The leading Rebels close in on the windward mark at last. Uncle Al (2nd from left) has tacked early to (a) protect against the always fast and smart Mary Vorel (4th from left), and (b) to stay away from the laylines for as long as possible. Ultimately, Al tacked back short of the port layline, and then got enough of a lift to eat into Neil Robb's once substantial first-place lead to the point where Al was able to tack to leeward and slightly ahead of Neil coming in on the starboard layline. When both ended up laying the windward mark, Al had come back all the way to first place.    - click here for full-size image

The zoom factor on Sharon's camera enters into things here, as the Rebels reach the windward mark. Note how it looks as though we are sailing right into the club's launch area. Identifiable boats from left to right are: Uncle Al (half the hull only), Kevin Nickels (with Mary and Pat Vorel right off his bow), Neil Robb (4162, raspberry shirt, who will round 2nd behind Uncle Al and Larry), John Washburn with Phil Faulkner (on port!), and Dave Nickels (4176).

Mary and Pat in Ladyhawk have tacked inside (but well away from the forbidden [two-length] zone!!) as Neil and Bob (off Mary's bow) round in 2nd place. Note how Mary and Pat have their sails eased to power up despite the disturbed air. On the right, we can see ...