Chris and Vicki Field totally dominated the regatta fleet at the J 24
Silver Anniversary Regatta in Newport last week. The Fields brought some
of their close Mudhead (Mystic River Mudheads) friends, who happen to
be great sailors as well, who helped them race the 19 boat fleet.
On the first day the breeze was near the top end of the genoa and the fleet did one long race as a thunderstorm was threatening to move in for the afternoon. Field said: "Our new Halsey Lidgard main and genoa really helped us power through the chop. Our boatspeed was awesome!" The Fields started off with a bullet, and there were many more to come.
Day two brought perfect summer conditions as they started in eight knots of breeze and it built to fifteen knots in the afternoon. The fleet got three races in on a course that was off to the southwest of Beavertail. Field said that the oscillations were quite large at times and that it was a real tester for the tacticians. Lead changes were frequent as different sides of the course paid off at different times. The Fields remained more than solid on day two posting two bullets and a six.
On day three, the race was around Conanicut Island (clockwise). Field had a poor start on a crowded line and actually rounded the first mark in last place. On the long run, they worked very hard to stay out of the current gybing several times. Their patience paid off as they were able to work themselves back into the middle of the fleet by the time they finished the run up the west side of the island. They had one long beat left in which to prove themselves. Once again, their tactics, boatspeed, and crew work were fantastic and they managed to pick their way back to a third place finish.
There were two more races on the final day as the weather cooperated with another banner day. The Fields were sailing with confidence and just needed to stay consistent. Another day at the office for the boat from Noank--crew work, boatspeed, and tactics kept the Fields in front. They finished first in race one, third in race two.
HalseyLidgard Sailmakers wish to congratulate Chris and Vicki Field on both their success in the J 24 class, and for being great customers. Well done.