JANUARY 25, 2022 HEAVENLY SAILING

 

JANUARY 25, 2022

HEAVENLY SAILING

After two Tuesdays in a row of wind so light that we had to sail very short, improvised courses, it was awesome to arrive at the harbor to see the flags actually flying on the Crows Nest.  Our expectations were not disappointed as we left the harbor to see the bay filled with a steady breeze.  We made our way to the start “buoy” and determined the wind was coming from 225 degrees and set a line square to this.  There was no course on the course card that fit so I improvised and called for a course: Start line to Schuyler, Mile and back for a finish at the start mark.  We blew a 5-minute horn at 2:55 for a 3pm start.

On Pair a dice we wanted to achieve a start at the starboard end of the line which would allow us to tack  to port  whenever we chose to, not impeded by traffic.  Zoop nailed the port end of the line right on time with a port tack start and cleared the whole line of starboard tacking boats!  It was great to have some wind to work with as we all tacked our way to Schuyler.  At Schuyler, the first around was Zoop followed by Avatar, Perfect 36 and Nidaros rounded together, PAD, Muffin, Simpatico, Aeolian, Pacific Spirit, Sea Quake and Kicks.  On the broad reach to Mile the sequence of boats did not change except Aeolian squeaked ahead of Simpatico.

On the run to the finish mark, most of the boats sailed the rhumb line.  PAD tried using a whisker pole down wind then sailing a hotter point of sail toward the finish mark.  The first to finish was Zoop 39:03 followed by Avatar 40:57, Nidaros 43:04, Perfect 36 43:06 Pair A Dice 44:10, Muffin 45:32, Aeolian 46:55, Pacific Spirit 48:00, Simpatico 48:47, Sea Quake 52:04 and Kicks 57:36.  The course distance was 3.02 nautical miles and all times are elapsed.  It was an exciting finish between Nidaros and Perfect 36 who had sailed the last half of the race together.  It was so close that it could have been a tie.  It is hard to call this one from Race QS tracks. Fantastic racing  by all!

It was a glorious day of awesome sailing in steady 10-12 knot winds.  It was just what I would think heavenly sailing would be like.

PHRF adjusted ratings are below:

ADJ SEC	ADJ PLACE
1908.24	ZOOP
2058.36	AVATAR
2106.4	SAILING PAIR A DICE
2151.12	THE PERFECT 36
2239.72	NIDAROS II
2307.64	AEOLIAN
2315.24	MUFFIN
2880	PACIFIC SPIRIT
2927	SIMPATICO
3124	SEAQUAKE
3456	KICKS

 

 

RACE QS:

Everyone seemed to use this app this afternoon and the track can be found here:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=77898&updatedAt=2022-01-26T00:19:18Z&dt=2022-01-25T14:45:02-08:00..2022-01-25T16:19:04-08:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1643156344000&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&rival=Nidaros%20II&tab=fleet&view=follow&lat=36.960688&lon=-122.004790&tilt=5&range=2225&heading=223

FOUR O’CLOCK STARTS:

Several people have suggested that we start our Tuesday Afternoon races at 4 o’clock.  The sun is setting later now and a 4 o’clock start will be easier for people that are still working and may yield better wind. NEXT TUESDAY THE 5 MINUTE HORN WILL BLOW AT 3:55 FOR A 4PM START.

PORT TACK START:

Kudos to Zoop for the perfect execution of a port tack start.  When executed perfectly this move can result in excellent position with clear air and no “crossing situations”.  Our start line was set a little long which helps but being alert and noticing this is just part of the game. Thanks for showing us how it is done!

PORT STARBOARD SITUATIONS:

These situations can be exciting.  Being aware of situations as they occur is key to avoiding anxiety. Recently I was in a race (not a Tuesday race) where we had just rounded the windward mark and were  setting the whisker pole.  I was concentrating on the foredeck action and noticed (too late) a starboard tack boat approaching. There was no hail from the SB tack boat and my mainsheet person was not on station to execute a jibe.  A crash jibe would almost certainly have resulted in injury or damage.  The SB tack boat sailed right up to my beam and tacked over to round the mark.

I learned a few lessons with this experience.  When on port tack, always be aware of starboard tackers.  I am usually good on this but allowed myself to be distracted.  If I had seen the boat earlier, I could have gotten crew in position to jibe, sailed deeper to duck or at least Hailed “tack or cross?”  If on starboard it is important to hail “STARBOARD” soon enough for the port tack boat to evade.  Hailing also lets the port tack boat know your intentions. It is easy to get lulled into a sense of “I’m on starboard, I have the right of way” and let your guard down.  I am finding that awareness is important whether you are on starboard or port.    Another factor that can add complexity is if a boat has just tacked and is coming up to speed it can be difficult to gauge if evasive action must be taken. 

Remember that sighting crossing situations are different when judging port tack or starboard tack crosses.  When on port tack, your view as helmsman is perfect because it is your stern that must clear the bow of the SB tack boat. 

We will see you next Tuesday for a 4pm start!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

 

 

JANUARY 18, 2022 THE SHORT LONG RACE

 

JANUARY 18, 2022

THE SHORT LONG RACE

After missing out on racing on Saturday (midwinters series) because of the tsunami, we were all anxious to get out and race.  After verifying the safety of the harbor, I was encouraged to see about 10 knots of wind on the water at noon.  On returning to the harbor at two o’clock, the flags were limp and the sea was glassy.  As boats were leaving the harbor and approaching the start area, I had no idea what course to call and how to set the line.  You need even a whisper of a breeze to accomplish these tasks.  The boats were bobbing and everyone seemed anxious to get a race off.  Avatar announced that they were seeing 1.5 to 2 knots a little further outside.  We motored out about 50 yards and set the red ball as the windward mark and set the line mark for the nearly nonexistent wind from  180 degrees.  By the time we got everything set, we blew a 5 minute horn for a 3:20 start.  Better late than never!

On PAD we found a way to accomplish a port tack approach to the line and tacking over to starboard tack to cross the line. All boats bobbed and s-l-o-w-l-y made their way in less than 1 knot wind, toward the windward mark that was excruciatingly far away (50 yards!).  We all had our eye on the wind-line that was outside making it’s way towards us, then backing off and finally coming back in to sweep us all over the finish line.

At the finish Jersey Girl (SC27) was first over at 27:50, followed by Avatar 44:14, Pacific Spirit 45:24, Perfect 36 46:06 and PAD at 48:06.  Lighter boats rule and there was definite compression of the fleet when the wind finally made its way inside. Times are all elapsed and course length .34 NM.  It was the night of a very short, but long race!

PHRF corrected results are as follows.

1 Jersey Girl        25:57

2 Avatar               43:22

3 Pacific Spirit     44:29

4 Perfect 36         45:17

5 PAD                    47:38

Race QS:

The track for this afternoon can be viewed at: 

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&updatedAt=2022-01-19T00:49:56Z&dt=2022-01-18T14:45:10-08:00..2022-01-18T16:49:12-08:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1642550886349&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&tab=fleet&view=follow&rival=P36&lat=36.951194&lon=-121.993695&tilt=6&range=151&heading=225

SAILING IN LIGHT TO NON-EXISTENT WIND:

Though sailing slow is no sailors desire, dealing with conditions like this offer an opportunity to learn and improve. Sailing in Santa Cruz offers many opportunities like this in the winter.  Most important to know is, as always, excessive use of the rudder does nothing but slow the boat down.  If you want to tack with the boat not moving, turning the rudder all the way acts like a brake. You would not start a drag race on land with the emergency brake engaged.  You must get the boat moving with the rudder centered before trying to tack.  This can be difficult to do when the wind indicator is reading 0.1 knots. When tacking in nearly nonexistent wind, you can also let the jib backwind to help get the bow around.  While it is not the most fun sailing conditions, observation and practice will help you improve.

Let’s hope for more wind next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

 

JANUARY 11, 2022 JANUARY SAILING IN TEE SHIRTS

 

JANUARY 11, 2022

JANUARY SAILING IN TEE SHIRTS

Predictions were for light and variable winds up to 8 knots for the afternoon.  When I got to the harbor I was not encouraged by the flags on the Crow’s nest, but as we left the harbor at around 2:20 we could see a little texture on the water.  As we approached the start area, we determined that the wind was coming from about 225 and set a line square to the wind. 

With such light wind, and the closest standing mark being Mile buoy, I was afraid people would not be able to complete the course.  We sailed upwind from the start line about 200 yards and set a “windward mark” which was a white fender.  The problem with the windward mark fender was that it was lying flat in the water looking a lot like the ubiquitous crab pots in the bay.

As the time approached for the start, the wind seemed to be building so I lengthened the course to twice around: start line, windward mark, start mark(stick), windward and finish at the normal finish line with start mark to port. We blew the five minute horn and all 7 boats set up for their start, which was a challenge.  In light winds, we have all learned to not venture far from the start area in case the wind decreases.  With the wind slightly increasing, many boats were using stalling moves to prevent being OCS.

As we all sailed toward the fender, confusion set in and some boats sailed toward crab pot floats rather than the fender.  The first around the windward mark was Perfect 36 followed by Nidaros, PAD, Avatar, Aquavit and Pacific Spirit.  After rounding the mark, we all beam reached to the start mark for the second go around.  The second time at the windward mark, Perfect 36 maintained their lead followed by Nidaros, Avatar,  Aquavit and Pair A Dice.

At the finish, it was Perfect 36 first 19:28 followed by Avatar 19:44, Nidaros 19:49, Aquavit 20:05, Pair A Dice 21:00 and Pacific Spirit 26:07. Times are elapsed and the course distance was about .75 miles.

With PHRF adjustments, the order of finish with corrected time was:

1 Perfect 36   16:51

2 Avatar          17:00

3 Pair A Dice   17:36

4 Nidaros         17:37

5 Aquavit          18:30

6 Pacific Spirit

Despite the problem with the windward mark confusion, it was a beautiful winter day’s sail with enough wind to have a race.  Ninety percent of the country is dealing with shoveling snow and freezing temperatures while we were sailing in tee shirts in January!

Race QS:

Almost all boats ran the race QS app.  The track can be found at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=77659&updatedAt=2022-01-12T00:07:26Z&dt=2022-01-11T14:55:01-08:00..2022-01-11T16:02:11-08:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1641943567494&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&rival=P36%20(alt)&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.950598&lon=-121.994153&tilt=11&range=191&heading=248

ELIMINATING MARK CONFUSION:

Who would have thought a fender could look like a crab pot float? This was a huge education for me.  I should have at least had a weight on the rode for the mark so it was more vertical.  A better solution would be to use the fender for the start line and use the red ball for the windward mark.  Also, it would have been good to take the GPS position of the mark and announce it over the radio.  We are still working on improving our game!

Lets hope for good conditions and another great sail next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

DECEMBER 14, 2021 A COLD WINTER BLAST

 

DECEMBER 14, 2021

A COLD WINTER BLAST

With the rain we got over the weekend and Monday, I was encouraged to see the sky clearing somewhat on Tuesday morning, but rain was not the only consideration.  There were predictions for 11 foot waves and small craft warnings for the afternoon.  During the morning, I studied the live harbor cam.  On Monday, during the storm I had checked the cam and it looked like victory at sea with waves breaking clear into the harbor., resembling  a washing machine on the rinse cycle!  Tuesday was much more benign and after looking at the harbor Cam for over an hour, I did not see any waves bigger than 5 feet and any waves that broke only broke about 5 feet from the outer jetty.  This told me that the harbor crew had kept up with the dredging and the East side of the harbor was deep enough to get in and out.  There was one other consideration:  As I studied the entrance in the morning, we had a 5 foot plus high tide. If we raced in the afternoon, the tide would only be 7 inches.  A much lower tide makes waves break with more force, but the harbor was obviously dredged well enough to be safe.  I decided to at least take PAD out and assembled the crew for a departure from the harbor at 2 PM.

As we were getting the boat ready to sail, the clouds seemed to be parting and the wind was still light on the flags.  As we left the harbor we were presented with a beautiful sunny, warm day on the bay and a light breeze from the north blowing us out of the harbor.  I decided to be lazy and only deployed the 155 jib. We breezed along in the light northerly, admiring the large sets firing off at Steamer Lane in the distance.  Were the waves increasing as the afternoon progressed?  Suddenly, we sailed into the developing wind which was from the normal northwest direction.  What was noticeable was the fact that this new wind was about 10 to 15 degrees cooler.  I did not get any objections when I suggested we head for the harbor.  As we turned for the harbor, we saw two more boats coming down the harbor “for the fun”.  Kicks  and Sea Quake just had to come out to see if anything was happening.  Having a few waves “show their muscle” at the harbor entrance, I felt the safest place to be was in the slip and headed for the harbor after talking to Kicks.  Sea Quake had just left the harbor and must have read our minds (or intentions) and turned right around for the safety of the harbor!

As we approached the harbor, we saw a black cloud forming over the ocean.  We had all dressed for the cold, but the fine misty  rain emanating from the black cloud added just enough chill to convince us we were going the right direction. It was definitely a cold winter blast.

Since there were only 3 boats that came out and conditions were so miserable, there is no Race QS track for this evening.  We had a great time at the club with great food, a good crowd and games that made it even more fun.

CALIFORNIA BOATER CARD:

Like many people, I have been putting off getting this card.  Taking the course and getting the card is a process that everyone that operates a boat must complete.  It is being phased in by age.  If you are 45 years old or younger you must have this card by 1/1/22. The older you are, the later the date.  At my ripe age, I could have waited until 2024 to get it.  As you need a driver’s license to drive a car, you will need this card to operate a boat.

To take this class, one option is to take a series of 2 hour classes (Boating Skills and Seamanship) by the Coast Guard auxiliary for a $75 charge. Registration for these classes will be offered on Wednesday January 5 between 7 and 8:30 PM  in the classroom on the east side of the harbor by R dock (365A Lake Ave). Classes will be conducted on Wednesdays starting Jan 12  for 13 weeks. 

I found multiple online classes that complete the requirements.  The class I chose cost $29 plus a $10 fee to get  registered with the state.  It took me about 4-5 hours for the whole course and to complete  the exams.  I found the process to be very informative and well worth the time.

Lets hope for better weather this next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

DECEMBER 7, 2021 AWESOME WINTER SAILING

 

DECEMBER 7, 2021

AWESOME WINTER SAILING

Monday was overcast, cold and dreary (for Santa Cruz).  I was hoping that Tuesday would be better.  Predict Wind was calling for 10 knots from the northwest through the afternoon.  After resolving a few crew issues, Pair A Dice was late getting to the start area, setting the start line and calling the course.  We called for course M2: start, Mile, finish.  This seemed to be a little conservative but you never know if winter winds will sustain through the afternoon.  We blew a 5 minute horn for a 3:17 start.

Pair A Dice was a little early to the start area and did a 360 to slow down.  As it turned out PAD and Pacific Spirit had perfect starts right on the line right on time.  Several boats tacked over early which was the right thing to do since they were getting bad wind from boats upwind of them.  On PAD we sailed the “longest tack” first, sailing all the way to the lay line for Mile before we tacked over on port.  As we approached the lay line to round Mile, Nidaros crossed easily in front of us.  At Mile, Nidaros was the first to round followed by PAD, Perfect 36, Pacific Spirit and Kicks.

On the run back to the finish line, we tried to set a whisker pole, but the wind was not in the right direction for using a pole so we took it down.  The wind was so favorable, I was thinking of lengthening the course to round Gov, but then the wind seemed to wain a little upsetting that plan.  I was encouraged to see boats going downwind with crew on the bow rather than the cockpit:   BUTTS ON THE BOW!

At the finish it was Nidaros first 33:19 followed by Pair A Dice 33:34, Perfect 36, Pacific Spirit 35:49 and Kicks 41:09.   To be fair to Kicks and crew, they were late getting to the start area. All times are elapsed and the course distance is 2.07NM.

PHRF adjusted times for this evening:

ADJ SEC	ADJ PLACE
1641.4	1	PAIR A DICE
1763.02	2	NIDAROS
1770.92	3	PERFECT 36
1813.66	4	PACIFIC SPIRIT
2096.4	5	KICKS

 I had braced myself for a very cold afternoon sail, but  the sun was out and we had great wind for our  race.  It was a perfect example of awesome winter sailing in Santa Cruz.

We had an awesome time at the club over drinks discussing and reminiscing World War II stories as relayed to us by relatives that had participated in that war.  It was the least we could do to honor this day in history: the 80^th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

RACE QS:

We had 6 boats out for the fun, only five of the boats ran their Race QS tracks. You can view the replay at: https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&updatedAt=2021-12-08T00:35:21Z&dt=2021-12-07T14:45:25-08:00..2021-12-07T16:35:13-08:00&boat=Pairadice&time=1638921490564&focus=Pairadice&rival=Nidaros%20II&tab=setup&view=manual&lat=36.950576&lon=-121.997384&tilt=8&range=1120&heading=211

  “LONGEST TACK FIRST” VERSUS “NEVER SAIL TO THE CORNERS”

These are two strategies that racers use.  The longest tack first is great if you can get clear air.  Eliminating tacks helps, especially if you notice that you are getting lifted almost the whole time as PAD experienced on this night.  As it turned out we ended up “sailing to the corner” but the “corner” was very close to the mark (Mile).  This could also be attributed to Mile not being directly upwind. Never sailing to the corners is employed when the mark is directly upwind and you are dealing with other boat’s disturbed wind.  Never sailing to the corners also allows you to take advantage of headers and lifts.  If you can tack at the right time on a header, you are lifted which can be a huge advantage.

HOLIDAY SEASON SAILING:

If conditions permit, we will be sailing the next two Tuesdays (December 14  and 21).  The last Tuesday of the month (12/28) the club is closed for the week and I will be out of town so we will not have a sail or barbecue on this last Tuesday of the month.  We will be back sailing on Tuesday January 4.  I hope all of you have a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!  STAY SAFE!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

NOVEMBER 30, 2021 THE CHECK FINALLY CLEARED!

 

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

THE CHECK FINALLY CLEARED!

After last week’s horrific no-wind experience, I was concerned about potential conditions we would have on this day.  Predict Wind was not encouraging predicting 3-6 knots of wind, decreasing as the afternoon progressed.  As we left the harbor at about 2:15, I was encouraged to see wind spread across the bay, but would it continue after three o’clock?

We approached the start area and determined the wind was coming from 225 degrees, a little south of the normal 240.  We set the line, called for course Whiskey 5: start, Schuyler, finish.  We set a line that was a little short for the 12 boats that were out for the fun but it seemed to work out well since the line was square to the wind.  We blew the 5 minute horn and had a clean start with everyone crossing the line simultaneously.

Right after we crossed the start line, we were being shadowed by larger boats and tacked over toward the inside for clear wind and waves on the beam rather than the bow. Most boats sailed further out on starboard tack before tacking toward inside.  All boats tacked their way to Schuyler and the first around was New Wave followed by Aquavit, Zoop, PAD, Perfect 36, Pacific Spirit, Nidaros, Muffin, Simpatico and Kicks.

On the way back to the finish line, many boats sailed further inside on the rhumb line to the finish. On PAD we stayed outside with whisker pole on starboard keeping the wind at the most efficient angle (in the box).  At the appropriate time, we jibed over with the pole on port.  This seemed to work well for us as we seemed to make time on the inside boats.  At the finish, New Wave was first around 38:23 followed by Zoop 41:00, PAD 42:00, Perfect 36 42:16, Aquavit 42:23, Nidaros 44:04, Pacific Spirit 44:27, Muffin 46:55, Simpatico 51:44 and Kicks 54:00.  All times are elapsed and the course distance was 2.68NM.

It was a beautiful day with classic winter conditions for sailing: steady light breeze with sunny skies.  With the wind staying consistent at 10-12 knots through the afternoon, it seems like my check to the wind gods finally cleared!

We had a great “last Tuesday of the month” barbecue potluck with many people coming to the club for food, drink, comradery and games.

RACE QS:

Everyone is using this app and the track can be seen by clicking on this site:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=77215&updatedAt=2021-12-01T04:32:14Z&dt=2021-11-30T14:45:03-08:00..2021-11-30T19:16:37-08:00&boat=Pairadice&time=1638316464200&focus=Pairadice&rival=Zoop&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.951363&lon=-121.994147&tilt=23&range=425&heading=232

PHRF ADJUSTED RESULTS:

			2008.85	1	NEW WAVE
			2043	2	PAD
			2078.4	3	ZOOP
			2154.4	4	PERFECT 36
			2237.7	5	PACIFIC SPIRIT  6  WIND II
			2341.9	7	NIDAROS II
			2354.85	8	AQUAVIT
			2433.4	9	MUFFIN
			3104	10	SIMPATICO
			3240	11	KICKS

SAILING “IN THE BOX”

On Pair A Dice, when sailing downwind, we find that sailing “in the box” is the most efficient point of sail.  Sailing in the box means having the masthead windex pointing at the tabs used to indicate sailing hard on the wind while sailing upwind.  We find that this maximizes our speed going downwind.

NEED CREW? WANT TO CREW?

As we progress with our Tuesday afternoon sailing through the winter, there seems to be an imbalance in crew. Some boats have a large crew, some boats have only 2 people and other boats do not come out because of lack of crew. Some boats are turning away crew for lack of room.   If you are interested in crewing on other boats, please send your sailing resume to sailingpairadice@gmail.com  .  This sailing resume should include: years sailing, boat types you have sailed and positions you are willing to fill (mainsheet, foredeck, Jib sheet etc).  On the other hand, if you are having trouble getting crew that are available for these afternoon sails, please send me an email stating how many people you need to sail your boat.  I will send resumes of people wanting to sail to people needing crew, so we can resolve this discrepancy. Sailing on other people’s boats is an awesome way to improve your sailing skills!

TOES ON THE NOSE:

We all know to get weight on the front of the boat for the downwind leg.  All surfers know that the old “hanging ten” on the long board was to increase speed.  I had an interesting experience on this night.  We had 6 people on board and for the downwind leg, most of us got out of the cockpit and congregated on the foredeck around the mast.  This helped our speed, but I wanted to do more so I inched forward and sat with my legs straddling the bow.  I watched as I took this position and noticed that our ranging on competitors increased dramatically.  Standing by the mast is better than staying in the cockpit, but getting weight further forward is even better. So “toes on the nose”  while surfing has morphed to “Butt on the bow” for sailing!

We will see you next Tuesday for a 3pm start.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

NOVEMBER 23, 2021 SHOULD' A BROUGHT A POLE

 

NOVEMBER 23, 2021

SHOULD’A BROUGHT A POLE

Showing up to the harbor at about 1:30 for our 3 pm race, there was very little wind showing on the flags.  By the time we left the harbor after 2:15, there was a southeasterly blowing with pockets of wind up to 10 knots.  It was a glorious day for a winter sail with predominantly clear skies.  We had 11 boats out for the fun and we set the line for wind that was coming from about 130 degrees.  We called for course M2: Start, Mile, finish at start.  As the clocked ticked down to the 3 pm start, the wind seemed to be dissipating.  By 3pm, the wind was nearly nonexistent for most of us.   Some of the lighter boats were able to use the less than 1 knot wind to S-L-O-W-L-Y sail toward Mile buoy.  In breeze that was light to nonexistent, if you were close to any boat at all, there was no progress.  Indeed after 30 minutes of bobbing, Pair A Dice was less than 100 yards from the start line.

As frustrating as it is for all boats in a race, organizers of races feel the frustration at an excruciating level.  Sailing in Santa Cruz is fraught with changing conditions.   A period of no wind is usually a transition from one wind to another.  We all deal with these changes on a regular basis.  The usual way to deal with this is to scan the water for where the wind is developing.  On this night, there was no transition.  It was just dead, leaving boats with no auxiliary power in a precarious position and needing a tow in.   Thanks to the boats that assisted with this effort.

As we retired from the race and were entering the harbor, I was pretty bummed out and one of my crew reminded me: “what a beautiful evening it was on the water even with no wind!”  My lesson for the night is realizing that we are truly blessed to live in such an environment.  As far as sailing this evening, I should of brought a fishing pole to take advantage of the conditions.

The club has a perfect view of the bay and sure enough as we were eating dinner at about 5 o’clock we looked out to sea and saw healthy wind ripples out on the bay, so it was a transition after all. 

LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH BARBECUE:

Next Tuesday is the last Tuesday of the month.  Our tradition has been to have a potluck barbecue on the last Tuesday Night sail of the month.  We will continue this tradition for Tuesday afternoon sailing.  I am looking forward to enjoying the social repartee we all enjoy at these events.  We have been conducting games at the club on Tuesday evenings at the club, so after dining we have backgammon games.  I can also set up a craps table for non-gambling craps.

Lets hope that we at least get some wind next week.  We will start the race at 3pm with the 5 minute horn at 2:55.

HAVE A FANTASTIC THANKSGIVING!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice