With 46 entries at post time, the Sailing Supply Orca Bowl gave a preview of the racing anticipated for the 2011 Etchells Worlds as former World Champion and America's Cup icon Dennis Conner led the forty-six boat pack after three races on Saturday, May 21 with 12 points. The racing ranged from an idyllic 8-10 knots from 260 with gentle swell, to the light and variable slop which often plagues the San Diego fleet. Aussie ex-pat Andrew Whittome currently lies second (15 pts.) with 2008 World Champion Bill Hardesty on his heels with 17 points.
The top ten is rounded out with two Nor-Cal boats, Don Jesberg (26 pts.) and Craig Healy (26 pts.), SDYC standout Chris Busch (27 pts.), NHYC Etchells sailor Argyle Campbell, (30 pts.), Sydney's Rupert Henry (32 pts.), SDYC Etchells member Chris Snow (34 pts.) and former Olympic medalist JJ Fetter tied for tenth with 34 points.
Consistency was the rule of the day with the wind initially shifting right in the first race, then left in the second and third races, with a few short righties to keep the racers guessing. With clearing skies and a building breeze, Principal Race Officer (PRO) Bill Stump set a split line with the Corinthian as the mid-boat. Surprisingly, the teams were quite well behaved with no general recalls and only a handful of individual OCS calls.
Day 2 will be interesting as the Orca Bowl tradition provides competitors with one throw-out, which means that the Orca title is still there for the taking. The forecast includes the possibility of a weak frontal system and rain, so the leaders will have to adjust their approach to remain on top.