AUGUST 2, 2016: ON SECOND THOUGHT

AUGUST 2, 2016

ON SECOND THOUGHT

The prediction was for light wind, so I was surprised to see my crew changing to the 135 jib when I arrived.  One look at the flag on the Crows nest removed all doubt, the wind was definitely blowing.  I pitched in to help with the sail change.  As we left the harbor, we realized there were no white caps.  The wind was dying and was down to 9-13 knots.  We quickly executed a sail change back to the 155.  We called for Whiskey 3 course and gave a 5 minute horn right at 6pm for a 6:05 start.  On Pair A Dice we thought it would be best to start further down the line on starboard tack and stay to windward of the crowd.

Our timing was pretty good but we ended up starting closer to the mark than originally planned.  We had Pacific Spirit slightly to leeward and ahead of us and Kicks to windward and slightly behind or even with us.  We were enjoying pretty clean air as we all sailed out on starboard tack .  Pacific Spirit ultimately tacked over and ducked our stern as we sailed all the way out pretty close to the layline for wharf.  Kicks tacked over just before we did. It is not normally prudent to sail to the corner, but we felt like we were getting more wind outside. It sure looked to me like we were way ahead of Pacific Spirit which sailed way inside.  As we converged on Wharf and Pacific Spirit tacked out, I was surprised to see that they were actually going to pass in front of us!  Pacific Spirit was the first to round wharf just 40 seconds or so in front of us and Perfect 36 rounding right on our heels for the long downwind run.

We set our pole and sailed wing on wing straight toward Blacks, the next mark.  On the way to Blacks the 155 was proving its worth as we inched a little closer to Pacific Spirit and opened a small lead on Perfect 36.  Pacific Spirit was the first across the line with Pair A Dice finishing about 40 seconds behind.  Perfect 36 lead Kicks an Aeolian.

RACING VERSUS PLEASURE SAILING

While racing it is not uncommon to encounter other sailboats on the water.  Just because you are racing does not exclude you from the rules of the road.  Nothing can be more frustrating than having a starboard tack non racing boat bearing down on you while you are on port.  You know the right thing to do is to tack or duck.  On Pair A Dice, we have been known to politely ask or hail the other boat “We are racing, do you mind?”.  We have seldom had the pleasure sailing boat deny our request.  There is a clear distinction between demanding right of way and asking politely if we can sail through.

Big Brothers Big Sisters:

SCYC’s one benefit regatta for the year is coming up this Sunday August 7.  This is a very fun sail to participate in and is a great benefit for the organization.  It is a reverse PHRF start and all sailboats are welcome.  Even if you have not registered, you can register in the lot below SCYC the morning of the event.  Even though it is very fun on the water, it is even more fun once you get back to the club.  There is always live music, food and comradery waiting.  It is one of my favorite events for the year.  I hope to see you there.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A DIce