Racing on Rage

A PERFECT day in Abaco – a great day to race on Rage, a traditional Class A Bahamian racing sloop. 

Twenty-eight feet of Man O’ War-built wooden boat with 38’ of boom.  Lots of sail – lots of crew needed to keep her from flipping over. 

The starting line was packed – not much room to maneuver. 

As we crossed the line, the boat just below us boat headed up, closer into the wind, to pass behind us.  But not enough behind us.  Its bow pulpit collided with Rage’s boom – which extends almost 15  feet past her transom.  We watched in horror. 

As we made contact,  Rage’s boom bumped along other boat’s bow pulpit.  At first we thought our boom would get caught on the other boat – or maybe even rip out its forestay and bring down the whole rig.  Then there was a sickening ripping sound and the other boat’s starboard running light flew off.  Finally the boats were clear.  Whew! 

Below is a picture of the portside running light, attached to the bow pulpit; the starboard one was ripped off.  But it was recovered and presented to its owners after the race, as part of the awards ceremony. 

Racing on Rage is so much fun because you get to ride the pries – ten feet long by ten inches wide boards which are shoved out on the high side (the side the sail is not on) so that we crew can slide our weight out on them to balance the boat.  Gliding along over that gorgeous Bahamian water.   I’m on the forward prie – up there, in the air.  Now that’s fun.

Goldwin likes to help on the foredeck.  Here he is – in the middle of the picture, with a beige peak, looking at the camera.

Here’s our finish.   I’m on the first prie and Goldwin is the forwardmost person on the boat. 

Yeah!

P.S.  These amazing pictures were taken by Will, a gifted photographer, who enjoys sharing them.