MAY 30, 2023 LAST RACE OF MAY

 May 30, Last Race of May

The fog had burned off earlier in the day and it was a bit windier than most of the weather

predictions as the fleet headed out for a glorious Tuesday Night end of May sail. We set

the line based on good westerly breeze of 11-13mph from 245 degrees. When deciding

the course we took bets among the crew about if the wind would hold for the full race or

die on the way home as with last weeks race. The crew as pretty split. Since it was

Barbecue Night and the priority is to get everyone to the bar earlier, the choice was made

for a shorter course with a better probability of getting everyone finished quickly. It was

probably just a bit to short for the fastest boats but seem to work well for the back half of

the fleet. Tough to keep everyone happy, but we try! ;-)

Course was W6, distance 2.6NM with starts for the fleets going off smoothly at 17:55 and

18:00. The line had become slightly skewed to favor the yellow buoy leeward end of the

line as the start time approached.

In PHRF A, Aboriginal port tacked the fleet at the yellow ball and got away quickly from

the other 7 boats in the first fleet who were up the line and moving fast.

Raceqs was mostly cooperating for the this fleet with the exception of Tusitala (primary

tracker did not start, and backup tracker started late) and Double Expresso (Tracker only

ran for a brief period near the windward mark)

Being a windy night, the the boats mostly went around the course in the order of their

rating with Perigon being the exception and putting in a great race to move up in the

standings

Rating, Finish time, Elapsed time, Rating Adjustment, and Corrected time listed below

ABORIGINAL SYDNEY 38 33 18:21:39 0:26:39 0:01:42 0:24:57

PERIGON J105 81 18:25:54 0:30:54 0:04:11 0:26:43

SWEETHEART SANTA CRUZ 52 -6 18:22:35 0:27:35 0:00:19 0:27:54

Aquavit JEANNEAU41i P 72 18:27:09 0:32:09 0:03:43 0:28:26

TUSITALA C&C 40 90 18:28:18 0:33:18 0:04:39 0:28:39

WATTS MOORE MOORE 24 150 18:32:12 0:37:12 0:07:45 0:29:27

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=20201&divisionId=90152&updatedAt=2023-05-

31T02:42:54Z&dt=2023-05-30T17:39:18-07:00..2023-05-30T19:42:53-

07:00&boat=PERIGON

In PHRF B the end of the line near the yellow mark appeared to get pretty crowded with a

parade of boats on starboard and a few boats getting there a bit too early. Simpatico timed

the start well at the leeward end with Zoop in heavy pursuit. Kicks arrived at the end of the

line early and Perfect 36 appeared to not be able to point high enough in some dirty air to

make the mark. With a couple of nicely executed quick circles they both went around and

started on port tack. Makani and Big Mac were up on the line and moving fast up the line

near the red ball. It was a pretty tight race among the boats in this fleet with Zoop leading

the way and Pacific Spirit and Simpatico virtually tied on elapsed and corrected times with

Raceqs giving the slight nod to Pac Spirit.

ZOOP ISLANDER 36 141 18:31:25 0:31:25 0:07:17 0:24:08

PACIFIC SPIRIT CATALINA 320 165 18:36:48 0:36:48 0:08:32 0:28:16

SIMPATICO CATALINA 320 165 18:36:51 0:36:51 0:08:32 0:28:19

BIG MAC MacGreggor26 222 18:40:14 0:40:14 0:11:28 0:28:46

THE PERFECT 36 CATALINA 36 144 18:36:14 0:36:14 0:07:26 0:28:48

MAKANI CATALINA 34 147 18:36:31 0:36:31 0:07:36 0:28:55

SWEET PEA CATALINA32 165 18:39:15 0:39:15 0:08:32 0:30:43

KICKS CATALINA C30 180 18:41:52 0:41:52 0:09:18 0:32:34

NIDAROS II SANTANA 30/30 108 18:39:44 0:39:44 0:05:35 0:34:09

THANKS TO NGUYET FOR THE PHOTO

Starts are the best part of Tuesday Nights! Its always good to review the some key things

that can lead to good starts before the 5 Minute warning goes off or before. Here are some

ideas for some things that can be on your list to figure out and discuss with the crew.

1) Make all your final trimming adjustments to sails for the first leg.

2) Determine which end of the line is favored.

3) Make some estimates about where the rest of the fleet will be wanting to start and

how that might affect your starting plans

4) Know how long it takes to sail down the line

5) Know how long it will take from the point where you want to make your final

approach the to the point on the line where you want to start the race.

6) Get back to that final approach point on time

7) Sail as fast as you can to the start point on the line that you had predetermined

8) Make sure the crew is on the look out for other boats, or situations that are

developing, and be ready to communicate and change the plan quickly based on

changing conditions or the need to follow the rules, etc.

9) Try to have the sails trimmed well and boat moving at top target speed as you come

off the line.

With the recent problems and inconsistencies in Raceqs we have developed a spreadsheet

to check and correct scoring results using course card distances, the rating supplied by the

PHRF committee, and finish times that we pick off from Raceqs or any other sources, The

spreadsheet we are using is at

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YnbaaWcSD1XLoZgLfc-D9ZfRBlbGEu8c3-

CG3owB-O0/edit#gid=781166502

If Raceqs isn't working in general, or for individual boats, we should

now be able to accept and enter finish times to calculate results into

the spreadsheet. It's now, and when ever racing, a good practice to

note and record your finish time as you cross the line. Then email it

to Barry or Chris after the race or if you spot some error on the

spreadsheet.

THANKS TO CHRIS HOFMANN  FOR THE GREAT RECAP!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair  a Dice

MAY 23, 2023 BUMPY, CHILLY OCEAN WITH LIGHT WIND

 

MAY 23, 2023

BUMPY, CHILLY OCEAN WITH LIGHT WIND

I got to the harbor early in the afternoon and the flags were showing a light breeze from the Northwest.  Predictions were for 10 knot winds to persist through the evening.  Are predictions ever right?  We left the harbor at 5 o’clock and there was a steady light breeze across the bay.  We arrived at the start mark area and determined the wind was from 230 degrees and set a line square to this mark.  We were encouraged by the strength of the wind and started considering longer courses, but settled for a slightly shorter course Whiskey 3 : Start, Schuyler, Blacks and finish.

We blew the “10-minute horn” and both fleets got off to a clean start.  Pair A Dice did a port tack start at the outer end of the line and had to duck a few boats, but we were making good time until we tried to tack outside.  Tacking  outside had us straight into the waves which really slowed us down. The  light, shifty wind with waves on the bow was painstakingly slow.  I just could not seem to get the boat up to speed.  The first A fleet boat to round Schuyler was Aboriginal, followed by Watts Moore, Double Espresso, Yellow Belly, Good Timin’, Aquavit and Rosie.  The first of B fleet to round was Nidaros followed by Zoop, Avatar, Perfect 36, Simpatico, Toad, Pacific Spirit and Pair A Dice.

Sailing down wind always makes the wind feel lighter and this evening was no exception.   Blacks looked like it was very far away as we slowly crept toward it.  Understandably, several boats chose to retire to       the warmth and ambiance of the bar.  

Aboriginal was the first of A fleet over the finish line 59:04 followed by Watts Moore 1:05:46,  Yellow Belly 1:13:15,  Wind II 1:14:23,  Good Timin’ 1:14:42, Aquavit 1:20:01 and Rosie 1:29:39.  The first B fleet to finish was Zoop 1:24:02 followed by Nidaros 1:25:39, Perfect 36 1:27:19, Avatar 1:31:30, Simpatico 1:33:08, Big Mac 1:33:40 and  Pair A Dice 1:38:02.  All times are elapsed and the course distance was 4.6 NM.

This was an interesting night of sailing with many boats retiring.  In retrospect, the course I chose was too long and with the bumpy, chilly ocean with light wind I understand why boats retired.

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS:

PLACE                   BOAT                                     ADJUSTED TIME

A FLEET:

1             WATTS MOORE                                 54:16

2             ABORIGINAL                                    56:32

3             WIND II                                               58:03

4             YELLOW BELLY                               1:02:26

5             GOOD TIMIN’                                    1:03:53

6             AQUAVIT                                           1:14:29

7             ROSIE                                                 1:17:13

B FLEET:

1             ZOOP                                    1:12:59

2             PERFECT 36                        1:16:16

3             BIG MAC                              1:16:38

4             NIDAROS                             1:17:22

5             SIMPATICO                         1:20:29

6             AVATAR                                1:21:22

7             PAIR A DICE                         1:24:14

RACE QS:

This system has had its problems recently.  Sometimes it cannot be opened and sometimes only one boat is displayed alone with no fleet.  Other times, tracks just stop in the middle of the race for no known reason.  In this race Toad finished in front of us but their track froze halfway between Schuyler and Blacks.  Double Espresso did well in the race, but his track froze at Blacks.

The track for this evening “may” be found at: 

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=89872&updatedAt=2023-05-24T03:08:55Z&dt=2023-05-23T17:45:17-07:00..2023-05-23T20:02:53-07:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1684896207899&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&rival=TOAD&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.952706&lon=-121.984020&tilt=3&range=9853&heading=354

DEALING WITH UNUSUAL CONDITIONS:

This evening was an education for me as we made several errors.  I found it difficult steering directly into the waves with light wind.  We should have continued on port tack even if the wind was a little lighter inside, we could have used the shelter of the point to find flatter seas. Most of the boats followed this strategy and did well. We were moving so much slower than other boats, I might have had kelp on the rudder, but I never checked.  Another option to help get through the waves would have been to sheet out a little more on the jib and move the fairlead a little more forward to create a rounder sail for more power when going into the waves.  Falling off a little would have allowed us to take the waves at an angle rather than straight on.

.

 _)                        _)        (_                       _)                      _)               (_            _)                     _)                     (_

The Green Committee with the support of the SCYC board is installing a water container refill station by the regatta shed.  We all hate seeing plastic trash in the ocean.  This is one small step in that direction which will be paid for by donations.

The water station will support YOU and your race crews by:

·  Providing a convenient way to refill reusable water bottles at Regatta Office

·  Helping sailors stay hydrated with great tasting water

·  Reducing trash in the harbor and ocean

 

Interested in donating?  Here is what you need to know:

• Estimated budget is $6,000.  Green Committee have already raised over $2,500 from generous club members.  Project will be funded solely by donations.
• Email green@scyc.org  with donation amount (any amount is appreciated), membership name, boat name, and include “Green 2023” in email.
• Donations will be invoiced to your account (similar to b
• ar/dining tab).   If you or a crew member prefer to donate by check or other credit card,  please let green team know.
• Station is a built-to-last Elkay Outdoor Station Station  Details: https://www.elkay.com/products/details/LK4405BF and Carbon Filtration Kit https://www.elkay.com/products/details/EWF172.

 

All donations, regardless of amount, will make a difference.  If you would like more details about the project, reach out to green@scyc.org or email maryeculley@gmail.com

 

THANK YOU for your consideration!

 

BARBECUE NEXT TUESDAY:

Next week is the last Tuesday of the month meaning barbecue at the club after the race.  Bring your best food for grilling.  It is always a popular event.

ABSENCE:

I will be away for the next 3 weeks but the races will continue.  Chris Hofmann will be setting up and calling the courses and writing the blog.  Chris has been a critical factor in the success of our Tuesday sailing events. Thank you, Chris, for keeping the races going.

Barry Keeler

Ssailing Pair A Dice

MAY 16, 2023 WARM STEADY EASTERLY

 

MAY 16, 2023

WARM STEADY EASTERLY

When I arrived at the harbor, the flags were showing a mild northwesterly breeze but as the afternoon progressed, it shifted to an Easterly.  It was a very pleasant afternoon as the sun was back and it was not necessary to bundle up to fight the chill that we have grown accustomed to.  As we left the harbor right after 5 o’clock the Easterly was building across the bay.   We approached the start mark area and determined the wind was straight from the East: 90 degrees and set a line square to this direction.  We decided to use an offset mark which we positioned toward shore and called for course Echo 2.

We blew the 5:50 horn for Fleet A to start at 5:55 and B fleet to start at 6pm. Both fleets got off to a clean start as all boats tacked their way to Blacks then off to the offset mark and S/F twice around.   Fortunately, the wind stayed consistent, though there seemed to be a differential between close to the beach and further out.  The first A Fleet boat across the finish line was Aboriginal 28:38 followed by Watts Moore 32:44, Friskey 33:01, Double Espresso 33:57, Good Timin’  34:26, Sweetheart 35:06, Sanctuaire 35:56, Aquavit 36:48, Perigon 38:34 and Rosie 39:32.  B Fleet had Zoop first across the line 32:02 followed by Nidaros 35:34, Pacific Spirit 37:42, Makani 38:12,  Big Mac 40:44, Simpatico 40:54, Sweet Pea 43:35 and Kicks 44:00.  All times are elapsed and the course distance was 2.4 NM.

It was a beautiful evening on the water with over 25 boats out for the fun and a warm steady Easterly breeze.

                                               PACIFIC SPIRIT SAILING UNDER A HALO

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS

FLEET A

PLACE   BOAT                                                     CORRECTED  TIME

1             WATTS MOORE                                  26:44

2             ABORIGINAL                                      27:18

3             FRISKEY                                              29:46

4             DOUBLE ESPRESSO                          29:59

5             GOOD TIMIN                                      30:09

6            SANCTUAIRE                                      31:22

7             AQUAVIT                                             34:15

8             ROSIE                                                    34:36

9            TUSITALA                                             34:52

10           SWEETHEART                                     35:20

11           PERIGON                                              36:05

FLEET B

1             ZOOP                                                    27:36

2             NIDAROS                                            31:52

3             PACIFIC SPIRIT                                  32:44

4             MAKANI                                             33:41

5             BIG MAC                                            33:55

6            SIMPATICO                                         35:55

7             KICKS                                                 38:27

8           SWEET PEA                                         38:37

 

RACE QS:

This app, which has been so critical for our Tuesday Night sailing has been barely functional.  My track did not even record for my boat.  As usual, I preset the start but took a phone call after presetting the start, which may have bumped Race QS.  All I know is that there was no track for me to upload.  Another problem was how Race QS displayed on the computer, the usual fleet portrayal was not available.  I had to open the app and search for each boat to assess the finish time and adjusted time.  The above PHRF adjusted times are the best I could do.  I only hope Race QS can get repaired.   To watch your track, pull up your account on the computer.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION:

Sailboat racing has many boats competing in close proximity, with wind shifts and puffs.  What could go wrong?  We have the racing rules of sailing to help prevent accidents.   Incidents on boats while racing can be very expensive and also dangerous to the crew.  There are several key components of safe boating and racing.

-SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Safe racing requires alertness and communication between at least a few people.  With all sails deployed, the skipper is presented with many blind spots.  Communication from the crew is the best way to deal with these blind  spots.  On  my boat, there is constant banter from the crew to the skipper. Crew: “You have a starboard tack boat at 2 o’clock 100 feet away”.  Skipper: “got it”.  Every boat needs to have communication between skipper and crew to prevent “surprises”.

-RULES:  To properly control a sailboat in a race, the skipper should know the rules.  Most of us generally know the primary rules such as starboard vs port and windward vs leeward.  Protest committees are used to sort out the finer nuances of the rules after the race. All skippers should know the basic rules. By signing up for these races, you have agreed to follow the RRS (Racing Rules of Sailing).

-RULES INFRACTIONS: When a rule is not followed, it can be very dangerous as boats try to avoid each other.  After the incident, the boat that has broken the rule needs to exonerate by doing a 360 degree turn.  Some infractions in the RRS require a two-turn penalty, but our Sailing Instructions indicate a single turn for all broken rules. Having the “Its only Tuesday Night Sailing, I don’t need to follow the rules” attitude is not appropriate for the safety of the fleet.  

 I love sailing and the reputation sailors have.  There is a story about someone being protested for being OCS on a start.  The pictures and video showed the boat was not OCS, but on examination the sailor on the protested boat was trapped out and his jacket touched the start line mark.  He immediately disqualified his boat from the race.  Ernie Rideout was known for stating: “If you win and do not earn the respect of your competitors, you have not won anything”.

We will see you next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

MAY 9, 2023 BEST WIND THIS SEASON!

 

MAY 9, 2023

BEST WIND THIS SEASON!

I arrived at the boat early in the afternoon and passed time socializing with dock mates.  I monitored the flags, and they seemed to confirm the forecast for the evening: 15-17 knots with gusts of 20.  I did not even consider swapping out my 155 for the 135.  The crew arrived and we left the dock at 5pm.   As we left the harbor, I was surprised that conditions called for a reefed main.  It was quite windy with stronger gusts. 

As we approached the start mark area, we determined the wind was coming from 255 and set a line square to the wind.  Since we had time, we sailed further out and saw that the wind was stronger outside.  I saw 27 knots (apparent) on my wind instrument.  It was going to be an interesting night sailing with a partially furled, 155 headsail. We called for course Whiskey 2 for Fleet A and Whiskey 3 for Fleet B.  We blew the 10-minute horn, which apparently did not go over the radio so this left questions for both fleets on the accurate start time.  On PAD we were inside sighting the line for the Fleet A start and were surprised that all boats seemed to start a little late, due to the no horn confusion.

All boats in each fleet had clean starts and the first of A Fleet to round Schuyler was Coyote and Sagittarius followed by Double Espresso, Aquavit, Tusitala, Watts Moore and Rosie.   The first of B Fleet to round was Zoop, followed by Gold Rush, Avatar, Perfect 36, Pair A Dice, Makani, Pacific Spirit, Kicks, Nidaros and Big Mac.

It was an interesting run from Schuyler to Blacks with most boats sailing wing on wing.  Finally, the 155 was working for us! It was frustrating to see Aboriginal sail an awesome race, but because of a Race QS error or malfunction, their track only showed a 7 second track.  I know they are fast, but it takes longer than 7 seconds to sail Whiskey 2, even for them!

At the finish for A fleet, first over the line (with a recorded track) was Sagittarius 43:11, followed by Coyote 43:28, Aquavit 44:23, Tusitala 46:33, Watts Moore 47:06 and Rosie 51:44.  Fleet B finished their shorter course with Zoop leading 44:19, followed by Gold Rush 45:39, Avatar 49:17, Makani 49:56, Pacific Spirit 50:21, Perfect 36 50:28, Pair A Dice 51:10, Kicks 57:52, Nidaros 58:00 and Big Mac 1:00:17.  All times are elapsed and the course distance for Fleet A was 4.76NM and Fleet B course was 3.7NM.

It was a beautiful evening on the water with over 20 boats out.  With the hit or miss characteristics of sailing in Santa Cruz, it was great to have an evening with the best wind of the season.

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS

FLEET A

PLACE                   BOAT                     ADJUSTED TIME

1             SAGITTARIUS                     33:59

2             WATTS MOORE                  35:12

3             COYOTE                              36:38

4             AQUAVIT                             38:40

5             ROSIE                                   38:52

6             TUSITALA                            39:24

FLEET B

1             ZOOP                                    35:26

2             GOLD RUSH                        37:52

3             PAIR A DICE                        40:04

4             PACIFIC SPIRIT                   40:10

5             MAKANI                              40:52

6             AVATAR                                41:08

7             PERFECT 36                         41:35

8             BIG MAC                              46:35

9             KICKS                                   46:42

10           NIDAROS                             51:20

 

Race QS:

The track for this evening can be found at:

 https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&updatedAt=2023-05-10T02:25:56Z&divisionId=89385&dt=2023-05-09T17:50:03-07:00..2023-05-09T19:23:54-07:00&model=&iframe=true&time=1683684115000&focus=Watts%20Moore%E2%80%A6&rival=Tusitala&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.958866&lon=-121.993825&tilt=1&range=6668&heading=2

When it works, Race QS is an awesome app.  It is always discouraging for me to see boats out and doing very well, but having no Race QS track prevents them from being counted.  The following tips may optimize your use and hopefully guarantee that the app will work for you. 

                1)preset your start before you go to the boat.  You could even do it while drinking your morning coffee.  I preset the start to 5:45 (17:45) to capture pre-race action. Confirm the start time before clicking “ON” to set it.

                2)Plug your phone in so it does not lose its charge.

                3) Mount the phone as close to boat center line face up with top of phone pointed toward the bow, I have a cradle in my chart table to mount my phone.

                4) I upload my track after returning to the harbor.  A note will come up on the screen in about 2 seconds “track successfully uploaded”.

FINISH LINE:

What constitutes the finish line?  There is confusion because of changes I made this year.   Before this year, we used the extension of the line from the lighthouse through the start mark.  Last year we divided into two fleets which resulted in situations where some boats could be rounding a mark to one side while other boats could be finishing on the opposite side of the mark.  I saw potential danger with this scenario so I have tried to change the finish line to use the line from Lighthouse to start mark. We cannot follow the tradition of using the start line as a finish line because I need to retrieve the temporary mark we use for the line.  Another issue is that the start mark is not always in the same location, so it may be difficult to ascertain which side of the boat the mark is passed using Race QS.

For Tuesday night sailing, I do everything I can to count all boats.  This is a “developmental series” and is supposed to be fun.  The course card indicates, for each finish, the side of the boat the mark should be on.  If you don’t use an improper rounding to your advantage, you will be counted. I will use a line that every boat passes through as a finish line.  If the line remains the same for everyone, the results will be accurate.  Please attempt to round the mark on the side indicated on the course card, as close as possible (within 200 feet).

I hope to see you next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

               

MAY 2, 2023 AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE

 

MAY 2, 2023

AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE

With the rain we have had recently, the thought of our Tuesday evening sail was dubious at best. Both Predict wind and Windy called for a break in the rain from 5pm until about 8, so I decided to at least give it a try.  The same predictions called for a 10-15 knot breeze.  As the afternoon progressed, I observed the ocean from the beach which showed a steady southerly breeze. The sea-state looked like 15-17 knot winds and not much wave action.  I was going to learn how quickly conditions can change!

As crew arrived, we watched as a few boats left the harbor for the sail.  We left the harbor at about 5:10 and I was impressed with the steepness of the waves at the harbor entrance.  Though the waves were steep, they were not breaking.  The winds had increased to 20-23 knots so we hoisted our main with a reef in.  It was a crazy ocean with 6 foot waves and a very short period of maybe 6 seconds: not an evening for a pleasure sail! Despite these conditions, we still had three other diehard boats out for the “fun”.  I wanted to start the race from SC2 because of the southerly direction of the wind, but SC2 was missing.  I also had misgivings about trying to retrieve a start-line buoy in such conditions.  I got on the radio with the other 3 boats and each said they were ok with no race.  One comment offered was “we could be at the bar in five minutes”!  One boat chimed in from the harbor saying they were on their way out to see what was happening.  To add an explanation point to our decision to abandon race, rain started splashing us in the face with impending dark clouds overhead.  We “headed for the barn” as we passed the last boat coming out.  It did not take long for them to join us returning to the slip.

I appreciate the die-hard boats and crew that braved the conditions this evening: Sweetheart, Zoop, Watts Moore and Avatar.

 With the memory of our awesome sail last Tuesday with flat seas and a steady 10-15 knot Easterly.  The conditions of the ocean on this evening were like sailing in an alternate universe.

UNUSUAL CONDITIONS:  WHY?

I like Paul Tara’s (Zoop) explanation of what caused these unusual conditions.

“Sea State.  Confused sea states like last night’s (Tuesday’s) are rarely experienced by sailors in Santa Cruz.  They are usually the result of frontal passages, with rapidly changing wind strength and direction.  These occur during the winter months, when the Harbor is usually shoaled and boats can’t transit, or are accompanied by gales, when recreational sailing is precluded. Yesterday (Tuesday), the wind started out NW in the wake of the low that had passed the day before.  Then, it shifted to the SW and built as the day wore on, eventually settling in at SSW, per the forecast. Although it was backing when we were out, there was still a fair amount of west in it as we entered the Harbor.  This contributed because it wasn’t a true southerly and thus had greater fetch. Wednesday morning, the low is offshore of Monterey, and the wind has now backed all the way to a moderate southeasterly with a relatively calm sea state.  By the time the low is off Morrow Bay, the breeze will have gone around to the NNW.”

_)               _)

Though Predict Wind and Windy were not exactly right in their predictions, I’m glad we went out just for the education.  The only thing that “drove us back to the harbor (and the bar)” was the sea-state.  We were all bundled up for the chilly conditions and the rain was not severe. 

I hope to see you next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice