“What is this?” he demanded. “Penny, you’re not racing in Sally’s boat?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, if that isn’t something!” Jack said no more, but his tone had made it clear he considered Penny nothing short of a traitor.
The two boats presently sailed out from the protecting shores to join the other fifteen-footers which had entered the race. With the breeze blowing strong, the contestants tacked rapidly back and forth, jockeying for the best positions at the start of the contest.
Tensely Sally glanced at her wristwatch. “Five minutes until two,” she observed. “The gun will go off any minute now.”
Nineteen boats comprised the racing fleet, but in comparison to Jack and Sally, many of the youthful captains were mere novices. Experts were divided in opinion as to the winner, but nearly everyone agreed it would be either Jack or Sally, with the odds slightly in favor of the latter.
“There goes the signal!” cried Sally.
The boats made a bunched start with Cat’s Paw and Spindrift in the best positions. In the sharp breeze, one of the craft carried away a stay, and with a broken mast, dropped out of the race. The others headed for the first marker.
At first Sally and Jack raced almost bow to bow, then gradually the Cat’s Paw forged steadily ahead. Except for three or four boats, the others began to fall farther and farther behind.
“We’ll win!” Penny cried jubilantly.