HOT RUM RACE 3 - DECEMBER 8, 2002
We got off to a much better start in some heavier wind and started off the race as the other boats did, raising our chute.
Francis was quick on the hoist immediately after the start. We hung with the other Beneteaus out of the channel and nearly caught Wiki Wiki, while keeping in front of First Light.
Despite accusations of wobbly steering, the skipper managed to keep us close with the help of the alert spinnaker trimming of Lisa Marie and pole control of Sue and Margot.
The wind got wild and shifted on us so when we got clear of Point Loma. We had to drop the half ounce spinnaker and put put the jib for a while. We were gaining ground on the fleet but eventually had to put the chute back up (this time the 3/4) and we lost some ground in the process.
We blasted down to the leward mark in the high winds and
rolling swells, however, and were strong on the douse. 
Things went a little south after that as we spotted a small boat that had capsized near the second downwind mark. That distracted us enough to where we picked up a lot of kelp on the keel and virtually stopped. Fortunately, we were able to get it off fairly well without having to backwind and we came in strong at the end.
Matt brought along some "Big Red" soda which was a big hit with Lisa Marie and others throughout the day. After the race, we celebrated our move up in the standings with some of Matt's home brew IPA. Matt, in a