JUNE 10, 2025 CHALLENGING CONDITIONS

 

JUNE 10, 2025

CHALLENGING CONDITIONS

Predictions  were for healthy wind with gusts up to 20 knots and decreasing to 10 knots through the evening.  Indeed when we left the harbor at 5 o'clock there was healthy 18 knot winds across the bay.  The  wind was from 240  degrees and we set the start line square to this direction.  With great wind and no predictions for a noticeable decrease, we were thinking of longer courses but as the clock ticked  down closer to start time, the wind was quickly dying especially closer to shore so we changed to a shorter course: Whiskey 5.

The start was very “interesting” with adequate wind at the S/F mark and little  or no wind toward shore.  As one would expect boats there  were a lot of boats crowded together at the windier end. After the crowded B Fleet start we sailed out into the  stronger wind.  The strength of the wind was only one part of the equation with the wind constantly clocking often changing by 90 degrees.  After rounding Schuyler, all boats had to negotiate the no wind area in by the S/F mark.   As all boats moved slowly toward the finish, we could see a weak Easterly building toward shore which was just enough to allow boats to crawl over the finish line.

With a wide diversity in wind speed and direction, it was the epitome of challenging conditions. 

To get a sample of the conditions  for this evening check out the video at this site:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Kfh2HdKJUuuXpVfT6

Thanks to Jennifer Kinsman for the video!

 

 

PHRF CORRECTED TIME:

PLACE                 BOAT                       PHRF                   ET                          CORRECTED TIME

FLEET A:

1             ABORIGINAL                   33                            40:18                                  38:58

2            TRUE LOVE                       72                           55:18                                52:24

3             DOUBLE ESPRESSO         99                          56:41                                  52:41

4             AQUAVIT                           72                          59:26                                  56:32

5             DUET                                  141                       63:48                                  58:08

6             INTERLUDE                     141                        67:03                                  61:22

7             MAGIC                              141                        70:02                                  64:21

FLEET B:

1             PERFECT 36                    144                       60:47                                  54:59

2             SIMPATICO                      165                       61:47                                  55:09

3             BIG MAC                          222                       66:06                                  57:10

4             MAKANI                           147                       63:45                                  57:48

5             SAILING PAIR A DICE    180                      66:48                                  60:33

6             TOAD                                150                       71:44                                  65:41

7             KICKS                               180                       78:24                                  70:57

8             SWEET PEA                      165                       78:05                                  71:27

9             AVATAR                             132                       87:00                                  81:42

_)                                     _)                                _)                         (_                            (_  O

RULES ON PROPULSION:

In last weeks post, I erroneously said there was not rule on using your engine in a race. I was corrected when someone educated me about Rule 42.3i

“Sailing  instructions may, in stated circumstances, permit propulsion using an engine or any other method, provided the boat does not gain a significant advantage in the race”

Next year we will include this in our SI’s, but for this year keep in mind.  If a collision is even possible, start your engine to prevent a collision.  After the danger has passed, you can continue to sail in the race.

I hope to see you all sailing next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice