VACATION RECAP FOR APRIL 4 RACE

VACATION RECAP

I am finally back from our extended vacation.  While I was gone, Mike Gross was kind enough to write me a recap of the events for the April 4 sail.  From the sounds of it, the night must have been excruciating with such light wind.   At least they were lucky to have two buoys to limit the line.

I was not there, so will not judge but we are doing everything we can do to maintain the integrity of the start line.  As I have written before, not being OCS is as simple as siting the line to set up a range.  Once this range is established, you can easily determine if you are over early.  We will start sighting the line for OCS boats on occasion and announce the OCS boats.  If announced as OCS, you must go back and restart in order to be considered for that night.

Another issue we need to work on is VHF radio protochol.  I know everyone likes to comment on the selected course, as well they should!  This is not a dictatorship and we are open to suggestions.  A problem occurs when this dialog continues right up to the start time.  We should attempt to be finished with all discussions about the course by 5:50 so we can get set up with our minimal 5 minute horn.   Maybe we can give a five minute warning on stopping all radio transmissions until the start.  Obviously this is a work in progress.

It sounds like it was an interesting race with many tactical and strategic decisions.  Though Mike gave a thorough recap (thanks Mike) I cannot comment since I was not there.  At the finish Equinimity was first with Pair A Dice close on her heels.  The next three boats were Makani, Pacific Spirit and Perfect 36 all overlapped with each other.   Next were Kicks and Aeolian followed by Sea Quake and Odonata.

Sailing in light wind is certainly Challenging!

OTHER REGATTAS:          

It is time for everyone to show our prowess on a proper course.  Santa Cruz Yacht Club has an active race schedule.  When you excel in these regattas, you actually get to take home some hardware (trophies).  I know this is short notice, but the next regatta series is quickly approaching on Sunday April 23.  This is the first day of the spring SCORE series.  These are always fun races.  Make sure to sign up so we can have a good representation of the “Jammers”.   It is important to race in all of the race days of the series.  Missing one day of racing can dramatically affect your standings overall, so sign up and we will see you Sunday!

Another regatta that is quickly is our Commodore’s cup on April 29.  Some of you know that I am the current SCYC Commodore so this is “my race” with all of the fixings of an actual regatta complete with committee boats and all.  Please sign up and race in this regatta!

Thanks to all of your for being part of the Catalina group!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair a Dice

THIS COMING TUESDAY NIGHT (APRIL 25) IS A BARBECUE NIGHT. PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING AND BRINGING YOUR FAVORITE GRILLING ITEM.