Free was donated to Sail Newport last year. I've been aboard a few times, but I'm not completely sure about its prior life story.

The rodes aren't too long (if anything, were too short yesterday and two broke free). They were using counterweights to keep the marks upright, but didn't have them rigged as kellets. I politely recommended that they re-rig for tomorrow.

I was there for the foggy days, won't be able to get more time away from work this week. Hope to get back on Saturday.

Mike

Day 4 report:

http://wmrt.com/16-down-to-8/

Breeze was better than forecast, but still more easterly than is preferred.

Mike

Forecast today is light, but from the prevailing direction SSW). It's highly possible that the wind will be stronger than forecast.

Mike

This is not what you want to see...

https://m.facebook.com/sailnewport/...Atl_objid.10153687057403997&__tn__=E

I don't know what's more disturbing, the current conditions, or the fact that the board is branded for the event, which obviously took some amount of planning...

Mike

does winning cornhole change the standings?

Just took a peek at the live stream, it's crazy flat and they're burning time with replays from yesterday, between rambling from the announcers to keep them busy.

Looking at the scoreboard, they appear to have completed three races today. Unless they're carrying cornhole results over...

Mike

Day 4 report:

http://wmrt.com/one-round-day/

One-race quarterfinals. Tomorrow's matchups look to be tough!

Brad's forecast doesn't match WindAlert, but it is expected to be sunny and hot inland, with nothing in the way to block the sea breeze, and you'd be crazy to bet against his local knowledge.

Mike

Mike, you guys up there at Sail Newport have it going on under Brad Read. The video production is gaining traction and setting a nice standard. Surfing went through several iterations to become globally popular with its media coverage. The commentary will improve, and when they can separate the commentary from announcing on a PA system that will be a big step ... annoying to have the PA effect ... the 18 footer coverage features different announcers on separate channels for an "on the boat" feel.

Mike, Hope you guys have a smooth day of drama and drills. Who was your pick?

Was hoping for Canfield vs Williams for the finals.

Petit in sequence now. Announcers mysteriously MIA.

Mike

Williams wins that petit race.

Live stream starting now.

Mike

Race 1 of Finals was close, Canfield with a small lead until the top mark, got on the wrong side of a p/s crossing on the run, headed up and PARKED ON A MOORING BUOY!!!!!

Yikes...

Mike

Race 2, very close start, Canfield on top, but Robertson headed him up on the reach, drew a penalty. More drama at the leeward mark, still a very close race.

Mike

Canfield burns off two penalties, comes back to lead at the top mark!!!

Mike

Canfield carries that lead to win Race 2 and tie the finals!

Mike

Race 3 similar start, but with Canfield to leeward off the line. Dialed up before the reach mark, but couldn't draw a foul. Robertson passed in dramatic fashion as Canfield nearly capsized after hitting a (the same?) mooring ball AGAIN!!! Trailing badly upwind now...

Mike

Robertson with a crushing lead at the final windward mark, penalized for having sailed the wrong course, Canfield wins Race 3!

Wow...

Mike

Race 4 prestart, Canfield to windward. They've been setting up really close to the line, but not as close this time. With a minute to go, they gybe in the corner, but Robertson let Canfield behind him, giving up the leeward advantange. Canfield really pinched out Robertson after that, and had a huge advantage off the start.

Mike

Canfield first to the leeward mark, but went the wrong way tactically for the top mark.

Held it through the top, but Robertson just followed this time.

Mike

Split at the gate, Robertson gaining upwind. Not over yet...

Mike

Canfield with a slow final tack, but gets a puff to cross for the final time, game over!

Mike

Day 4 (and final) report from Newport:

http://wmrt.com/us-one-captures-championship-in-newport/

Mike