Pretty Sailing Race Team

An incredible, clean look straight down from the top of the mast onboard Valkyrie (10). This bird's-eye perspective captures the entire ex*****on of the start sequence, showing how the crew times the line and accelerates the J/80 perfectly right as the race begins.

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Onboard with Valkyrie (10) just seconds before the starting gun. While we are holding our position on the line, Vertigo (01) swoops down from upwind astern with incredible speed. They time the line perfectly, locking in a beautiful start right to windward of us and leaving us to battle through their clear air. A masterclass in acceleration and starting line timing!

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Onboard with GVS (04) on a tight starboard tack upwind when Aviador comes screaming downwind on port tack under spinnaker. Even though GVS has absolute right of way under Rule 10, they are forced to slightly alter their course to maintain a safe distance. Since Aviador failed to keep clear, should GVS have thrown up the protest flag? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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A spectacular view from the race committee boat our skipper Alex Dobbs’ personal sailboat, Lost Horizon. This clip captures Valkyrie (10) flying past downwind with her spinnaker beautifully filled.

Even in the light winds of the bay, there’s just enough pressure to keep the boat moving gracefully through the water. A perfect look at the J/80 in its element and a testament to keeping the boat rolling in the light stuff!

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Onboard with the Fiestas Team (07) as they approach the leeward gate. The crew executes a difficult spinnaker douse while simultaneously tracking Tacuarita (11) right behind them.

Fiestas clearly hails the 3-boat-length zone to shut the door, but camera angles can be deceptive. Did Tacuarita actually have an overlap before the zone, or did Fiestas make the right call? Watch closely and tell us your verdict!

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Onboard with Peninsula (02) for a beautifully clean and respectful windward mark rounding. Flanked by Kouko (03) and GVS/PAS (04), all three boats maintain perfect positioning, give each other the required room, and execute flawless spinnaker hoists at the turn. This is one-design racing at its absolute finest!

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Onboard with Peninsula (02) for some high-stakes drama before the gun even fires. Aviador (12) dips low to build up boat speed for their run to the line, but they cut it too close and collide with Boat 02.

Peninsula immediately calls protest, raising a common question: do racing rules apply before the start? We break down the rules of contact during the pre-start scramble.

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Onboard with Tacuarita (11) as we round the leeward mark and head back upwind. Valkyrie (10) carries too much speed into the turn and hardens up before pulling their bowsprit in.

The extended pole makes contact with our transom, triggering an immediate protest hail from our crew. A clear reminder that downwind boat handling doesn't end until the pole is locked away!

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