You’ll have the choice of three fleets [...]]]> The 21st annual Shipwrights’ Race is coming right up on Saturday, February 25th. Round up your hibernating crew or pick up some fresh crew here on this site or at the skippers’ meeting and get ready for a fun race with wacky trophies and valuables prizes.

You’ll have the choice of three fleets — Racing, Cruising, and Inshore (small boats). Download your entry form here (Shipwrights Registration Form 2012) or pick one up at the Chandlery at the Northwest Maritime Center. Entry fee is $20 per boat before Feb. 16th and $25 thereafter.

The skippers’ meeting will be at 9 am at the Maritime Center commons, and the race is scheduled to start at noon.

There will be chowder, libations, and an awards ceremony at the Maritime Center following the race.

For more information contact Ace Spragg at 360 379-2759 ext. 103 or Piper Dunlap at 360 774-0819.

On July 8, 9, 10 the Northwest Maritime Center will be hosting a series of races for the Swift Solo Class.  The Swift Solo is a high performance three sail single-handed skiff designed in 2000 by Bram Dally.  The boats are mostly owner-built out [...]]]>
2011 Swift Solo North American Championships in Port Townsend

On July 8, 9, 10 the Northwest Maritime Center will be hosting a series of races for the Swift Solo Class.  The Swift Solo is a high performance three sail single-handed skiff designed in 2000 by Bram Dally.  The boats are mostly owner-built out of cedar. The class was formed in 2003 and has a championship each year.  Last year was in the Columbia Gorge.  This year the event is in Port Townsend.  The boats will sail off the Maritime Center pier beginning at noon on Friday, July 8 and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The boat is S-glass/carbon Kevlar construction with a cedar core (instead of foam) for durability and a long competitive life.  It has a self-tacking jib and a mainsheet that controls the trim of the jib with the main.  The sail plan is roughly similar to a 49er with an asymmetrical spinnaker that is self-dousing.  Here’s what Julian Bethwaite had to say about the boat:

“Having a jib on a single-hander combined with the main/jib sheeting system keeps the boat balanced across a wide wind range; it also has excellent windward performance. It needs a softer mast to take full advantage of the sheeting feature, but even as it is rigged now, when bearing away in a puff the boat responds immediately and impressively! Most single-handers can’t respond like this.

A second advantage to sloop-rigging is that it lowers the rig plan compared with cat-rigging. This allows the  [Swift Solo] to perform well without wings because the rig aspect is more moderate (compared with a boat having racks and a cat rig setup) therefore the boat is easier to sail through gust/lull wind variations. You won’t get dumped in the water when the wind drops and it is easier to respond to sudden wind changes. The moderate sail plan has low drag and goes upwind surprisingly fast. I easily stayed in front of a 5o5 going to weather.”

To introduce the Port Townsend community to this boat, the class intends to have a speaker or two on Thursday, July 7, at the Maritime Center at 7:00 p.m.  Copies of the building manual will be available for purchase.  If you’ve ever wanted to build your own high performance skiff out of wood, this is your chance!

For more information, go to swiftsolo.com or see issue #173 (July/Aug 2003) of W0oden Boat.

We waited a long time for a weekend like this last one. Sunny, clear, warm, and absolutely perfect wind. Like they say, it doesn’t get any better than that.

There were 38 registrants for the Classic Mariners’ Regatta, as well as 7 for the rowing [...]]]>

MORNING FLIGHT at the 2011 Classic Mariners' Regatta

We waited a long time for a weekend like this last one. Sunny, clear, warm, and absolutely perfect wind. Like they say, it doesn’t get any better than that.

There were 38 registrants for the Classic Mariners’ Regatta, as well as 7 for the rowing race on Sunday. Two were from Canada and a number from out of town. The race results are as follow

Committee’s  Choice Award:  Lady Van (R-Boat from Canada)for sailing the perfect race, for coming down from Canada to do it, and for practicing all last week to ensure their victory.

Ruling Class (those boats built to a “rule”, the R-boats and IOD, and 6-meters)

1. Lady Van (R-boat)                                          Barry Van Leewen
2. Lulu (6-meter)                                                  Craig Downey
3. Pacemaker (6 meter)                                      Adam Henley

Racing Class A

1. Sirocco (Yankee one design)                       Steve Scharf
2. Martha (CrowninShield schooner)           Robert D’Arcy
3. Lotus (Concordia Yawl)                                Chris Grace

Thunderbirds

1. Dorado                                                                Hans Daubenberger and family
2. CocoSolo                                                             John Carey
3. Rowdy                                                                 Jerry Fry

Cruising Class B

1. Aura                                                                      Ward Fay
2. Vito Dumas                                                         Alex Spear
3. Cubana                                                                 Don Haviland

Schooner Class

1. Alcyone                                                                  Sugar Flanagan
2. Nylla                                                                      Brian McGinn
3. Grail                                                                       Jeff Smith Jr.

Class C

1. Sharon L                                                               Tupper Griffith
2. Lorraine                                                               Bob Denney
3. LaBoheme                                                             Jeff Kelety

Nine boats participated in the rowing race. On the short course,17 year old Cooper Parrish won in his Aleut kayak. On the long course, Steve Chapin’s  two- person Pocock shell came in first.

Full results after the break

Race CMR race 1

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results saved: Saturday, June 4, 2011 5:25:43 PM PDT

Division: Ruling Class

Start time 12:10:00

1          Lady Van       13:37:51
2          Lulu                 13:42:56
3          Pacemaker   13:43:35
4          Prophet         13:59:04

Division: Schooners

Start time 12:30:00

1          Alcyone          13:33:30
2          Nyla                13:40:51
3          Grail               13:50:42
4          Ceridwen       14:02:08

Division: Class C

Start time 12:35:00

1          Lorraine         13:47:07
2          Sharon L        13:51:01
3          La Boheme    14:09:06
Truant            DSQ (started with schooners)
Otter              DNF

Division: PHRF A (5 boats)

Notes

Division: PHRF B (9 boats)

Notes

Division: Thunderbirds (4 boats)

Notes

Race CMR race 2

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results saved: Saturday, June 4, 2011 5:25:43 PM PDT

Division: Ruling Class
Start time 14:55:00

1          Lady Van       15:41:15
2          Pacemaker   15:46:00
3          Lulu                 15:46:02
4          Prophet         15:49:17

Division: Schooners
Start time 15:10:00

1          Alcyone          15:45:23
2          Nyla                15:46:06
3          Grail               15:55:02
4          Ceridwen       16:00:15

Division: Class C
Start time 15:15:00

1          Sharon L        15:56:27
2          Lorraine         15:57:04
3          La Boheme    DNF
Truant            DNS
Otter              DNS

Division: PHRF A (5 boats)

Notes

Division: PHRF B (9 boats) (top)

Notes

Division: Thunderbirds (4 boats)

Notes

Race CMR race 3

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results saved: Sunday, June 5, 2011 3:41:21 PM PDT

Division: Ruling Class
Start time 12:05:00

1          Lady Van       13:31:29
2          Lulu                 13:38:36
3          Pacemaker   13:41:54
4          Prophet         13:48:48

Division: Schooner
Start time 12:25:00

1          Alcyone          14:36:37
2          Nyla                14:59:01
3          Grail               15:08:24
4          Ceridwen       DSQ (did not round last mark)

Division : Class C
Start time 12:30:00

1          Sharon L        15:30:28
2          Lorraine         15:32:40
3          La Boheme    DNS

Division: PHRF A (5 boats)

Notes

Division: PHRF B (9 boats) (top)

Notes

Division: Thunderbirds (4 boats)

Notes

Series Standing – 3 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results saved: Sunday, June 5, 2011 3:41:21 PM PDT

Division: Ruling Class
Prophet was registered in Ruling Class but chose to race with A class.  Class changes can only be made at the Skipper’s Meeting.  Prophet started 5 minutes after their assigned class, 5 minutes was deducted from their time for inclusion in Ruling Class.)

1          Lady Van       1          1          1
2          Lulu                 2          3          2
3          Pacemaker   3          2          3
4          Prophet         4          4          4

Division: Schooner

1      Alcyone    1      1      1
2      Nyla         2      2      2
3      Grail         3      3      3
4      Ceridwen 4      4      DSQ

Division: Class C

1          Sharon L        2          1          1
2          Lulu                 1          2          2
3          La Boheme    3          DNF     DNS

Division: PHRF A (5 boats)

Notes

Division: PHRF B (9 boats)

Notes

Division: Thunderbirds (4 boats)

Notes

Information is provisional and subject to modification

Principal Race Officer: Myron Gauger & Dave Burrows

Version 5.6.03: Regatta scoring by JavaScore, an Open Source project available at http://www.gromurph.org/javascore

2011 CMR Rowing Race Results

Short course (to Union wharf and back to NWMC dock=too short

Cooper Parrish in Velvet Eyes (aleut kayak) won

Chelcie Liu in Puff came in second (and had to do a 360 for not rounding the mark)

Long Course NWMC to orange salvage buoy and back) (only 30 min)

0:00     Steve Chapin and Sue in double

1:16     John Collins and co in triple

2:10     Oho x4

3:35     Riversiude x4

5:24     x8

5:48     Salish Star

6:28     Erica S- wherry

Rob Sanderson, one of the hardest working anchors of the Northwest Maritime Center, will be heading out on Velella Velella  in July for some continuing education’ on the open ocean. Here is how he describes his decision to embark on his dream:

“Last winter I was visiting my father and he brought [...]]]>

Rob Sanderson

Rob Sanderson, one of the hardest working anchors of the Northwest Maritime Center, will be heading out on Velella Velella  in July for some continuing education’ on the open ocean. Here is how he describes his decision to embark on his dream:

“Last winter I was visiting my father and he brought out a shoebox from the closet full of “art projects” from my childhood that I didn’t remember doing and didn’t realize that he had kept.  It was after a fine dinner with some wine that I opened up that box and starting picking through the articles inside.  There were numerous painting and drawings of sailboats on the high seas with sea monsters and neon colors with rig designs that should never exist.  It was then that I realized my dream of sailing has been with me from before I could remember, and it was also then that I realized that I’ve got to follow through on that dream!  I’m at a point in my life where I feel like if I don’t take this leap now – I may never take it.  I want to become a better maritime educator and for me the only way that can happen is by getting out there and learning directly from the Sea.”

“This June will mark 7 years that I have worked for the Wooden Boat Foundation and Northwest Maritime Center.  Starting as the Head Adult Sailing Instructor hired by Robin Mills in 2004, then Wooden Boat Chandlery hired by Nancy Eiffert, then Programs Coordinator hired by Nick Reid in his car on a dark rainy night in the parking lot of the Cupola House.  This job has been my life for the last 7 years.  I can’t imagine being more invested in an organization than I am in this one.  I have been here through the leadership of Kaci, Aletia, Dave, Stan and now Jake; and have learned valuable skills from all of them.  It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make but I have decided to ready my boat and head south this summer.  Having Jake onboard gives me enormous confidence that this organization will steady its sea legs and the horizon will be endless.  This organization will always be a part of me and I hope to return in the future with more experience as a sailor under my belt – to keep working with youth and to continue to help broaden their horizons.”

“I will be turning over my position at the end of June.  In the interim, Carolyn “Ace” Spragg will step into to manage programs through the Festival.  Ace is an incredible instructor and has taught with Hasse for various sailing seminars, was faculty at the Sea Symposium, worked as our Head Sailing Instructor last summer, and has lots of experience managing summer programs.  She is very excited for the opportunity to work with the NWMC/WBF through the summer and has a desire to be even more involved in the long run.  I feel really good about leaving programs in her hands this summer.  She knows our programs, our facility, our boats, our staff and many of our students.”

“I feel extremely fortunate to have built relationships with all of you through the last several years and appreciate all of the support you have provided me with.  It will mean so much to me this summer when I round Pt. Hudson and the Northwest Maritime Center, carrying with me all of the memories that this place has given me.  I will always remain a part of this place and what we’ve created here together and I look forward to seeing how I might be involved in the future.”

Rob has always been a joy to work with and we will all miss him. Have a wonderful adventure Rob!

See the complete gallery after the break.

The 20th Annual Shipwrights Regatta finally sailed on March 5th, after a postponement the week before due to snow, sleet, and high winds. The weather was considerably nicer for the second try, with [...]]]>

CRUSOE ghosts past town, 2011 Shipwrights Regatta. Photo by Elizabeth Becker.

See the complete gallery after the break.

The 20th Annual Shipwrights Regatta finally sailed on March 5th, after a postponement the week before due to snow, sleet, and high winds. The weather was considerably nicer for the second try, with 5-12 knots of wind, 40-50 degrees, and even a brief period of sunshine. 27 boats registered for the event, and 20 actually made it to the water. The course was a little confusing since the wind would not cooperate with the predetermined North or South choices on the Race Instructions. When you read the race results, please keep in mind that as many boats missed a rounding as not, and it was impossible for the Race Committee to keep up with who did and didn’t exactly follow the course. And then there were the inshore small boats who choose to do the “long course.”

It doesn’t matter. This is a “fun”, get your boat ready and your mind set for the racing season, kind of event.

May I have the Envelope Please, And the Winners Are ….

[[Show as slideshow]]

2011 Shipwrights Regatta. Photo Gallery by Elizabeth Becker

Perpetual Awards were announced by our local and much appreciated MC. The awards were as follows:

TAKU AWARD (given to the first boat across the Start Line:  There was a tie between Dorado, Pegasus, and The Wizard. A drawing decided the winner, and that was Dorado, sailed by Joe Daubenberger and family.

PEG LEG (given to the overall winner):  No contention on this one. There was only one boat to finish within the allotted 2 hour time limit:  Mallard, an 18 foot open boat sailed by Tim Lemon. The winner of this first place award also has their name engraved on the Bronze Belaying Pin trophy which is kept in the new NWMC trophy case.

THE HOOK (given to the last boat to cross the finish line): Even though Crusoe has won any number of races in her division, this time Arren Day and the crew wrapped up the fleet.

THE GOLDEN TRIDENT (for the saltiest boat or crew): Bolt, the 19 foot Lightning sailed by Miguel Salguero, for sailing the long course and recovering from a chilly swim when a strap broke during the race.

DIRECTIONAL HELMET (for someone who gets lost or misses a buoy, or loses his directions):  Ed Barcott lost his wind direction several times during the race, it was reported, thus he wins the helmet this year.

WACK-O-MATIC (for the best use of misspent energy):  Dan Newland and his Pegasus Crew traded last year’s Peg Leg for this award. The reportedly spend a lot of time and distance trying to get around a missed mark.

WIRED CRUISING BOAT (for the first place in the Cruising division):  Satch Yarbrough on Step’n’Annie brought home the honors this year.

VAN HOPE COMMUNITY AWARD (For the most young people, or the youngest person, on a boat): Sea Marine donated a free haulout for this recipient and this year that goes to Ted Pike on Annie Too.
This year an additional award will be given to the crew of Bolt, since their whole crew was under 20 (but a Lightning hardly needs a haulout.)

MOST PICK-UP CREW (To the boat who takes on the most crew from the docks or skippers meeting, so that everyone gets to sail):  The Wizard (Dan Ginther and Piper Dunlap) won this and the Port of Port Townsend awarded a free Boat Haven haul out to them.

See the entire race results at the end of the article. We had wonderful, generous sponsors this year: Port Townsend Brewing provided the best beer in the state for the awards ceremony, Sunrise Coffee gave coffee for the skippers meeting, and both the Port and Sea Marine were very kind to donate a free haul out. We thank them all! The Port Townsend Sailing Association and the Wooden Boat Foundation/NWMC worked together to produce the race. Many people helped with the setup and take down of the whole event and Kathy Grace would like to especially thank them!! And of course, we couldn’t do it without the Race committee (Myron, Dave, and company), the mark and safety boat drivers (Erik Wennstrom and Anthony Francis) and the beautiful Sweet Roll committee boat volunteered and run by Carlyn Stark and Dale Nordland.

2011 Shipwrights Poster

The first race of the 2011 season is coming up: February 26th is the NWMC/ Wooden Boat Foundation’s 20th  Annual Shipwrights Regatta.

The Skipper’s Meeting is at 9am at the NWMC. (Late registration from 8-9am).

Race starts at noon.

The awards ceremony will be approximately 5pm at the NWMC.