String Theory Brings it Home
by Race Committee, July 20th, 2014
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String Theory finished at 10:25 pm HST on Saturday night. In doing so, she did not quite close the gap on Longboard for First Overall, but did maintain her lead over New Haven and should end up in 2nd Place Overall and winner of Division 2.
John Mortimer's String Theory is a Beneteau First 47.7 hailing from the Vancouver Rowing Club. After the drama of Kahuna's dismasting, it was anti-climatic to hear from John and navigator Gunnar Jonnson that they didn't break anything, did not rip any spinnakers and just sailed a good race. But the real drama was their decision to follow Turnagain, Passepartout and Turicum over the top of the Pacific High on July 10, just 5 days into the race.
It was a big risk, as in past years that strategy has presented itself, but it has never worked out well. But this year it did. John and crew drove the boat hard under jib and at time looked to be sailing to Guam. But as they had predicted (or hoped), the wind backed to the east and strengthened allowing them to keep up good speed and point directly to Maui; sailing a shorter course and without having to gybe across the top of Maui. It certainly worked out for them.
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Lurline (2022)
Type: Tripp 47Skipper: Gib Black
Port: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Blog: 1 articles posted
"Beginning with the first running of the Vic-Maui Race in 1965, I have followed the previous participants routing, finishes and associated weather components with great interest and intrigue. A few of my friends have competed and completed the race and all speak of the challenging yet gratifying conditions, tactics and not least, the great send off in beautiful Victoria B.C. The cold aspects of the race have previously kept me from entering the race at bay, having been raised in Hawaii and spending so much time there in the warm ethos. However, it is finally time to lean forward and enter the 2022 race and cast aside any trepidation. In the anticipation of finally participating in the 2022 race, this coming December and Christmas, Santa promises to bring me my first pair of sailing boots!
I believe my boat, a Tripp 47, is very competitive and embodies the synergy and nucleus of a formidable and capable crew. The crew have sailed thousands of ocean and inland racing miles and have earned my admiration and respect. The boat crews numerous completed Transpacs, PacCups and other offshore races that they have sailed with me on, is a testament to their determination and competitive nature. They deserve this new opportunity for an enhanced northern latitude to southern latitude race, and to experience the humbleness and satisfaction that this race has the potential to exude. My crew and myself are all looking forward with eager anticipation to joining our Canadian pals and accompanying esprit de corps, for the 2022 Vic-Maui Race.
Aloha,
Gib"
