Smith Island 1 was wisely cancelled for a gale, conditions for Smith Island 2 were forecast to be, and were, at the lighter end of the scale. This probably led to the low turnout of only three boats.
The wind at the dock before the start was NE, 2-3 kts. and very variable. The forecast for the Strait was for slightly stronger breezes. During the start sequence the wind increased to 4 kts but softened again after the start.
The combination of strong tides and fickle winds frustrated the fleet and all retired. (Claiming to be the last to retire does not improve your position – list is in alphabetical order by boat name).