JUNE 19, 2018: SUMMER SAILSTICE

JUNE 19, 2018

SUMMER SAILSTICE

My heart sank with my first view of the Crow’s Nest flag.  We had an Easterly breeze blowing again, but the flag was indicating that the wind was already starting to die.  As we left the harbor, I thought we should set a short course.  I hate nights that I overestimate the wind and boats retire from the race one by one.  My crew opined that we should set course B4 (Blacks, Gov, Finish) and if the wind started to die we could shorten course.  We went with this option, and sure enough the wind seemed to build after the 5 minute horn was blown.

On Pair A Dice, we had a second row start right at the start mark but behind Kicks.  After the start, we were able to point a little higher than them and we all rounded Blacks behind Tusitala, and Avatar.  We were then off toward Gov, some boats sailing in toward shore and some of us rhumb lining it to Gov.  It did not help that there was a Coast Guard cutter tied to the buoy.  Doug on Avatar checked with the cutter and they requested giving them a 200 yard clearance.  Of course this 200 yards was subject to interpretation, but most of the boats kept an appropriate distance.  

After rounding Gov, the wind seemed to be building.  The 3 boats in the lead tacked over toward the beach while Pair A Dice continued to sail further out, almost to the layline for the finish.   We experienced plenty of wind outside and seemed to get a little lift as we sailed further out.

At the finish, it was Tusitala (39:45), Patricia J (40:20), Avatar (41:04), Pair A Dice (42:15), Pacific Spirit (42:40), Jersey Girl (44:00), Perfect 36 (46:00), Nidaris II (46:45).  All times are elapsed and the distance for the course was 2.43 nautical miles.

OUTSIDE INSIDE?

Once again, it seems the outside tack worked out better. At one point, Avatar had a 212  meter lead on us, but when we met close to the finish mark, we got as close as 54 meters from them.  Common knowledge for this area is that the Easterly is stronger toward shore, but this is not always the case.  Watch the water texture to estimate where the most wind is.

RULES AND SAILING:

I have had the pleasure of participating in the Santa 22 team racing.  This is an amazing experience.  All of these guys know the rules and try to follow them. In this arena, if a boat hooks you (establishes an overlap), you know they will luff you up over the line at the start.  Don’t even think about barging!  The door will be slammed quicker than you can say “Oh Sh_ _!”.  It is all in good fun and the meetings afterward are a blast.  As beers are being shared, you’ll hear remarks like “man you really got me on that start when you luffed me over the line”.  I really admire these guys because they know that winning the race is not everything.  Winning the respect of fellow sailors is much more important.  Oh and let’s not forget to have fun doing it!

OTHER REGATTAS:

On June 30, the Little Boreas race will be put on by Elkhorn Yacht club.  This should be a fun event since the longest leg is downwind to Moss Landing.  The question is “how well can you surf?”  I am looking forward to participating in this race.

NEXT TUESDAY IS THE LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH AND THE BARBECUE AT THE YACHT CLUB.  BRING YOUR FAVORITE GRILLING FOOD AND SOCIALIZE WITH SAILORS FROM OTHER BOATS.

Barry L Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice