Philpott
Cal 2-27 Dura Mater
Congratulations, Nathalie!!! Wow! That boat looks awfully small. What a brave girl!!!
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New Boat 4 Sled
- Thread starter sleddog
- Start date
Congratulations, Nathalie!!! Wow! That boat looks awfully small. What a brave girl!!!
Sailing on the Sea my friends
Is gonna keep you free and clean.
But for now we wear our rubber boots
With breath as hard as kerosene.
And where we'll get the bread to go
Ain't nobody knows.
HARRIER is the General's ship
His hull's as fast as polished steel.
The General's worn a groove to Hanalei
And eats nails for his next meal.
Soon we'll meet the fleet you know
On the docks of old Tiburow.
Our loves may cry when we say goodbye
And sail into our dreams.
But all the Race Committee say
"They'll be here any day
To gather 'round the Tree."
SCARAMOUCHE sails the blue
All day long like she's built to.
And BANDICOOT surfs in LIGHTSPEED's wake
Wylie's close in classic duel.
The history books tell of TAZ's trips,
And a spinnaker is flying from GALAXSEA
But Hanalei's quiet til' we round the Point
Then dogs a barkin' at the Hula Tree.
And all the Race Committee say:
"Soon they'll be coming any day
With slack key strummin' in the sunset breeze
To the Bay of Hanalei."
___/)_/)____^^^_____
Is gonna keep you free and clean.
But for now we wear our rubber boots
With breath as hard as kerosene.
And where we'll get the bread to go
Ain't nobody knows.
HARRIER is the General's ship
His hull's as fast as polished steel.
The General's worn a groove to Hanalei
And eats nails for his next meal.
Soon we'll meet the fleet you know
On the docks of old Tiburow.
Our loves may cry when we say goodbye
And sail into our dreams.
But all the Race Committee say
"They'll be here any day
To gather 'round the Tree."
SCARAMOUCHE sails the blue
All day long like she's built to.
And BANDICOOT surfs in LIGHTSPEED's wake
Wylie's close in classic duel.
The history books tell of TAZ's trips,
And a spinnaker is flying from GALAXSEA
But Hanalei's quiet til' we round the Point
Then dogs a barkin' at the Hula Tree.
And all the Race Committee say:
"Soon they'll be coming any day
With slack key strummin' in the sunset breeze
To the Bay of Hanalei."
___/)_/)____^^^_____
The wind is blowing softly on the spinny and the spars,
We've said goodbye to loving friends, to West Marine, and cars.
The Golden Gate is at our backs, the sky is full of stars,
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
Yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
With a nylon chute, a foaming wake, and music on the brain.
All of Larry's money couldn't buy this moment in time,
When we're sailing to Hanalei again.
We've spent our time aloft, alow. We've studied the RRC's.
Memorized the PCR's, the Gribs, and Race Entries.
But now were leaving CYC, next stop is Hanalei Tree
Oh yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
We surf the waves, dodge the squalls, hoping to be fast.
And hum sea songs at sunset, while standing by the mast.
Southwest we sail, into the sunset, on a sea most wonderfully vast
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
Oh yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
With a cup of Joe, a sunrise watch, and songs of sweet refrain.
All of the hoops we've jumped through are now distant pain.
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
A peach full moon is on the bow, setting on the Western Rim,
FROLIC's running hard in a sunrise squall, twins in perfect trim.
To leeward the General is smiling broad, as the stars are growing dim.
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
Oh yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
With a sound little ship, a determined mood, and tethers all clipped in.
I tell you all of Larry's money couldn't buy this moment in time.
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
__/)___/)__^^_____O_____
We've said goodbye to loving friends, to West Marine, and cars.
The Golden Gate is at our backs, the sky is full of stars,
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
Yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
With a nylon chute, a foaming wake, and music on the brain.
All of Larry's money couldn't buy this moment in time,
When we're sailing to Hanalei again.
We've spent our time aloft, alow. We've studied the RRC's.
Memorized the PCR's, the Gribs, and Race Entries.
But now were leaving CYC, next stop is Hanalei Tree
Oh yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
We surf the waves, dodge the squalls, hoping to be fast.
And hum sea songs at sunset, while standing by the mast.
Southwest we sail, into the sunset, on a sea most wonderfully vast
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
Oh yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
With a cup of Joe, a sunrise watch, and songs of sweet refrain.
All of the hoops we've jumped through are now distant pain.
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
A peach full moon is on the bow, setting on the Western Rim,
FROLIC's running hard in a sunrise squall, twins in perfect trim.
To leeward the General is smiling broad, as the stars are growing dim.
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
Oh yes, we're sailing to Hanalei again.
With a sound little ship, a determined mood, and tethers all clipped in.
I tell you all of Larry's money couldn't buy this moment in time.
And we're sailing to Hanalei again.
__/)___/)__^^_____O_____
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April, National Poetry Month, is just about played out .. One last attempt, and I promise no more.
We were cutter-rigged and rakish,
with long and lissome hulls,
And we flew the pretty colors of asymmetricals.
With staysails pulling mighty in the fore,
We sailed the Single Handed Transpac in alternate years of yore.
With a boom preventer rigged, like a well-conducted ship,
We'd each a brace of feather jigs and a tether at the hip;
It's a point which tells against us, and a fact to be deplored,
But we chased the golden mahi, and laid their fins aboard.
And flying fish filled the scuppers and squid dried beneath the pole,
And the varnish was all splattered with scales on the sole.
But we soon were washed and rinsed, as the squalls marched slowly by.
And tradewinds blew us foaming westward under popcorn in the sky.
O! Then it was beneath the myriad night time stars,
We could hear the dolphins squeaking as they swam in from afar.
And having trimmed the boat asleep, with little else to do,
We danced a quiet hornpipe as the old salts taught us to.
O! The slack key on the stereo and our slapping naked soles,
We danced a little jig and curtsied as she rolled.
Ah! the thirsty solo sailors and the radio pranks we played,
Would be told beneath the Tree at the ending of the day.
With the silver seas around us and the full moon overhead,
And the look-out gazing westward as his cigar was glowing red.
The cutters and their merry crews will be anchored not far away,
A little south of sunset in the Bay of the Hanalei.
We were cutter-rigged and rakish,
with long and lissome hulls,
And we flew the pretty colors of asymmetricals.
With staysails pulling mighty in the fore,
We sailed the Single Handed Transpac in alternate years of yore.
With a boom preventer rigged, like a well-conducted ship,
We'd each a brace of feather jigs and a tether at the hip;
It's a point which tells against us, and a fact to be deplored,
But we chased the golden mahi, and laid their fins aboard.
And flying fish filled the scuppers and squid dried beneath the pole,
And the varnish was all splattered with scales on the sole.
But we soon were washed and rinsed, as the squalls marched slowly by.
And tradewinds blew us foaming westward under popcorn in the sky.
O! Then it was beneath the myriad night time stars,
We could hear the dolphins squeaking as they swam in from afar.
And having trimmed the boat asleep, with little else to do,
We danced a quiet hornpipe as the old salts taught us to.
O! The slack key on the stereo and our slapping naked soles,
We danced a little jig and curtsied as she rolled.
Ah! the thirsty solo sailors and the radio pranks we played,
Would be told beneath the Tree at the ending of the day.
With the silver seas around us and the full moon overhead,
And the look-out gazing westward as his cigar was glowing red.
The cutters and their merry crews will be anchored not far away,
A little south of sunset in the Bay of the Hanalei.
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hodgmo
Still Floating
Sleddog - Thank you for sharing your prose and imagery. They are much appreciated.
I hope this answer to your former post amuses...
Oh yes, we sail to Hanalei and back
Following those who’ve led the pack:
Sled dog’s Wylie and poetic path to glory,
Mike Pyzel and his Cal stretch story,
Stan Honey’s win was no way Illusion…
There are so many who deserve inclusion!
Jim Quanci had his Buffalo moment,
And with Idee Fix Adrian found fulfillment
The General’s done 12 that he’ll admit,
Mike Jefferson did 4 with his foxx alit
And one more on mighty Mouton Noir!
So many adventures, so much lore…
Two hundred sixty five have finished the race;
Soon a new fleet will begin their wakelful chase.
I hope this answer to your former post amuses...
Oh yes, we sail to Hanalei and back
Following those who’ve led the pack:
Sled dog’s Wylie and poetic path to glory,
Mike Pyzel and his Cal stretch story,
Stan Honey’s win was no way Illusion…
There are so many who deserve inclusion!
Jim Quanci had his Buffalo moment,
And with Idee Fix Adrian found fulfillment
The General’s done 12 that he’ll admit,
Mike Jefferson did 4 with his foxx alit
And one more on mighty Mouton Noir!
So many adventures, so much lore…
Two hundred sixty five have finished the race;
Soon a new fleet will begin their wakelful chase.
Not many new boats are being launched in Santa Cruz these days. It was a treat to see local waterman Rainer Stegemann launch his 18' Wa'Apa proa this weekend.
The Wa'Apa was originally conceived by the Polynesian Islanders and fine tuned by Gary Dierking of New Zealand. Howard Spruit and Rainer built this one in Howard's driveway. I particularly like the color.
http://outriggersailingcanoes.blogspot.com/
Rainer's Wa'Apa quickly disassembles into "two speaker cabinets and a coffin" for easy car topping. The rig and sail are from a Sunfish. Well done, Rainer and Howard.
The Wa'Apa was originally conceived by the Polynesian Islanders and fine tuned by Gary Dierking of New Zealand. Howard Spruit and Rainer built this one in Howard's driveway. I particularly like the color.
http://outriggersailingcanoes.blogspot.com/
Rainer's Wa'Apa quickly disassembles into "two speaker cabinets and a coffin" for easy car topping. The rig and sail are from a Sunfish. Well done, Rainer and Howard.
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On the same day SSS sailors were trying to figure swirls, down slope gusts, and eddies in the lee of Angel and Alcatraz, singlehander Renee was doing a different type of weather analysis.
This past weekend was not only windy on the Coast, but in the Sierra as well. Reaching boat speeds up to 49 mph, Renee was sailing on Cold Spring Dry Lake, near Reno, when the dust devils appeared. You must know Renee has a keen mind for these things. What does she do?
" Big dust devils kicking: sailed around the edges of several to find which side had best wind… very interesting - might be helpful… practiced my starts, tacks, gybes, mark roundings."
So next time you nail a starboard tack lift north of Blunt, remember Renee is out there figuring which way to go around a dust devil. SSS sailors aren't just on the water you know. Ya bring what ya got.
This past weekend was not only windy on the Coast, but in the Sierra as well. Reaching boat speeds up to 49 mph, Renee was sailing on Cold Spring Dry Lake, near Reno, when the dust devils appeared. You must know Renee has a keen mind for these things. What does she do?
" Big dust devils kicking: sailed around the edges of several to find which side had best wind… very interesting - might be helpful… practiced my starts, tacks, gybes, mark roundings."
So next time you nail a starboard tack lift north of Blunt, remember Renee is out there figuring which way to go around a dust devil. SSS sailors aren't just on the water you know. Ya bring what ya got.
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Philpott
Cal 2-27 Dura Mater
But of course. It would be narrow minded to think otherwise. And looking at the photo of that slim little contraption, I imagine that the safety equipment required is minimal: no AIS, gps, life sling, masthead antenna and radio, etc. Just a helmet. And ski goggles for the dust. I can see the appeal.
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Sad to hear Canadian author and passionate environmentalist Farley Mowat has died at age 92. Mowat was a childhood inspiration for me, the consumate storyteller, and I read and reread his books many times. He wrote more than 40 books in his lifetime. Two of his best known are the classics NEVER CRY WOLF, and THE BOAT WHO WOULDN'T FLOAT.
Farley Mowat's publisher recalled “a small, feisty, kilt-wearing character” who “wore his kilt dangerously.” “He always enjoyed the odd drink or two or three,”
In 1985, Mowat was barred from entering the U.S. on book tour for SEA OF SLAUGHTER. U.S. Immigration officials ruled MOWAT was "prejudicial to the national interest."
In honor of his anti-whaling outspokeness, the Sea Shepards named one of their ships RV FARLEY MOWAT.
If you are going sailing this summer, and looking for a good read, check out Mowat's SERPENTS COIL and GREY SEAS UNDER. Among other things, you will enjoy how a small salvage tugboat and her irrepressible and courageous crew got themselves out of a fix when a hurricane snapped their tow and drove the tug aground into the middle of a Bermuda golf course.
Farley Mowat's publisher recalled “a small, feisty, kilt-wearing character” who “wore his kilt dangerously.” “He always enjoyed the odd drink or two or three,”
In 1985, Mowat was barred from entering the U.S. on book tour for SEA OF SLAUGHTER. U.S. Immigration officials ruled MOWAT was "prejudicial to the national interest."
In honor of his anti-whaling outspokeness, the Sea Shepards named one of their ships RV FARLEY MOWAT.
If you are going sailing this summer, and looking for a good read, check out Mowat's SERPENTS COIL and GREY SEAS UNDER. Among other things, you will enjoy how a small salvage tugboat and her irrepressible and courageous crew got themselves out of a fix when a hurricane snapped their tow and drove the tug aground into the middle of a Bermuda golf course.
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Santana20Vixen
New member
Add Foretrex GPS for speed... one should always be mindful of their upwind targets... and you can also download the track data and see potential opportunities for improvement. At least for us nerdy types...
A fun day on SF Bay yesterday, as the OYRA Duxbury-Lightship Race #2 was kept inside due to forecast windy conditions in the Gulf of the Farallones. Winds at the Lightship at 2 pm were 25, gusting above 30.
The OYRA fleet was split into four divisions, including two Double Handed. We were given Course #2, a Bay Tour, starting at St. Francis YC, thence to Blackaller, Harding, "R2" off TI, then Red Rock, back to Blossom, up to Blackaller, and finish downwind, where we started.
There were three wind holes where the fleet bunched and the race restarted, allowing the boats behind to catch up the leaders. Followed by a rousing rail down reach across the Slot and penultimate weather leg into 22 knots TWS up to Blackaller. But it was mostly atypical shirt sleeves and shorts weather.
Excitement on J-105 RACERX was provided by a fleet of Kitesurfers racing off Crissy Field. Difficult to tell whether they were starting, on a leg, or finishing, as their mini boards went zipping by at radical angles and speeds approaching 30 knots, airborne on 3 foot foils.
Calling"starboard tack" on an oncoming foiling kite does not compute. Who has right of way between a kite surfer and a conventional sailboat? I am not prepared to say, except common sense says the bigger boat should probably maintain course and speed.
But I did see at least one kite flying above our masthead attached by a long string to its rider, who was 25 yards to weather as he passed going the opposite direction.
The OYRA fleet was split into four divisions, including two Double Handed. We were given Course #2, a Bay Tour, starting at St. Francis YC, thence to Blackaller, Harding, "R2" off TI, then Red Rock, back to Blossom, up to Blackaller, and finish downwind, where we started.
There were three wind holes where the fleet bunched and the race restarted, allowing the boats behind to catch up the leaders. Followed by a rousing rail down reach across the Slot and penultimate weather leg into 22 knots TWS up to Blackaller. But it was mostly atypical shirt sleeves and shorts weather.
Excitement on J-105 RACERX was provided by a fleet of Kitesurfers racing off Crissy Field. Difficult to tell whether they were starting, on a leg, or finishing, as their mini boards went zipping by at radical angles and speeds approaching 30 knots, airborne on 3 foot foils.
Calling"starboard tack" on an oncoming foiling kite does not compute. Who has right of way between a kite surfer and a conventional sailboat? I am not prepared to say, except common sense says the bigger boat should probably maintain course and speed.
But I did see at least one kite flying above our masthead attached by a long string to its rider, who was 25 yards to weather as he passed going the opposite direction.
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Skip, this reminds me of the problems sometimes encountered with kayak ears and paddleboarders. Their courses are sometimes unpredictable. They change direction at a whim. I am reminded of my early days sailing the Bay, when I knew only port-starboard rights of way. It was pointed out to me that TONNAGE provides one right and MANEUVERABILITY another. As in the case of hit-and-run accidents, these rights are moot in a collision when one of the involved parties vanishes. I am glad that these flew over without incident.
A close encounter with multiple foiling kiters on Saturday gives food for thought. I have friends who sail kites and they have my utmost respect. Modern kiters are making practical advancements in aerodynamics and foil design that no one else has since the America's Cup cats packed up and left town.
Modern kite racers can sail closer to the wind, tack faster, and achieve speeds far beyond anything else on SF Bay.
On Friday, the Bay was pretty empty for the first races of the Live2Kite Foiling Championships. In 25 knot winds, "explosions" were common place, and the highest level of skill and athleticism was required to compete.
Saturday was a different scene. 28 odd foiling kites ripping up the Bay off the St.Francis, racing in multi-lap courses, but this time with weekend traffic. Presumably the Live2Kite Championships was sponsored by the St.FYC, as their race committee and support boats seemed to be patrolling the race track.
I am all for multi-use of San Francisco Bay's waters and airspace. But it has to be safe to be fun. Weekdays are probably fine for racing kites off the City Front. Even weekend evenings. But a Saturday afternoon? That's crazy, even with the advanced skill of the Live2Kite competitors.
I would think there are many less crowded venues, easy access, parking and launching, with just as good winds and viewing, for kiters to safely race their foiling championships. San Pablo Bay, the Delta, San Francisco Bay east of the Bay Bridge. Even inside/outside the Alameda Point Harbor. Anyone?
Here's the winner of the 2014 Live2Kite Foiling Championships practicing off Alameda Point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXV3Wdu_Ms4
Props.
Modern kite racers can sail closer to the wind, tack faster, and achieve speeds far beyond anything else on SF Bay.
On Friday, the Bay was pretty empty for the first races of the Live2Kite Foiling Championships. In 25 knot winds, "explosions" were common place, and the highest level of skill and athleticism was required to compete.
Saturday was a different scene. 28 odd foiling kites ripping up the Bay off the St.Francis, racing in multi-lap courses, but this time with weekend traffic. Presumably the Live2Kite Championships was sponsored by the St.FYC, as their race committee and support boats seemed to be patrolling the race track.
I am all for multi-use of San Francisco Bay's waters and airspace. But it has to be safe to be fun. Weekdays are probably fine for racing kites off the City Front. Even weekend evenings. But a Saturday afternoon? That's crazy, even with the advanced skill of the Live2Kite competitors.
I would think there are many less crowded venues, easy access, parking and launching, with just as good winds and viewing, for kiters to safely race their foiling championships. San Pablo Bay, the Delta, San Francisco Bay east of the Bay Bridge. Even inside/outside the Alameda Point Harbor. Anyone?
Here's the winner of the 2014 Live2Kite Foiling Championships practicing off Alameda Point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXV3Wdu_Ms4
Props.
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Anacortes, WA, is home to a working waterfront. Much activity of building and repairing large and expensive ships and yachts, including Washington State Ferries, new tractor tugs, steel fishing ships, and mega-yachts.
As such, as detailed on page 45, post #448, moving large objects is not unfamiliar to those who do such things in Anacortes. It was a surprise to hear the Monday launching of BADEN, a 90' "Expedition" type motor yacht, went awry. As BADEN was backed stern first down a paved ramp, something happened: BADEN capsized and filled, trapping at least one crew member below in an air pocket. Luckily, through the judicious use of a fireaxe smashing an engine room port hole, no lives were lost. But it was a near thing.
http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/6-people-rescued-capsized-boat/nfy8j/
The cause the capsize is under speculation. It will cost at least $1 million to salvage, which is already underway. The builder speculates all systems are "toast." Rebuilding is unlikely, as it took well over two years to build, with reportedly no expense spared and many of the ship's systems installed before the deck went on. Begs the question, would anyone want a yacht that capsized and filled with water on launch?
Inside sources report BADEN was moved via the roadway on wheeled launching dollies to the North Harbor Diesel launch ramp just south of Cap Sante Marine. That is a very shallow ramp. "Launching stern first the big swim step, rudder, or stabilizer fins bottomed out causing the bulbous bow to come in contact with the ramp. With only one truck controlling momentum, she started to tilt sideways. At this point the captain fired up the engine & give her an astern bell. Wishful thinking as the prop rotation seemed to hasten the falling over process ( 2nd hand info)."
I can visualize that scenario after seeing the pre-launch photos. However, something else may have come into play. Take a look at the bow-on photos of BADEN. That is a huge amount of ship above the waterline, and very little below. Reportedly, BADEN's tanks were empty, and she had not yet received her full complement of internal ballast. Was there a naval architect involved in stability calcs for this "budget" launching? Whoops!
http://gcaptain.com/shipyard-personnel-freed-fire-axe-10m-motor-yacht-capsizes-launch-images/
As such, as detailed on page 45, post #448, moving large objects is not unfamiliar to those who do such things in Anacortes. It was a surprise to hear the Monday launching of BADEN, a 90' "Expedition" type motor yacht, went awry. As BADEN was backed stern first down a paved ramp, something happened: BADEN capsized and filled, trapping at least one crew member below in an air pocket. Luckily, through the judicious use of a fireaxe smashing an engine room port hole, no lives were lost. But it was a near thing.
http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/6-people-rescued-capsized-boat/nfy8j/
The cause the capsize is under speculation. It will cost at least $1 million to salvage, which is already underway. The builder speculates all systems are "toast." Rebuilding is unlikely, as it took well over two years to build, with reportedly no expense spared and many of the ship's systems installed before the deck went on. Begs the question, would anyone want a yacht that capsized and filled with water on launch?
Inside sources report BADEN was moved via the roadway on wheeled launching dollies to the North Harbor Diesel launch ramp just south of Cap Sante Marine. That is a very shallow ramp. "Launching stern first the big swim step, rudder, or stabilizer fins bottomed out causing the bulbous bow to come in contact with the ramp. With only one truck controlling momentum, she started to tilt sideways. At this point the captain fired up the engine & give her an astern bell. Wishful thinking as the prop rotation seemed to hasten the falling over process ( 2nd hand info)."
I can visualize that scenario after seeing the pre-launch photos. However, something else may have come into play. Take a look at the bow-on photos of BADEN. That is a huge amount of ship above the waterline, and very little below. Reportedly, BADEN's tanks were empty, and she had not yet received her full complement of internal ballast. Was there a naval architect involved in stability calcs for this "budget" launching? Whoops!
http://gcaptain.com/shipyard-personnel-freed-fire-axe-10m-motor-yacht-capsizes-launch-images/
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Dazzler
m/v PACIFIC LOON
re: Launch of Northern Marine BADEN
Skip,
We too have been following thus with amazement. From the construction/ pre-launch videos, BADEN sure looks narrow beam at waterline for all that height and has not a lot of boat underwater. In contrast check out the videos of the Northern Marine fishing vessels.
Found on Northern Marine Facebook page: Check out the video of the Northern Marine 58 FV launch!
Special thanks to Jason Kettlestrings of YachtVid.com for putting this together!
http://youtu.be/ZGRUrz3uOXw
Jason Crosby, the skiff driver for the Pillar Bay and Optimus, made this video of the Optimus' journey from Anacortes down through the locks to Fishermen's Terminal in Ballard, WA. Nice job, Jason!
http://youtu.be/Q2CVuPBd3P8
Tom
Skip,
We too have been following thus with amazement. From the construction/ pre-launch videos, BADEN sure looks narrow beam at waterline for all that height and has not a lot of boat underwater. In contrast check out the videos of the Northern Marine fishing vessels.
Found on Northern Marine Facebook page: Check out the video of the Northern Marine 58 FV launch!
Special thanks to Jason Kettlestrings of YachtVid.com for putting this together!
http://youtu.be/ZGRUrz3uOXw
Jason Crosby, the skiff driver for the Pillar Bay and Optimus, made this video of the Optimus' journey from Anacortes down through the locks to Fishermen's Terminal in Ballard, WA. Nice job, Jason!
http://youtu.be/Q2CVuPBd3P8
Tom
WILDFLOWER is pretty much prepped for a return to favored Pacific NW cruising grounds, her third summer north of 50 degrees. Departure date up the I-5 is set for Sat., June 14, towards Anacortes, WA. Usual driving time about 19 hours.
In between I've been busy helping entrants in SHTP '14 and Pac Cup ready for their fast approaching adventures. It will be a busy summer for ocean crossing to Hawaii and I wish all competitors good sailing.
On our own calendar, we heard yesterday of our acceptance as an entrant in the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, Sept. 5-7. Racing old gaffers, seeing the latest in wooden boat construction and restoration, and catching up with sailing friends is all part of this fun-filled four day event. If you are in the area for PTWBF, feel free to stop by and say hello. Two years ago we were boarded by a kid dressed as a pirate. Under his father's direction, he politely asked, "Sir, may I come aboard your boat?"
Once aboard, the pirate looked me in the eye and said, "Sir, I will be taking over your boat." Luckily, the hi-jack was interrupted by my presenting a plate of cookies.
In between I've been busy helping entrants in SHTP '14 and Pac Cup ready for their fast approaching adventures. It will be a busy summer for ocean crossing to Hawaii and I wish all competitors good sailing.
On our own calendar, we heard yesterday of our acceptance as an entrant in the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, Sept. 5-7. Racing old gaffers, seeing the latest in wooden boat construction and restoration, and catching up with sailing friends is all part of this fun-filled four day event. If you are in the area for PTWBF, feel free to stop by and say hello. Two years ago we were boarded by a kid dressed as a pirate. Under his father's direction, he politely asked, "Sir, may I come aboard your boat?"
Once aboard, the pirate looked me in the eye and said, "Sir, I will be taking over your boat." Luckily, the hi-jack was interrupted by my presenting a plate of cookies.
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Saturday's 43 mile OYRA ocean race, the "Junior Waterhouse," was exciting for what happened near the end.
The race began off Little Harding in 15 knots of southwest breeze. This breeze softened to 10-12 knots and backed to the south during the long weather leg to little seen SF Southern Approach Buoy, 13 miles southwest of the Golden Gate.
The breeze lightened more, 5-9 knots, on the port tack reach to the second mark, SF 1 or the "Lightship", which we rounded about 3:30 pm on the J-105 RACERX. In sight astern were GREEN BUFFALO, ZSA ZSA, and a Santana 35.
From the Lightship it was starboard pole towards Lands End, with the finish being in the Bay, way down at Richmond Y.C.
On this run, we overhauled two other J-105's, J-TRIPPER and JAVELIN, that had started 10 minutes ahead in the fully crewed class. (Mary and I were sailing RACERX doublehanded.)
A jibe towards Point Bonita brought us into filling and veering breeze, southwest at 11 knots, as we ran for the Golden Gate in company with J-TRIPPER and JAVELIN.
In classic manner, the breeze doubled in speed under the Golden Gate. ZSA ZSA, the ID-35, was barely in control as she planed by to leeward. Close aboard to windward, J-TRIPPER spun out and laid down.
We jibed RACERX to port just inside the GG, hoping our angle would take us down to Point Blunt. Jibing a J-105 in 24 knots of breeze doublehanded is a handful, and the spinny wrapped, then unwrapped as we took off towards Angel Island.
Just to starboard, ZSA ZSA deployed an interesting maneuver, and snuffered their spinny sock half way down, effectively reefing their spinnaker and putting their boat back in control.
As we approached Angel Island, it was clear J-TRIPPER and ZSA ZSA were opting for the shorter route down Raccoon Straits. Meanwhile, JAVELIN was apparently leaving Pt. Blunt and Angel Island to port. That's what we thought was the best plan. But common sense prevailed, as this option would require two more jibes in 25 knots of wind, not our undermanned strong point.
We took off on the edge of control for Raccoon Straits, just a few lengths behind J-TRIPPER and ZSA ZSA. Our three boat contingent was fully lit up and on the verge of control, an E-Ticket spinnaker ride in now 23-25 knots.
Soon enough the breeze softened to 12-15 knots as we entered Raccoon Straits, and we rode that all the way to the finish at Point Richmond. Interestingly, but not unexpected, JAVELIN, the J-105, gained a full minute by leaving Angel Island to port. But that option was not available to us.
It was a fun race, my last of the summer season, as I leave in five days with WILDFLOWER for sailing in the Pacific NW. Hope to maybe cross wakes with the Beetle, and other SSS friends up north.
The race began off Little Harding in 15 knots of southwest breeze. This breeze softened to 10-12 knots and backed to the south during the long weather leg to little seen SF Southern Approach Buoy, 13 miles southwest of the Golden Gate.
The breeze lightened more, 5-9 knots, on the port tack reach to the second mark, SF 1 or the "Lightship", which we rounded about 3:30 pm on the J-105 RACERX. In sight astern were GREEN BUFFALO, ZSA ZSA, and a Santana 35.
From the Lightship it was starboard pole towards Lands End, with the finish being in the Bay, way down at Richmond Y.C.
On this run, we overhauled two other J-105's, J-TRIPPER and JAVELIN, that had started 10 minutes ahead in the fully crewed class. (Mary and I were sailing RACERX doublehanded.)
A jibe towards Point Bonita brought us into filling and veering breeze, southwest at 11 knots, as we ran for the Golden Gate in company with J-TRIPPER and JAVELIN.
In classic manner, the breeze doubled in speed under the Golden Gate. ZSA ZSA, the ID-35, was barely in control as she planed by to leeward. Close aboard to windward, J-TRIPPER spun out and laid down.
We jibed RACERX to port just inside the GG, hoping our angle would take us down to Point Blunt. Jibing a J-105 in 24 knots of breeze doublehanded is a handful, and the spinny wrapped, then unwrapped as we took off towards Angel Island.
Just to starboard, ZSA ZSA deployed an interesting maneuver, and snuffered their spinny sock half way down, effectively reefing their spinnaker and putting their boat back in control.
As we approached Angel Island, it was clear J-TRIPPER and ZSA ZSA were opting for the shorter route down Raccoon Straits. Meanwhile, JAVELIN was apparently leaving Pt. Blunt and Angel Island to port. That's what we thought was the best plan. But common sense prevailed, as this option would require two more jibes in 25 knots of wind, not our undermanned strong point.
We took off on the edge of control for Raccoon Straits, just a few lengths behind J-TRIPPER and ZSA ZSA. Our three boat contingent was fully lit up and on the verge of control, an E-Ticket spinnaker ride in now 23-25 knots.
Soon enough the breeze softened to 12-15 knots as we entered Raccoon Straits, and we rode that all the way to the finish at Point Richmond. Interestingly, but not unexpected, JAVELIN, the J-105, gained a full minute by leaving Angel Island to port. But that option was not available to us.
It was a fun race, my last of the summer season, as I leave in five days with WILDFLOWER for sailing in the Pacific NW. Hope to maybe cross wakes with the Beetle, and other SSS friends up north.
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Unclear on concept: The Great Pacific Rowing Race, from Monterey to Hawaii, started yesterday. According to the Tracker, the majority of entries are either rowing in the wrong direction, or rowing in circles. http://greatpacificrace.com/race/tracker/ Only two boats have cleared Monterey Bay, and they are barely averaging one knot. My guess is seasickness may be affecting the fleet. It looks like a long passage for many of these guys and gals.....