Fat Bottom Girl USA 30812

Thanks Rockstars Ronnie and Derek for an interesting and fun evening on the water. Short handed, we managed to kinda get around the course. Thanks "Rumble" for the tow out!

The RC decided on Course B, CW around the Hampton Bar. So...The mainsail outhaul decided to act up again and stop working (boom coming back off this week) and the outhaul we rigged didn't quite flatten the main. The 12-15mph plus breeze over-powered the loose footed main so to equalize we ran our smallest jib ( #4 storm). Getting this all worked out, we drove downwind and away from the start line so at go time we were a good 1,000 feet from the starting line and going the wrong way. Boo.

So we decided to pull our own mutiny and go around the course the wrong way and spin in where we thought we would be, had we not had this unfortunate situation. (about 1/2 way between Mark "A" and "T".

We spun in with "Wham Bam" rounded "T" and sailed deep to "I" then upwind back to "A" and into the creek non-spin. Boat speed wan't bad once we figured out how to balance this configuration. I appreciate everyone keeping their heads cool. Understaffed is difficult in any occasion and on the water with a little breeze certainly qualifies. But we make it fun!

Thanks RC for a great time. We dropped our headsail early to signify we didn't race but I thought I heard an over...we'll take this as a throw out (HA) we don't really score Wednesdays....It's more about bragging rights.

The sun is setting earlier and this is the time of year to let the little bit of summer simmer in as we get ready for fall racing. We'll miss you simmer and until you go we're going to take it all in! Have a rocking week!

Thanks Rockstars Mark, Nigel, Ryan (Cookie), John, Derek and Gray for exceptional boat handling on what can only be described as an interesting night on the water. Thanks "Callinectes" for the tow out and fun sparing. Thanks Hampton Yacht Club Race Committee for scrambling and showing up "just in time" to get the race off.

We got out early for a quick spin hoist / douse thinking the RC would send us around the bar clockwise. We set-up the kite accordingly and looked for the RC boat to confirm.

When RC flew onto the scene, they were flying the course "C" (Short course) pennant. Our 8-10 mph of breeze was forecasted to drop, so I was good with the short course. To keep the kite configured, we'd need to start on port so our approach had risk.

We'll call it the great J-24 mutiny of 2026 as the J-24's decided to go around the bar; a couple of other spin boats decided to join them. That left us, "Callinectes", "Luna Blu" and plenty of room on the line for us to hold our port approach. Kite up, a little late, but rolling.

Downwind to "I" was a nice run, but we were a little slow (mushy bottom) and "Callinectes" Rounded "I" ahead. The Beat to "E" was quick and I miss judged the lay line and that added an extra two tacks.

We found redemption on the beat back to "A" noticing more breeze on the right, we split tacks with "Callinectes" and that move paid off as we rounded "A" clear ahead.

It was a tight kite angle but we managed to carry it into the Hampton Creek. First of our fleet to finish. Not bad for a dirty bottom Girl.

We did open the slot with the barber hauler (pic included) Ship Of Fools. Good Luck tomorrow night! Until next week - stay salty on the water - Oh and thanks Dave Whitehouse for turning us onto 92.9 The Wave with the smooth "Yacht Rock" vibe that has been delivering an exceptional soundtrack for our Wednesday Racing.

Great work!

Meet your Cowes week 2026 Gladiators.. can you spot any familiar faces? ⚔️

The team are excited to welcome the Invictus Foundation and Help for Heroes wounded, injured and sick (WIS) armed services personnel to their ranks this week for the regatta.

Let’s get racing! ⚔️

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🎥 Sam Scadgell