Strong wind defines Colors Regatta weekend

We had over 30kt gusts Saturday, but the 25 sustained and gusts well over 30 on Sunday were much more difficult. We finished 6th in the first race while overcoming speed and point issues. After tweaking while waiting for the 2nd race to begin, we finally felt in the groove and took a bullet. The third race began with a bang, Pronto II (one of our competitors) cut it a little too close and smacked our starboard side and took a chunk of gel coat with him. A protest ensued.... After the collision, we were in last place and climbed our way back; gaining a few boats each leg to take a photo finish 3rd in what was the last race of the day. Sunday brought a worse forecast with thunderstorms and higher winds predicted. Vytis sailed out to the course in 17kts of steady wind and started seeing 20kts by the start. We had 25kts by the finish. On the first down wind leg our jib furler snagged the spinnaker and got twisted...the kite went for a swim.....and the rest is a DFL.... Happens to the best of us. We looked forward to another race to redeem ourselves but the RC canceled due to expected significant increases in wind....which ended up coming.....they made the correct call.
Our overall score was 4th. We were in a position to contend for the weekend going into Sunday, but failed to take advantage. All in all it was a great weekend and the crew is looking to come fighting back for the NOODs.