SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 FOG RACING

 

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

FOG RACING

Predict Wind’s call for the evening was dismal with the dreaded “light and variable” forecast.  As we left the harbor at around 5:15, the wind seemed to be in a state of flux.  The easterly looked like it was possibly building and though we were in the clear, we could see a heavy fog bank offshore toward the South. We waited a few minutes to see what would develop as the fog bank came in and engulfed all of us along with a mild southerly breeze.  We set a line square to the wind and called for course Mike 2: start, Mile, finish. We blew the five minute horn and set up for our start.

As usual, we wanted to start at the starboard end of the line on starboard tack.  This was consistent with every other boat and we had a clean start.  The visibility was deteriorating quickly as the fog settled in resulting in visibility of 300 to 400 feet.  It is understandable that many boats retired and headed for the Taco Bar.  Sailing in fog is not for everyone! We had 9 boats that continued on to the wet, soggy finish.

At the finish, Patricia J 40:22 was first across the line followed by Zoop 40:39, New Wave 40:58, Perfect 36 44:14, Aquavit 49:36, Pair A Dice 52:08, Sweet Pea 55:31, Simpatico 59:31 and Sanctuaire 1:02:51.  Times are elapsed and the course distance was 2.07NM.  Congratulations to the stalwart boats that continued to finish in the fog race!  PHRF adjusted times are as follows:

2140.92	1	ZOOP
2192.23	2	PATRICIA J
2228.23	3	NEW WAVE
2355.92	4	THE PERFECT 36
2755.4	5	SAILING PAIR A DICE
2976	6	AQUAVIT
2983.24	7	SWEET PEA
3571	8	SIMPATICO
3535.02	9	SANCTUAIRE

  As a reminder, almost all finishes on the course card finish on the OUTSIDE of the start mark.  The finish line is an extension of the line from the lighthouse through the start mark.  The reason for this is that I often pick up the start line ball before all boats are finished.  

Race QS:

The track for this night can be found at:  https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=75860&updatedAt=2021-09-22T03:13:27Z&dt=2021-09-21T17:45:01-07:00..2021-09-21T20:12:27-07:00&boat=Pairadice&time=1632271507016&focus=Pairadice&tab=fleet&view=follow&lat=37.218971&lon=-121.935026&tilt=51&range=150237&heading=0

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS:

After we completed the race on PAD, we attempted to find the start line mark to retrieve it.  This turned into quite an adventure with the fog limiting our vision we could not find the mark.  It is amazing how disorienting fog can be!  We were motoring around literally in circles to no avail when the motor sputtered and died.  The adventure (and education) begins.  I radioed to the boat that was last out with us and Aquavit responded that they were on their way to assist.  We ultimately made it back to the harbor with Aquavit and crew’s invaluable assistance.

Through the course of events, I learned a lot. 

1)     I had just finished a new engine install during which I changed my fuel gauge.  I had a Catalina Direct fuel gauge and thought the gauge was accurate.  It showed a quarter tank of fuel, but I was sucking air. DO NOT TRUST THE ACCURACY OF A NEW FUEL GAUGE.

2)     One of the hardcore sailors onboard resisted calling for help.  “We are a sailboat and can sail into the harbor”.  He later admitted that this was a bad idea: dying wind, weird currents, swell in the harbor entrance. WHEN IN WEIRD CONDITIONS, ACCEPT ASSISTANCE.

3)     When dealing with fog, as in business three things are critical: location, location and location!  It is incredible how disorienting fog can be. We saw a yellow ball and thought it was the start mark, but it was probably Blacks.  Directing Aquavit to the start mark when we were probably at Blacks was stupid on my part.  Ultimately, I relayed our GPS coordinates to Aquavit so they could steer directly toward us. KNOW YOUR LOCATION (CHECK YOUR GPS).

4)     In line with above, is to have your portable GPS available in the cockpit. My chart plotter was in the cabin below.  With all that was happening, I was not able to keep an eye on the chart plotter.  I should have stationed one of the crew below to KEEP A CONSTANT EYE ON THE GPS below.

5)     We started seeing lights and thought it was Aquavit approaching but it happened to be lights on land.  No wind, no engine and the sound of crashing waves added to the urgency to deploy the bow anchor.  The  anchor and rode were ready for rapid deployment and we set the anchor while waiting for assistance.  KEEP YOUR ANCHOR READY TO DEPLOY.

6)     In discussions after the event. Some thoughts were proposed.  One was to issue a pan pan  notice.  Pan Pan (pronounce Pahn-Pahn) is a notice to mariners of non life-threatening conditions or hazards to navigation.  Since we had assistance on their way to us, I feel a Pan Pan notice was not necessary. If assistance was not on the way, it would have been in order.

7)     Attracting attention and being able to announce your present location in fog is critical.  Using air horns in fog just adds to the confusion as sounds get reflected.  Flares, which are seldom used and often expired when needed are an option that work effectively.  Having a strong spotlight on board would be useful, especially if it is a certain color (red, green or blue).  You could direct the assisting boat to approach the large red, green or blue light. In addition to Aquavit coming to our assistance, Kicks came out of the harbor to assist.  Kicks had bright red lights on the spreader.  These lights were easily visible and were a great assistance in directing us to the harbor.  Red also does not destroy night vision like white light does.  Though flares are useful, it is easier to keep a working high power spotlight on board.

A hearty thanks to the crew of Aquavit and Kicks for their assistance in keeping this whole ordeal a non-event!

NEXT TUESDAY IS THE LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: BARBECUE POTLUCK AT THE CLUB AFTER THE RACE.  BRING YOUR OWN FOOD TO GRILL!

 

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice