Autumn 5 Clubs and Pata Negra – Campomanes on Jumbuck.
CN Campomanes run the last of the 2017 5 Clubs events and merge it into their own three day Pata Negra Regatta. Always popular, not least because Campomanes has such a classy club, and we went out with the primary aim of securing enough points in the 5 Clubs race to ensure we would become Division B Champions for the 2017 9 race series. Pleased to advise we did it, and can look forward to picking up a trophy for 2017 when next year´s series commences in January.
Friday’s race started in very light fluky winds. We got away well, and slid upwind from Campomanes towards the Altea fish farm. Our first rounding. Did well, arriving even before some of the 46 footers – to hear that they’d abandoned the race. Another bummer.
Sunday saw fresh winds arriving so we went mob handed for what was supposed to be two windward leeward courses. The first race saw gusts close to 30 knots and whilst we handled it well, and this time led the Division B boats over the first finish. But at least four other yachts damaged multiple kites and whilst it was a shame, it wasn’t a surprise when they abandoned the second race. The results for the three day Pata Negra series is across all boats, with trophies for 1st to 6th. We just managed to squeak the sixth, so look forward to collecting that additional trophy at next Saturday’s prize giving party.
All in all, great long weekend on the water. Our crew of Edo, Kevin, Sue, Eric, Rob, Chris Debour, Chris Engles, and Nigel Robinson were exceptional. It’s great to have such well balanced and skilled guys and gals to sail with, and I look forward to next year with relish. On. On.
Happy you are enjoying the Spanish regattas and doing so well..congrats !!!
Well done team. Not only in the Pata Negra but in the 5 Clubs 2017.