I look forward to this regatta every year for many reasons. First of all Stuart Sinclair leaves a legacy of Awesome! R.I.P. good friend.
Mats Elf ordered a new mast to replace his bent one at the beginning of the year, and the delivery was delayed for whatever reason, but the target was to go for this regatta. It was supposed to arrive FedEx on Wednesday. On the way to work I heard on the radio that a FedEx truck had capsized on the I-5 and exploded in flames (just our luck). Fortunately, that was not the truck with our mast and it showed up on time at the North Sails Seattle loft. We spent all evening rigging it to fit the boat.
Thursday I had the pleasure of sailing with Krysia on the Flying Lettuce And Tomatoes, while Mats continued working on the mast at Shilshole. We de-rigged and packed up both boats onto the double trailer that Stuart built and had a nice meal at Corinthian Yacht Club before continuing to get the boats ready late into the night for the much anticipated weekend.
Arriving in Port Townsend late on Friday night we were welcomed by our wonderful hosts. Mats and I were treated to a freshly baked cake and ukelele (thank you Juniper) at “Chez Dunlap”.
Saturday morning we were greeted with beautiful weather and a nice 5-10 knot breeze. We continued to work on the final details of the mast at the Wooden Boat Facility at Point Hudson and just barely made the first race. Great day of tight racing with our Canadian friends Brian and Evan winning race two. Six races were accomplished by a fantastic volunteer race committee with eleven boats of every vintage and experience. Really good to have the new faces in the fleet. After racing we were treated to a delicious lasagna feast, and a race de-briefing emceed by 505 fleet stalwart Paul Von Grey. I think everyone gained some knowledge.
We made a point of supporting the local Port Townsend economy with late night techno dancing at Sirens, as it was Prom night at the sailing center.
Sunday was again spectacular weather with very challenging racing conditions for the final 3 races. Very fun sailing with lots of lead changes and mixed results. Simon and Sean won race eight with a personal puff, and the last race of the regatta was won by less than a foot! With such great conditions out by Point Hudson, the fleet went on to practice a couple of rabbit (gate) starts that are unique to the international level of racing in the 505 class.
Big Thanks to the Port Townsend Sailing Association, and everyone who attended this epic event. Ten boats, nine races, awesome people. Can’t wait to do it again!
Results are at : http://pths.dyndns.org/505/
Photos are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/93244183@N07/
Jon Henderson
Like all such events the Stuart Sinclair Classic would not have happened nor been so successful without sponsors and volunteers: Port Townsend Sailing Association and the Northwest Maritime Center were our sponsors. Race Committee — Larry Fisher (for giving us his entire weekend as PRO!), Joe Daubenberger and Dorado (Sat.), Webb Sommer and Arion (Sun.), and the mysterious and experienced Kerry. Mark boats — Jeff and Jack Gibbons, Diane and MacKensie Ginther and Ossian. Ben Falge, who etched the beautiful trophies, and of course all who prepared, served, and cleaned up the epic lasagna feast! Thank you, everybody! Let’s do it again next year. — the PT 505 Gang
Photo by Wendy Feltham