Laser Class Yamaguchi Fleet 40th Anniversary Christmas Race Report

This year’s Christmas Race was held as a special event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Yamaguchi Fleet. We were delighted to welcome Mr. Hirata from the Fukuoka Fleet and Mr. Arimitsu from the Shimonoseki Fleet, making for a lively six-boat race.

Race 1 started with an east wind of 7 m/s (approx. 14 knots). With a nice swell rolling in, the conditions were challenging and exhilarating. It turned into a dead heat between Mr. Tsutsumi and Tsukasa, but in the end, Mr. Tsutsumi pulled ahead to cross the finish line first.

Race 2 began under almost identical conditions. Once again, it became a match race between the two. However, this time Tsukasa let his youth and stamina do the talking, delivering a spirited performance to narrowly take the top spot.

The Final Race saw the wind drop slightly, leading to shifty conditions. The close battle between the two continued, but Tsukasa got a little too excited on the downwind leg and suffered a surprise capsize! Showing the "wisdom of age" (?), Mr. Tsutsumi seized the opportunity and sailed to a magnificent overall victory.

It was a tough three races in the cold, soaked in sea spray. A huge "well done" to all the sailors! After the races, we quickly headed ashore and went straight into our annual Christmas party.

A separate report on the party will follow, but with a table full of food and about 30 attendees, it was a truly festive night.

Thank you all for another great year. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Let’s enjoy sailing together again next year.
K.Naito