Fall Nightcap Series – Race 7
Nine boats came out to drift around for a while, waiting for the wind to become apparent so a course could be set. Around 1:30 a light breeze filled in from the NE, normally an unstable direction in this bay. The RC quickly set course SCFYF, 2.26 nm. (crossing the line going from C to Y allowed for shortening of the course) and got off a start at 1:48. The wind softened during the start and reversed to SE as the fleet approached, and slowly rounded, C. As the fleet came back towards the line, and the RC was seriously [...]
POINT WILSON, The Greeter Light
A post from Saltwater People Historical Society by way of Three Sheets NW. Point Wilson Lighthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. From the archives of the S.P.H.S.© "There was much fanfare when Point Wilson Lighthouse was established at the west side entrance to Admiralty Inlet and Puget Sound in 1879. Its strategic location was near the bustling seaport town of Port Townsend, which was in those years targeted for the major shipping center for that corner of the world. Sailing vessels and steamers ran in and out of the port with regularity, and next to San Francisco, no port had [...]
Fall Nightcap Series – Race 6
Nine boats turned out on a warm, overcast afternoon for a long wait for a slow race around a short course. The wind forecasts were mostly in agreement, 4 mph ESE, but on arrival at the Boat Haven the Windexs were seen to be pointing in random directions. The Committee Boat headed out in hope of better conditions in the bay but found only the occasional puff, never from the same direction. Approaching 2 pm the puffs settled on a direction of 120ºM and course SWYF was set for 1 nm. By the time of the start sequence the [...]
5 Tips: Getting a Good Start – and the 60 Seconds After That
If a good start is the key to good race, the last tack into the start and the first 60 seconds out of it are crucial, explains top America’s Cup sailor Terry Hutchinson. From Yachting World. The subtleties of a good start are more complicated than identifying a good spot to leeward and starting next to someone who is going to give space and be happy to be rolled – although they both seem to help. For me, consistent starting comes from repetition of the process and having a team that is working together without the need for constant communication. [...]
Sunday, October 11th, Events for Ted
On the Water ANNIE TOO is planning on leaving the dock around 11AM (weather permitting) and heading out onto the Bay. The family has asked that if boats have room to take family and friends out, they meet at the Boat Haven Yard Office at 10:15 AM. SPARKLE plans to leave the dock around 10:30 and will be monitoring channel 68. On Land There is a memorial service scheduled from 2 PM to 5 PM at the NW Maritime Center.
New, Large 2015 Thunderbird Regional Gallery
Steve Scharf’s large on-the-water gallery of 74 terrific pictures of the 2015 Thunderbird Regional Regatta. Tight racing to weather in the 2015 Thunderbird Regional Regatta. Photo by Steve Scharf. Pictures follow the break […]
Fall Nightcap Series – Races 4 & 5.
Conditions for races 4 & 5 were almost the same as for 2 & 3. If only we could count on such consistency– but that would get boring. The wind in the middle of the bay was 8 – 9 kts, with occasional lulls but few gusts. Steadily from 300º M. the choice course was again SYGF. In the first race there was a general recall for the Thunderbirds as the three boats definitely over way early were beside the CB and obscured the view of the line. The restart was fine, the leading boat having inches to spare. Unfortunately [...]
October 11th PTSA Fall Nightcap Races Canceled
There will be no races held on October 11th so that PTSA members can attend the memorial service for Ted Pike, scheduled from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, October 11th, at the NW Maritime Center. Ted was an extraordinary mariner, and an extraordinary friend. No one had a better smile or gave it so often, or freely. Below is lovely remembrance of Ted by Anna Nasset in Three Sheets Northwest. Ted in a PT11. Photo from the Port Townsend Watercraft blog, photo by Ashlyn Ecelberger Brown On Monday, August 24, there were more tears on the docks of [...]