JANUARY 7, 2025 MORE OR LESS WIND

 

JANUARY 7, 2025

MORE OR LESS WIND

With predictions for heavy gusts, I was not surprised when I got to the harbor around  noon to see very strong winds blowing from the North.  The forecast called for decreasing wind as the afternoon progressed and this prediction  was playing out.  As crew arrived and we left the harbor around 2:30, I was surprised to see strong gusts across the bay.  So much for a dissipating wind!

The wind was blowing from due North, presenting a problem for starting on a windward leg. We set a start line directly out from GOV and called for a course: Start>GOV>Mile>finish  with GOV to port.  We had five boats that braved the conditions.  I was envious of the boats with small jibs, which was perfect for the stronger gusts, but a disadvantage in the lulls.   We blew the 5-minute horn at 3:25 for a 3:30 start and all boats got off to a clean start.  All boats sailed around GOV with Avatar and Big Mac  in the lead followed by Pair A Dice and Pacific Spirit. 

On the downwind leg to Mile, different strategies were employed. On PAD we noticed that the wind seemed to be shifting slightly coming from a more Easterly direction, combined with the gusts, this allowed  us to sail further west setting up for the rounding of Mile.  Still it was Avatar leading around Mile with Pair A  Dice following with  Pacific Spirit and  Big Mac.  We had one boat retire, leaving four boats in the “race”.

At the finish Avatar (once again) was in the lead 36:57, followed by Sailing Pair A Dice 38:28, Pacific Spirit 39:47 and Big Mac 41:50.  All times are elapsed and the course distance was 2.53NM. 

With the gusts and the lulls, it was an afternoon with more or less wind.

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS:

PLACE                                 BOAT                                   PHRF                   CORRECTED TIME

1             SAILING PAIR A DICE                                180                       30:49

2             AVATAR                                                         132                       31:22

3             BIG MAC                                                       220                       32:25

4             PACIFIC SPIRIT                                            165                       32:40

Race QS:

The track for this afternoon can be reviewed at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=104609&updatedAt=2025-01-08T01:10:35Z&dt=2025-01-07T15:18:03-08:00..2025-01-07T16:33:45-08:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1736295110847&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&rival=Avatar&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.956960&lon=-122.013216&tilt=12&range=524&heading=187

COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL:

I am constantly learning and on our sail toward GOV, as we approached the wharf area and the field of destruction from the wharf collapse, I wanted to tack away from the wharf but had a boat on my starboard hip, just far enough to tack and duck. I told my crew what we were doing but did not communicate with the other boat.  As I tacked, they obviously had no clue what I was doing and steered away like they were tacking, but were not prepared for the tack.  I feel like I was in error by not communicating my intentions to the other boat ahead of my tack.  Lesson re-learned, communicate with other boats!

Barry Keeler

SAILING PAIR A DICE

Sailing Pair A Dice

DECEMBER 3, 2024 A TYPICAL WINTER SAIL

 

DECEMBER 3, 2024

A TYPICAL WINTER SAIL

As is usual for our winters, predictions were for a light breeze.  It was quite a surprise to see an 8-12 knot breeze from 220 degrees.  Despite mechanical issues with one of the four participating  boats, a race was initiated even though it was late. The course was called: Start to Mile and finish at the harbor entrance.  The five minute horn was blown at 3:35 for a 3:40 start.  All four boats got off to a clean start. 

The first boat to round Mile was Avatar, followed by Kicks, Big Mac and Rosie.  After rounding Mile, all boats sailed in a tight group towards the finish at the harbor entrance.  Avatar was  first to finish 28:22 followed by Kicks 29:44, Big Mac 30:22 and Rosie 31:05.  All times are elapsed and the course length was 2.45 NM.

With a light 8 knot breeze and a sunny day, it was just another  TYPICAL WINTER SAIL.

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS:

PLACE                 BOAT                                   PHRF                                   CORRECTED TIME

1                             BIG MAC                            222                                       21:18

2                             KICKS                                  180                                       22:27

3                             AVATAR                              132                                       22:58

4                             ROSIE                                 162                                       24:31

RACE QS:

The track for this race can be reviewed at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1186399&divisionId=104262&updatedAt=2024-12-04T00:16:41Z&dt=2024-12-03T14:48:41-08:00..2024-12-03T16:16:38-08:00&boat=Big%20Mac&time=1733268969368&focus=Big%20Mac&rival=Avatar&tab=fleet&view=match

 

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 FIRST WINTER RACE

 

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

FIRST  WINTER RACE

While I am recovering in Hawaii, Mark McCord and Doug Mahone are conducting the winter races.   Following is a recap of our first winter race provided by Betsy McCord. 

 

MAUI SUNSET

 

 Race start:  Gov and temporary smaller cylindrical red ball

Race start time:  3:30 (single start)

Wind:  0-4 knots from about 210; cloudy; moderately large swell but no wind waves

Course:  start@Gov - windward mark (large red ball) - finish@gov.  FInish line same as start line. Course length was 0.82 nm. windward mark was set upwind from the start line, 0.41 nm at about 220 degrees.

 

Comments:  

6 boats at start, 5 finished (Inspiration dropped out on downwind leg as wind died)

Bobbing boats caused a minor collision and several near misses at the start. It was a slow motion start, accompanied by a wind shift to the left. Boats trying to start at the left end of the line couldn’t lay the start line mark, so there was a mild scrum of boats jibing around and trying a second time to cross the start line. The Olson 25 got a clean start at the right end of the line and led the fleet throughout the race. A couple of other boats tried to sail the right side of the course by the wharf, but instead found a hole with less wind.

 

Also dozens of sea lions and seals playing around the boats.

 

Nidaros couldn't download track - her uncorrected finish time should be exactly halfway between Avatar and Big Mac.

 

"After practically no wind at start, a light breeze filled in allowing most boats to finish the course before dying again.  Thanks to Doug for somehow setting a good course without any wind to guide him."

 

 Big Mac may have been OCS at start but think managed to (just) cross back over the line to restart.

Avatar finished at 4:16 and 3 sec PM;  elapsed time of 46 minutes:3 seconds.

 

At the finish, Rosie crossed first 43:17 followed by Avatar 46:03, Big Mac 50:23, Nidaros 48:10 and Perfect 36.  All times are elapsed and the course distance was 0.82NM.

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS:

PLACE                   BOAT                                                     PHRF                     PHRF CORRECTED TIME

1              ROSIE                                                                    162                         41:03

2              AVATAR                                                               132                         44:14

3              NIDAROS                                                             118                         46:33

4              BIG MAC                                                              222                         47:21

5              PERFECT 36                                                         144                         49:38

 

RACE QS:

The track for this evening can be reviewed at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1186399&divisionId=104070&updatedAt=2024-11-20T00:40:13Z&dt=2024-11-19T14:52:19-08:00..2024-11-19T16:40:10-08:00&boat=Big%20Mac&time=1732058670394&focus=Big%20Mac&rival=P36%20(alt)&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.954191&lon=-122.015525&tilt=7&range=2572&heading=23

 

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair a Dice

OCTOBER 29, 2024 SEASON FINALEWITH AN AWESOME SUNSET

 

OCTOBER 29, 2024

SEASON FINALE WITH AN AWESOME SUNSET

It was a beautiful afternoon and l looking out over the bay there was at least some wind showing on the water.   At start time, there was an 11-knot wind blowing from 60 degrees.  As is normal with  a light Easterly, a course was called: Start>Blacks>offset mark> S/F>Blacks>Offset mark and finish at S/F.  Both fleets started without incident with Fleet A starting at 5:25 and B Fleet starting at 5:30.

With a great eleven knot wind, the boats beat toward Blacks for the first lap. The first A Fleet boat to complete the first lap at S/F was Double Espresso followed by Pegasus, Watts Moore, Yellow Belly, Ethos and Rosie.  The first B Fleet boat to complete the first lap was Avatar, followed by Gold Rush, Nidaros, Makani, Pair a Dice, Simpatico, Toad, Kicks and Wind Goddess.

The first A Fleet boat to finish was Pegasus 29:54 then Double Espresso 30:55,  Watts Moore 30:55, Yellow Belly 31:44, Rosie 34:12 and Ethos 36:34.  The first  B Fleet boat to finish was Avatar 33:35, then  Gold Rush 34:35, Makani 36:36, Sailing Pair a Dice 37:02, Simpatico 37:23, Nidaros 37:38, TOAD 38:05, Wind Goddess 41:34 and Kicks 41:49. All times are elapsed and the course distance was 2.2NM.

It was great to end the season with at least a moderate breeze.  To top it off we were treated with a beautiful sunset: A SEASON FINALE WITH AN AWESOME SUNSET.

THANKS TO LIBBY MCCORD FOR THIS PHOTO

  

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS

PLACE                 BOAT                                                   PHRF                   CORRECTED TIME

FLEET A:

1             WATTS MOORE                                             150                       25:25

2             YELLOW BELLY                                           141                       26:34

3             PEGASUS                                                       78                          27:02

4             DOUBLE ESPRESSO                                    99                          27:17

5             ROSIE                                                             162                       28:15

6             ETHOS                                                            72                          33:55

FLEET B:

1             AVATAR                                                          132                       28:44

2             GOLD RUSH                                                  126                       29:58

3             SAILING PAIR A DICE                                 180                       30:26

4             MAKANI                                                        147                       31:12

5             SIMPATICO                                                    165                       31:20

6             TOAD                                                              150                       32:35

7             NIDAROS                                                       118                       33:18

8             KICKS                                                             180                       32:35

9             WIND GODDESS                                           168                       35:24

RACE QS:

The track for this evening can be reviewed at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011758&divisionId=103687&updatedAt=2024-10-30T01:03:41Z&dt=2024-10-29T16:41:12-07:00..2024-10-29T18:03:39-07:00&boat=Yellow%20Belly&time=1730250219000&focus=Yellow%20Belly&rival=Double%20Espresso&tab=setup&view=follow&lat=36.954726&lon=-121.989281&tilt=6&range=184&heading=105

TUESDAY SAILING:

We have a great event with our Tuesday sails.  There is one thing that could bring the whole thing to a grinding halt:  A serious boat accident resulting in damage or serious injuries. There is one thing we all can do to prevent accidents: FOLLOW THE RACING RULES OF SAILING!  By signing up for the series, you have agreed to FOLLOW THE RULES!  Most of us know the rules, some of us know the rules but choose not to follow them.  Tuesday nights are for learning and friendly competition, NOT the place for overly aggressive tactics that could risk damage to boats or even people.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON SAILING:

As I recover from surgery, I will not be able to conduct Tuesday AFTERNOON sailing.  I am hoping to be able to sail after the first of the year.  Watch out for an email announcement right after the first of the year.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

OCTOBER 22, 2024 A MULTIFACETED EVENING ON THE BAY

 

OCTOBER 22, 2024

A MULTIFACETED EVENING ON THE BAY

As the afternoon played out, it was not looking good for a race with the flags (once again!) fluttering weakly with a light Easterly.  At least there was a fog bank showing in Aptos.  As boats left the harbor heading for the start area there was an area of water just South of the start area that looked like an area of a developing Easterly.  It was not expanding.  As  boats filled the area, there was still no wind even at 5:20. Many boats were enjoying the multiple whales that were breeching in the area.   It was at least a relief to escape the harbor that was rife with dead anchovies.  Several boats gave up and went to the harbor. Then suddenly, the Easterly filled in with a light 8 knot wind.  Was it too late to race? The answer came as multiple  sailors voiced their  opinion with “hell yes, lets race!” over the radio.  What a resilient group of sailors!  A short course was called: Start>Blacks, finish at S/F.  It all happened so fast, that the 10 minute horn was blown at 5:25 ( five minutes late) for an A Fleet start at 5:30 and B Fleet start at 5:35.

Despite the quick development of a race, most boats were right on the start line as usual.  The wind lasted long enough for all boats to finish.  The first A Fleet boat to finish was Duet 19:07 followed by Aboriginal 19:37, Magic 22:26 and Ethos  30:24.  B Fleet was led by Simpatico 22:51 then Gold Rush 24:06, Sailing Pair A Dice 25:00, Makani 25:14,  Avatar 26:14, Kicks 26:39, Pacific Spirit 26:50 and Wind Goddess 30:39.  All times are elapsed the the course distance was 1 NM.

With the activity on the bay, whales breeching, Pelicans diving for Anchovies and the sickening stench of the dead Anchovies in the harbor, topping it off with a surprising gust of wind that allowed a race to get off, it was definitely a multifaceted evening on the bay.

 

 PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS

PLACE                 BOAT                                                   PHRF                                   ADJUSTED TIME

FLEET A:

1                             DUET                                                   141                                       16:46

2                             ABORIGINAL                                     33                                          19:00

3                             MAGIC                                                141                                       20:05

4                             ETHOS                                                 72                                          29:12

FLEET B:

1                             SIMPATICO                                        165                                       20:65

2                             GOLD RUSH                  \                   126                                       22:00

2                             SAILING PAIR A DICE /   TIED        180                                      22:00

4                             MAKANI                                             147                                       22:47

5                             KICKS                                                 180                                       23:39

6                             AVATAR                                              132                                       24:02

7                             PACIFIC SPIRIT                                165                                       24:05

8                             WIND GODDESS                              168                                       27:51

  

RACE QS:

The track for this  evening can be reviewed at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1010599&divisionId=103556&updatedAt=2024-10-23T01:30:58Z&dt=2024-10-22T17:19:55-07:00..2024-10-22T18:30:56-07:00&boat=Makani&time=1729645144773&focus=Makani&rival=Pairadice&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.950148&lon=-121.993489&tilt=9&range=502&heading=75

 

NEXT TUESDAY IS THE LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH AND ALSO THE END OF OUR SEASON. THIS WILL BE A BARBECUE NIGHT AT THE CLUB AFTER THE RACE.  BRING YOUR  BEST GRILLING FOOD FOR THIS GREAT PARTY.

 

WINTER SAILING:

Daylight savings time ends on November 3, so the last “Tuesday Night Sailing”  of the season will be next Tuesday, October 29.  We have been having Tuesday Afternoon Sails during the winter months with limited success. With holidays, harbor shoaling, storms, big swells Tuesday sailing in the winter is a challenge.  I am postponing winter “Tuesday Afternoon Sailing” for the month of November and December.   Keep an eye out for an email with regards to starting  back up right after the first of the year.   

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

OCTOBER 15, 2024 TYPICAL TUESDAY

 

OCTOBER 15, 2024

TYPICAL TUESDAY

Predictions were for a light wind for the evening.  At least there was a fog bank developing in Aptos which is usually a precursor for a developing Easterly.  As boats filed out of the harbor,  the Easterly developed for conditions very similar to last Tuesday.  The wind was coming from 80 degrees and, like  last week, was about 10 knots. A course was  set  similar to last  week: Start> Blacks >offset mark>SF>Blacks>offset mark> Finish at S/F.  Ultimately,   the course was shortened for B Fleet to once around as A Fleet struggled to finish in diminishing winds.  It was understandable that several boats in each fleet retired and headed for the harbor.  

At the finish, A Fleet was led by Aboriginal 49:14 then Yellow Belly 54:45, Sagittarius (OCS at the start) 55:14, Double Espresso 60:22 and Rosie 1:05:01.  B Fleet, sailing once around the course was led by Sailing Pair A Dice 36:33 then Zoop 38:40,  Animal House 45:35, TOAD 45:56 and Pacific Spirit 47:31.  All times are elapsed  and the course distance was 2.34 NM for Fleet A  and 1.17NM for fleet B.

With predictions for a light breeze and the Easterly coming up for start time and going lighter as the evening progressed, it turned out to be just another typical Tuesday.

  

 PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS

PLACE                 BOAT                                                   PHRF                   CORRECTED TIME

FLEET A:

1                             ABORIGINAL                                   33                          47:57

2                             YELLOW BELLY                             141                       49:15

3                             SAGITTARIUS  (OCS)                    120                       50:33                  

4                             DOUBLE ESPRESSO                      99                          56:30

5                             ROSIE                                               162                       58:42

FLEET B:

1                             SAILING  PAIR A DICE                  180                       33:00

2                             ZOOP                                                144                       35:51

3                             TOAD                                               150                       43:05

4                             ANIMAL HOUSE                            96                          43:43

5                             PACIFIC SPIRIT                             165                       44:18                 

Race Qs;

The track for this evening can be reviewed at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1070848&divisionId=103435&updatedAt=2024-10-16T01:55:06Z&dt=2024-10-15T17:20:22-07:00..2024-10-15T18:54:57-07:00&boat=Double%20espresso&time=1729038043104&focus=Double%20espresso&rival=TOAD&tab=fleet&view=auto

OCS!?

There is no doubt that one of the most exciting parts of racing is the start.  You want to be right on the start line at the preferred end of the line, at speed and right on time.  This is the desired goal for a good start in addition to getting clear air.  Sometimes, best laid plans do not play out as desired.  Sometimes, you will end up OCS: On Course Side.  It is inspirational for me when I see Fleet A boats that are OCS as they turn back to dip the line for a proper start.  Tuesdays are  a great way to practice starts and to get your timing right for a proper start.  If you are OCS at the start and  do not return to dip the line, you may see OCS on the score sheet or  your boat will not be listed in the results.

Pray for wind next week!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

OCTOBER 8, 2024 A SURPRISING EASTERLY

 

OCTOBER 8, 2024

A SURPRIZING EASTERLY

Prediction for the night were for 8 knot winds decreasing as the evening progressed.  Reality was 10-12 knots blowing from the East.  You gotta love the Easterlies when they are present. The wind was coming from 82 degrees shifting toward the south.  An ambitious  course was called: Start>Blacks>Offset mark>S/F>Blacks>offset mark and finish at S/F (to SB).

The horn was blown and both Fleets got off to clean starts.  The first of A Fleet to round Blacks, for the first rounding, was Watts Moore, followed by Sagittarius, Double Espresso, Yellow Belly, Pegasus , Aquavit, Duett and Rosie.  B Fleet rounded Blacks with Zoop in the lead, followed by Gold Rush, Sailing Pair A Dice, Simpatico, Nidaros, Perfect 36,  Wind Goddess and Animal House.

After twice around the course A Fleet finished with Aboriginal in the lead 24:10, followed by Pegasus 28:33, Yellow Belly 29:08, Flexi Flyer 29:36, Double Espresso 30:28, Duet 30:43, Sagittarius 30:58, Watts Moore 31:02, Aquavit 31:21, Magic 31:26 and Rosie 34:36.  B Fleet was led by Zoop 28:40,  followed by Sailing Pair A Dice 29:45, Gold Rush 29:58, Animal House 30:05, Nidaros 31:37, Perfect 36 31:41, Wind Goddess  32:30, Simpatico 39:20 and TOAD 40:25.  All times are elapsed the the course distance was 2.08 NM.

When dealing with the conditions we get while sailing in Santa Cruz it is always great when we get a surprising Easterly.

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS:

PLACE                 BOAT                                                   PHRF                   ADJUSTED TIME

FLEET A:

1                             ABORIGINAL                                 33                          23:01    

2                            YELLOW BELLY                            141                        24:14

3                            DUET                                                141                       25:49 

4                            WATTS MOORE                               150                      25:50

5                             PEGASUS                                         78                         25:51

6                            FLEXI FLYER                                   96                         26:16

7                             MAGIC                                             141                       26:32

8                            SAGITTARIUS                                 120                        26:48

9                             DOUBLE ESPRESSO                      99                         27:02

10                          AQUAVIT                                           72                        28:51

11                          ROSIE                                                 162                       28:59

FLEET B:

1                             SAILING PAIR A DICE                    180                       23:31

2                             ZOOP                                                  144                      23:40

3                             WIND GODDESS (SWEET?)          168                       24:33

4                             GOLD RUSH                                    126                       25:36

5                             PERFECT 36                                      144                       26:41

6                             ANIMAL HOUSE                             96                          26:45

7                             NIDAROS                                         118                       27:32

8                             SIMPATICO                                      165                       33:37

9                             TOAD                                                150                       35:13

RACE QS:

The track for this evening can be reviewed at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1070848&divisionId=103294&updatedAt=2024-10-09T01:13:16Z&dt=2024-10-08T17:20:01-07:00..2024-10-08T18:13:13-07:00&boat=Double%20espresso&time=1728433495979&focus=Double%20espresso&rival=Flexi%20Flyer&tab=fleet&view=match       

TUESDAY NIGHT SAILING:

We have an awesome event on Tuesdays! We race in a loose format with no race committee to regulate rules infractions.  By signing up for the series we have all agreed to follow the Racing Rules of Sailing.  Following the rules is critical for safety AND the continuance of our series.  When anybody breaks a rule and does not exonerate, it discourages other participants.

  Sometimes we sail in light wind in close quarters creating dangerous situations.  Remember, it is better to turn on the motor and retire to prevent collision and ensuing injuries or damage.

      _)                                       _)                                      _)                     (_                             (_               SCY C - Wednesday Information Seminars 

Hi All,

It is that time of year where we are planning out the Wednesday Night Information Seminars.  

I am looking for topics to discuss and or volunteers to put on a talk.  

If interested please contact me.

 

 

Jason Lauer

jason@lauer.com

BARRY KEELER

SAILING PAIR A DICE