Last week a course was set up in light and shifty winds that proved adequate (with minor adjustments of the Pin) to complete four races in three hours. This week the numbers were reversed. Four courses had to be set in light and shifty winds before it was possible to run one race. This is not the way it was supposed to be.

Friday evening the weather forecasts were showing Westerly winds 20 – 25 mph. with gusts over 30 mph. Although Port Townsend Bay is well known to be appropriately non-conformist with regard to regional weather forecasts, this was sufficiently alarming to call for a skippers meeting Saturday morning to review the situation. (more…)

Following the past two weeks where the wind conditions were at either end of un-raceable, this week’s forecast was unexciting with weak winds that were very variable in direction.

The actual wind appeared to be a little North of West and the RC left to set a temporary mark downwind of Y. On leaving the breakwater it was obvious the wind shadows to Port were the stronger so the leeward mark was set about ¾ of a mile downwind of Indian Point. With the rapidly changing wind direction it took a while of chasing to and fro to get the mark downwind of I. Eventually we settled on an average. The good thing was that the wind was building up to 3 – 4 kts during this time. (more…)

A dock start was set up as a CB was unavailable. A delayed start was anticipated due to the Kinetic Skulpture race passing the dock. This was immaterial as boats trying to sail to windward on any wafts that drifted by could not stem the current. After an hour, AP was replaced by N in surrender.

The possibility of scheduling make-up races is under consideration.

Dave sets the course

The forecast was for winds SSE about 6 mph during the afternoon and there was minimal tidal change. The RC had designed courses suitable for winds with Northerly or Southerly Components and winds forming first in the Bay or outside the Bay. Mark A was to be set so the fleet could cross the Bay after a start to the South rather than gather in front of the departing 12:30 Ferry.

Viewed from the hill on Sims Way in late morning, the bay showed little sign of wind so the RC visited the beach at Pt Hudson and found a light but building SSE wind outside the bay.  On return to the Dock (late because of difficulty parking due to the Film Festival) it was apparent the SSE wind had started to fill the bay.

Course SMTCDIYHTBF (17 nm.) was set and the fleet started with 9 kts. of wind from 150ºM. This was apparently the best wind of the day as most of the boats needed two hours to reach T at the 6 mile mark (partly due to an unpredicted strong ebb in the vicinity of B). The wind at the Dock dropped to 5 – 6 kts (same direction) during this time. The boats coming from T to C brought lighter wind with them.

It was obvious that changes to the course were needed if the fleet was to meet the time limit. Mark H and the return to Mark B were dropped from the course. While this only shortened course by 3 miles, the impact was much greater as there appeared to be little wind towards H and the strong currents in light wind at B were avoided. Two boats dropped out after the course change due to unfamiliarity with the marks and symbols.

The wind at the dock changed to 2.5 kts from 190ºM and then 3 kts from 220º as boats looped around DIYT (one boat missed D) to finish. There was more wind out in the Bay than at the dock until after the leaders had rounded T. Then they brought the dying breeze with them halfway to the finish and had to claw the rest of the way.

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For the finale of the Dog Days Series we persisted with course SWOLF and managed to run three races.  The wind was NW 7 – 8 kts. with no sharp gusts. Steady for the first two races, it faded during the third race leaving the fleet parked before the leeward mark for a while, then slowly rebuilding enough for them to claw their way to the finish.

This week we were visited by Murrelet and Jackoroe. They were offered, and accepted, a start after the Thunderbirds. They did not impede the ‘birds on the course. Murrelet finished ahead of Jackoroe.

Last week’s erroneous throwouts have been recognized and corrected in this report. (more…)

This, the fourth memorial of Ted and his contributions to the North West sailing community, was probably the most successful so far. Especially in terms of number of participating boats (11 anchored in the kelp and one on the beach), enthusiasm around the rum keg which was over filled (Sparkle’s entry fee was accidentally donated to Davy Jones during disembarkation) and definitely in terms of cooperating breezes. Sparkle and Pacifica maintained their perfect attendance record.

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This week we continued setting the course away from shore and using the offset mark. Course SWOLF was again about 2 nm. long. This week the wind was more than generous. For the start of the first race the wind was NW 9 – 12 kts. with occasional sharp gusts to 15+. For the start of the second race it had risen to 12 – 15 kts. with the gusts more frequent and longer. It held a steady direction but continued to rise, a gust of 20 kts was measured towards the end. The offer of a third start was wisely declined. (more…)