Dark Star Shows Well at St. Thomas Rolex Regatta

Jonathan Lipuscek’s J/105 Dark Star from Puerto Rico was leading the last race and the regatta in the CSA II class at the 40th International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas USVI when the forestay broke on the downwind leg. Even with the DNF, they finished third in the event. The forestay pin came loose and as it worked out bent the toggle too severely to repair on the run. They took the mainsail down with the spinnaker flying to access a halyard to hoist the bowman, but could not get it reattached while surfing at 10 knots. Good idea to check these periodically. Paul Beaudin, also on board, built a new Carbon jib to the CSA Rule which does not measure girths. The sail had about 6″ more roach and put the leech right on the spreaders. Dark Star also tested a class sized spinnaker using 1/2oz cloth. Both sails made a big difference in performance with no penalty under this rule. The rule also allowed a much heavier crew, 1700 lbs, which was a real treat in the 15-20 knot Caribbean trade winds. This is a beautiful place to sail.