Sep 7, 2023 @ 12:26:34 EDT
Extremely difficult conditions today for the 7 teams competing in combined A and B divisions on Tampa Bay. Not only did the winds shift through almost 200 degrees during the day, the tidal current was fairly strong given the light wind, 1.3 knots at its peak.
Races 1-2 were sailed in a lumpy, dying 7-5 knot ENE breeze. Very unexpectedly, the wind backed to the N for races 3-4 with some nice puffs, but then died altogether. Then the expected SE breeze arrived, and races 5-6 were sailed in 7 knots and flat water. The fleet sailed in for a lunch break, but upon their return to the Bay, the scene was dismal. Race 7 was attempted but abandoned at the weather mark. After a brief wait, the sailors were towed in about 4pm. As soon as derigging commenced, the wind gods were placated and the seabreeze arrived. Races 7-8-9 were sailed inside Bayboro Harbor in a 5-8 knot SW seabreeze, very flat water.
All races were either W4 or W5. No protests, no breakdowns.
Another light easterly forecast for the remaining 5 races tomorrow.
There was not even a dying breeze to greet competitors this morning: Tampa Bay was a mirror. Patience was wearing thin about noon, just when the first hints of a southerly arrived. Within the hour racing began inside the harbor in a generally southerly breeze, which gradually shifted to SSW at a healthy 10+ knots with higher gusts.
The remaining 5 races were sailed, W4's and W5's, averaging 14-15 minutes in length. No breakdowns, no protests.
Congratulations to Miami for winning "A" division, and to Charleston for winning "B" division, but the combined efforts of the host USF Bulls clinched the overall regatta victory.
Special thanks to Hawaii and UC Santa Barbara for their attendance from the Pacific Coast Conference, to the SAISA teams for their participation, to all the coaches, and to the USF Bulls who helped run the regatta.
| School | Team | A | B | TOT | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | University of South Florida | Bulls | 68 | 74 | 142 | |||
| 2 |  | College of Charleston | Cougars | 78 | 72 | 150 | |||
| 3 |  | University of California at Santa Barbara | Gauchos | 71 | 104 | 175 | |||
| 4 |  | Eckerd College | Tritons | 58 | 132 | 190 | |||
| 5 |  | University of Miami | Hurricanes | 56 | 205 | 261 | |||
| 6 |  | Jacksonville University | Dolphins | 148 | 124 | 272 | |||
| 7 |  | University of Hawaii | Rainbows | 146 | 143 | 289 |
The following chart shows the relative rank of the teams as of the race indicated. Note that the races are ordered by number, then division, which may not represent the order in which the races were actually sailed.
The first place team as of a given race will always be at the top of the chart. The spacing from one team to the next shows relative gains/losses made from one race to the next. You may hover over the data points to display the total score as of that race.
