Anonymous wrote:

Yes, I noticed that Ilvy was pointing as high as the fleet on the windward leg. 

I don't think I'm mistaken in saying that Paul was sailing mostly on a port tack—the "bad tack"—at the time; I believe only the finish was on a starboard tack, though on a downwind course.

Applause for Paul and his Ilvy!

He finished in 28h37min and thus beat quite a few boats supposed to be faster than a Maxy 77. Moreover, he soon took the lead over two other 77s, and increased that lead steadily. Now, one of them retired about 30NM from finish, and I am not sure of the other one, 32-Scilla. If she finishes, it will be 4-6hours behind Ilvy (She ended up 7 h 0min behind Ilvy).
One thing I noticed was that Ilvy’s track when close-hauled was just the same as the tracks produced by the pointy rigs.

From these results, I am inclined to conclude that Paul has actually up-tuned his boat by plonking on that home-made 35sqm JR  -  and that his rigging of the sail with quite some mast balance, has not degraded the rig.

A Trippel BRAVO to Paul!
(Great entertainment for an armchair sailor!)

Arne

Go go Ilvy, go ! Only 0.5 mile !!!

EDIT:

Congratulations ! fantastic finish !!

final miles. I get Ilvy constantly surfing at 8.5kn, topspeed 9.5kn. hope nothing breaks.

The other Maxis still behind. Ilvy is running gorgeously!!