[quote=bradinjax]OK, this was my 6th Mug Race. If I used one word to describe this years event from my perspective it would be "survival".
I was crew on a Blade F-16. We were late for the start and made a tactical error in the first leg by getting the spin out in the light 10-12 mph air. The first gust hit us like a hammer just as we turned for the only downwind leg and we pitchpoled. Lost the tack line on the spin and had to take it down for the rest of the day. After righting and getting sorted we stayed out in the middle of the river and experienced some headers so severe they caused involuntary tacks on several occasions. We capsized again and this time we got seperated. The committee boat had to assist us by picking me up and taking me back to the boat. I spent 20 mins in the water during this operation.
At this point the wind had picked up to 15-18 sustained with very strong blasts in the 22-25 range. As we rounded the point on the downwind leg we turned straight into the wind and discovered the river had enough distance to build solid 3-4 foot rollers. We proceeded to punch and jump our way for the next 2-3 hours tacking back and forth across the river. I was taking 5 gallon bucket shots to the face on every roller and my strength had deteriorated to the point I was no longer able to contribute as crew due to the start of hypothermia.
Then we lost a rudder. A brief discussion resulted in a decision to head to a sandbar and see if we could repair the rudder. 20 mins later rudder repaired and a serious discussion about continuing was held. Due to my severely weakened condition I elected to abandon the race. The captain continued and after 2 more capsizes, one of which launched him through the mainsail, he finished the race.
I was in the hot tub and well into my second or third beer when he finished.
Massive thanks to the assistance from the many support people that make this event happen and see ya next year!
Brad Walker[/quote]
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