This year’s Hot Rum Series was a success despite some less than desirable weather. We want to thank Fidelity Investments for sponsoring this event and hosting a wonderful raffle during the trophy party. We also want to thank our continuing sponsor, Mt Gay Rum.

Race One dealt light air and southerly breezes that made for a beat to the first turning mark. It was a waterline kind of day with the top five boats being the approx. the last five boats to start. Race Two was breezy and more westerly in direction. Classic conditions allowed the little boats to save their time with two J-24s, two Etchells and a C&C 32 rounding out the top five. Race Three featured max breeze from the east-southeast. Competitors were faced with rain, a very bumpy ride out to SD 3, and a long beat out to the dogleg in the roads in up to 30 kts of wind. The blast back to the channel and to the finish seemed to make it all worthwhile for those who made it that far.

Also news worthy this year was the requirement for boats to check in prior to racing. This allowed differential scores for Did Not Compete vs. Did not Finish and thus rewarded those who made an effort to come out and cross the start line. Given the challenging weather this year and in anticipation of another extreme tide next year, we think it is an improvement.

RESULTS