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From: Tom Montoya
Date: 26 Aug 1998
Time: 22:37:09
Remote Name: spider-tp072.proxy.aol.com
Fortunately (getting to experience the fastest I think an A27 has ever gone) and unfortunately (having to break the news to Dennis upon his return from vacation) I was driving Abracadabra II when the rig came down in the Ditch Run. Dennis was out of town and wanted to be sure the boat did the race. Someone wanted to know about the ride and estimated speed. We had just reset the spinnaker after doing steady 16 knots with main and jib. Boats that reset were looking like they were carrying fine, so we reset. The boat immediatley passed 18 knots then we were hit by a monster puff (30 - 35 knots). As one crew member described it, "the boat felt like it was being airlifted by aliens". There was no spray, just tremendous acceleration. We were doing well over 20 knots, continuing to accelerate, in perfect control and flat water when the helm went neutral and the rig passed the boat. Jim is right, it is incredible how well the boat behaves in a lot of breeze. It has to be harnessed, even if it means rig modifications. The boat can take it.