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Shorthanded Midwinters 2015/2016

Just registered my Cal 2-27. Singlehanded spin division. They didn't offer an inboard+outboard+tiny rf jib division.
First attempt ever to singlehand the spin last weekend failed utterly. This weekend I'll master it completely and then try it again in the close company of many fancy, expertly steered yachts.
I expect the spinnaker will stay warm and cozy in the v-berth until next year. Dura Mater, you can look forward to never finishing last!
 
Lanikai said:
Just registered my Cal 2-27. Singlehanded spin division. They didn't offer an inboard+outboard+tiny rf jib division.
First attempt ever to singlehand the spin last weekend failed utterly. This weekend I'll master it completely and then try it again in the close company of many fancy, expertly steered yachts.
I expect the spinnaker will stay warm and cozy in the v-berth until next year. Dura Mater, you can look forward to never finishing last!
Click to expand...

Glad I'm not the only one with spinnaker trepidation....
 
Ah, the Berkeley midwinters! This is the time of year when a sailor new to the concept can practice the art of flying a spinnaker. These are the races where sailboats float in place for long long periods of time. Such floating can been seen as either an irritant or an opportunity. The singlehanded sailor, who does not enjoy the comradery of crew, can use this time for constructive activity. Unlike the Singlehanded Sailing Society, whose race chairs are willing to start races regardless of wind, the eminent race chairperson of the Berkeley midwinters does not deign to start a race without adequate wind. This offers the singlehanded sailor hours of pre-race time during which he or she has the chance to practice setting a spinnaker over and over and over again. Thus, the singlehanded sailor can raise a spinnaker, tangle it up in the jib sheets, the downhaul, the topping lift, wrap it around the forestay, drag it down or lower it gently, re-pack it, then try it all again several additional times all without moving anywhere on the water. This is the perfect venue for learning how to do all that. With an audience. So don't worry your pretty little head about that, Lanikai. Forget the phrase "To the victor go the spoils". Just try not to fall off the boat.
 
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And this is why the Berkeley circle buoys can't stay on station. As the boats raft up to the buoys in wait of a breeze and loosen the moorings.
 
Last year my M.O. during the postponements was to slowly motorsail through the fleet chatting with skippers and crews. Kynntana was more efficient. She apparently calculated the likely postponement time and didn't arrive until it was time for her start. Or maybe the R/C actually waited for her arrival to drop the AP - I suppose they do that for yachts.
 
BobJ said:
Last year my M.O. during the postponements was to slowly motorsail through the fleet chatting with skippers and crews. Kynntana was more efficient. She apparently calculated the likely postponement time and didn't arrive until it was time for her start. Or maybe the R/C actually waited for her arrival to drop the AP - I suppose they do that for yachts.
Click to expand...

There's just no respect for efficient skippers who motor to the start line JUST BEFORE THE GUN ! I'm not usually late for my starts (any more) unless the RC CHANGES THE START TIMES while I'm on the bow trying to work an issue and not listening to the radio. Sheez.

I have to say that I probably shouldn't practice my anchoring skills during the postponements because when the windlass lets loose all that chain and that big anchor, it creates quite the ruckus that carries far and wide across still waters. But being the amiable sort, just let me know if you driftless types want to raft up ;) I can break out the hors d'oeuvres, too.
 
Philpott said:
. . . the singlehanded sailor can raise a spinnaker, tangle it up in the jib sheets, the downhaul, the topping lift, wrap it around the forestay, drag it down or lower it gently . . .
Click to expand...

View attachment 1161

"Hey Fred, have you seen the kite?"

"No skip - I did what you said and lowered it gently, then it just disappeared!"
.
 
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Whew! For a minute there I thought you had a picture of my douse at HMB, but there are too many people on the boat!

Hey, with all this talk of light air, don't forget last November's Midwinters got pretty blustery.
 
The R/C says as of this morning there are 5 doublehanders and 12 singlehanders. Between this thread and remembering last year, you can probably figure out who the doublehanders are.
 
Like my Mom used to say, the phone works in BOTH directions. (Same for e-mail.)

TWO divisions of singlehanders - wow! Looks like C (DH)=7, F=7 and G=6. We'll see how close I am when the splits are published.

Note this: Old Bay Bridge Demolition Information
Date: 11-12-15
Your Race Committee has just learned that the waters under the entire Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge will be closed to mariners from 0600, 14 November to Midnight, 16 November, 2015. So, if you are coming from Alameda for the Midwinter races Saturday or Sunday, it would be a good idea to leave early enough to allow time to transit under the Bay Bridge on the West side of YBI/Treasure Island.
 
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I just talked to Bobbi because of the spinnaker rating (or not) on my PHRF. She says, right now, there are 13 single-handers in two divisions and 8 DH, but this is going to change because she just received a bunch more. Modified SIs will be out later this afternoon.

As to the Bay Bridge demolition, apparently there are going to be viewing parties lined up to watch the explosions. Not sure how much they're going to see or hear because it's all going to occur underwater, but there is anticipation in the air. I was planning to dive the boat on Saturday....hmm, perhaps I'll race with a dirty bottom instead.
 
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