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Singlehanded Farallones 2015

For first-timers I'll add: Even if it's docile outside the Gate, the wind usually amps up a lot as you approach the bridge, then there's the South Tower Demon to deal with after you pass under it. On top of that, your approach lane narrows quickly if a ship is coming through. If there's any doubt, douse the kite (or take down the whisker pole) well outside the bridge. The wind typically gets more SW inside so it will likely be a reach to the finish line anyway.
 
As someone who's first Farallones Race was in the early 1980s, I can tell you that deciding to turn back has no shame attached to it. I've done in many times, and I'm not the brightest guy sailing tomorrow. It's as far back as it is out to where you decide to turn back, and while it may not be as messy, it can still be dicey.

With the ebb coinciding with the start, added to the short period between swells, the north side is likely to be especially messy, at least for the first few miles past Pt. Bonita, maybe out to the end of the shipping channel which is close to the Lightship. You'll need watch for breaking waves/swells on the Fourfatham Bank on the north and not get caught in them. The Fourfatham Bank isn't too far north of the shipping channel and extends out to the end of that dredged channel. Check your chart!

Bob is correct about respecting the north side of the island. If you see anything that looks like a break north of you, get out. And, delaying the "Mother of All Jibes" on the SE corner is important, too. Too early and you'll find yourself aimed at the Island rather than around it. If you're going to pee, I hope you can do it quickly! Sometimes in an open transom boat it's easier to just . . . . . .
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Video

sunol said:
First timer and I am sore this morning!
Couple of minutes of video. My gopro died on the way out, so some stills near the end. Shot of the whale I saw just north of the shipping channel.
https://vimeo.com/128725805
Click to expand...

Very nice video. Including the track with the video is a nice touch. The video fails to capture the number of times your feet left the cockpit floor, or the roar of the rigging pumping against the back stay as it attempted to hop out of the boat.
 
Ha! Also didn't capture the one word I said very loudly when the furling line on the genoa snapped just as I came along side the island. :)
 
sunol said:
First timer and I am sore this morning!
Couple of minutes of video. My gopro died on the way out, so some stills near the end. Shot of the whale I saw just north of the shipping channel. https://vimeo.com/128725805
Click to expand...

Nicely done, Mike. It reminds me of the 4 commandments of the Cal Sailing Club: 1.Keep the boy in the boat, 2. keep the water out of the boat, 3. don't hit the whale, and 4. Look cool while sailing. (paraphrased). Congratulations. Especially since your go-pro died before the waves started, you make the race look like a piece of cake.
 
sunol said:
Ha! Also didn't capture the one word I said very loudly when the furling line on the genoa snapped just as I came along side the island. :)
Click to expand...

Your furling line and my gps\ais\wind vane pole. Just as I was setting up to round, i look back and my pole is hanging sideways just above the water. Sheesh, you cant make this stuff up.
 
This was my first trip outside. Nightmare did well. Me, not so much. Got sick after about an hour and just about hourly after that. Made it to the island but didn't round. I needed to tack more north to round, but I was just wiped out. Decided to call it and turned to head back.
Off the swell was better and I think I dozed for a moment with the tiller pilot. Managed to keep some water down and made it back safely.
IMG_0671.jpgIMG_0678.jpgIMG_0679.jpgIMG_0680.jpg
 
Curious what the reasons for the DNFs were. Sounds like seasickness was one. Was that the main reason or did the wind and/or sea conditions turn a few boats around?
 
In my case, a collision moments before my start with a port-tacker that wasn't in my division (and should have been well behind the line). Very frustrating.

After assessing the damage I decided I could keep sailing and went on out until it got uncomfortable, then hoisted and enjoyed a nice sail back in and around the central Bay. It was Master Mariners so all the woodies/gaffers were out - it was a nice afternoon.

Jonathan and Christine took some great photos from the bridge. I'm already discussing sail trim/lead positions with my rigger:

http://www.norcalsailing.com/galleries/201505-shf/201505-shf.html#.VWNKHU9Viko
 
Last edited:
BobJ said:
In my case, a collision moments before my start with a port-tacker that wasn't in my division (and should have been well behind the line). Very frustrating.

After assessing the damage I decided I could keep sailing and went on out until it got uncomfortable, then hoisted and enjoyed a nice sail back in and around the central Bay. It was Master Mariners so all the woodies/gaffers were out - it was a nice afternoon.

Jonathan and Christine took some great photos from the bridge. I'm already discussing sail trim/lead positions with my rigger:

http://www.norcalsailing.com/galleries/201505-shf/201505-shf.html#.VWNKHU9Viko
Click to expand...

Hi Bob,

I saw it happening and try to yell out to both boats. Only Bob could hear me and of course you did not know what I was yelling about, especially as you were on starboard tack. I hope both boats did not get damaged to badly...

Dirk - "TIJD" First 30JK
 
BobJ said:
In my case, a collision moments before my start with a port-tacker that wasn't in my division (and should have been well behind the line). Very frustrating.

After assessing the damage I decided I could keep sailing and went on out until it got uncomfortable, then hoisted and enjoyed a nice sail back in and around the central Bay. It was Master Mariners so all the woodies/gaffers were out - it was a nice afternoon.

Jonathan and Christine took some great photos from the bridge. I'm already discussing sail trim/lead positions with my rigger:

http://www.norcalsailing.com/galleries/201505-shf/201505-shf.html#.VWNKHU9Viko
Click to expand...

I was impressed by the way you called it in very calmly. :)
Thanks for the link to the pix and thanks to Jonathan and Christine for taking them!

Mike
 
I forgot to turn on the tracker until just before I turned around. The waves were big and close together. Dura Mater was fine, durable and strong. She handled the conditions well, but I just couldn't find the endurance yesterday. I think maybe my adrenaline was too high at the beginning. I got a good start and was in the running. The forecast called for conditions to improve in the middle of the day, then deteriorate later again. I realized that if I was that tired @ 1pm, I would not be strong enoough to return in such high waves and wind. I keep thinking that I am as strong as I was ... um, 35 years ago. But I'm not. I have that strength in my head, you know? Aaaah .... I'll try again next year.
 
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