Sixteen boats (the most this season) came out for the Halloween race. It was trick & treat, a beautiful sunny afternoon but with very anemic breezes.

While the RC was deciding on a course the wind on the dock was Northerly 2 – 2.5 kts. with occasional gusts to 3. The wind shadows indicated similar conditions throughout the bay. The wind forecast called for a slight strengthening later in the afternoon, and there appeared to be wind outside the bay, so course SBTYF was set.

The start (delayed for the construction of the missing letter B) appeared a little chaotic with so many boats in one start but those choosing the pier end of the line did well. Next time there are so many boats the fleet should be split into two starting classes. The wind at the start was 3.5-4 kts G5 from 010 ºM. It appeared to strengthen as hoped as the leaders cleared Point Hudson.

There was reasonable wind until halfway to the Tower when it pretty much shut down and the RC started to regret not having set a course which could be shortened. After struggling to round the Tower the leaders began to feel an increasing Northwesterly. The leg from Y became a brisk reach for the Finish. The last boat beat TLE by just 2 secs. At the Dock the wind while finishing was 6 – 8 kts. 330ºM.

This race made a fine finalé to an unusual and difficult season. Many thanks and congratulations to all who participated and commiserations to the crew left on the dock due to the Covid restrictions.