Sept 15 Race Report: Fun at the last race of the season.

Photos courtesy of Justin Bush

We had glorious weather for our last race with a decent wind. We were delighted to welcome a new GYC sailor, Rachel Gall, who did a fine job crewing for Tom Schroeder. 

This was the last chance for sailors to upset the tight cumulative season standings prior to the awards gathering on September 21. Who will win the championship, 1st place in the various classes, "holiday race" trophies, rookie of the year, and the booby prize?  Stay tuned to the blog. 

Sailor Phil Bush's cheering paparazzi followed the race closely. His son Justin, equipped and skilled with a nice camera, got some great shots shared below. Thanks Justin, we needed more photos!

Three Lasers and the JY-15 rounding a mark. Jim and Laura are closest

Thanks very much to our volunteers who officiated the race with experienced expertise.  Thanks Margaret Powers, Lisa Duret, Nate Schloss and Jim and Mimi Riffle, Well done!  Matt Bartlett set a good race course with help from Mark Cassidy.  And another fine job of organizing by Kevin Preuss and Beth Auld.  Thanks everyone! 

The starting line was a challenge.  Usually sailors try to start on a starboard tack (wind coming from starboard side) because they have the right of way over the few daring to start on a port tack.  But in this race, on a starboard tack,  the wind required sailing nearly parallel to the starting line, so a high degree of difficulty.  Most sailors reluctantly opted for a port tack which worked out okay for most. Matt was somehow able to start on starboard which gave him the right of way over others, but was not without its own difficulties.  During the race we had a couple of calm wind periods to wait out, but overall we were able to have two pretty satisfying races. Those in the west coves had plenty of wind to get back to their docks after the race. 

We had a well-attended and fun, relaxing protest meeting at Arlene's.  Thanks Arlene!

 Now for the photos, then the race results:

Tom (left) and Phil Coming at you fast in the mighty Thistle.  We'll use photos from the race to have them show you a maneuver or two. Ready?  Beginning with a wave to you, the audience, lets begin:

First they tack (change course). By turning, the wind moves the sail and the boom from one side of the boat to the other so the sailors must duck to avoid getting hit in the noggin. Watch that boom Phil!  Sailors must also move their weight to the other side of the boat or risk capsizing. Since they are right in the middle of their turn, the wind has come out of one side of the sail (that is why it is slack) and in a moment will fill the other side. 

Tack completed, now they are well hiked out. Next they're going to show us just how far they can lean that mighty Thistle...

Far enough to expose one of the Thistle's cheeks!  Easy gentlemen...no need to show us how to capsize (result of a "full" moon), then right the boat. We'll save that for another day.

Matt doesn't like to sit too long....

 

So sometimes he stands. But there is a catch...

When standing, you can't reach the cam cleat. So instead, you have to hold the main sheet in your teeth between pulls on it.  Its a bit of an art. You have to tilt your head at just the right angle. Kind of like eating spaghetti, but much harder on the teeth.

John with a full sail. 

Race Results: