Rolex Big Boat Series Day 2

September 7, 2012

For a summer day, the Golden Gate was remarkably fog-free on Friday. The sun shone all day, and the wind built to the low twenties, peaking around 3:00.

Rio chased Meanie across San Francisco Bay popcorn in IRC A. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

In the second race of the day, the J/120 fleet had a slow but even start, with the distraction of a low-flying media helicopter. For first part of the westbound, upwind leg, Grace Dances, Peregrine, and Twist went for the cone of Alcatraz, which would block some of the adverse flood current. The others headed over toward the Cityfront, where racers often find a counter-current.

Dick Swanson's Grace Dances led the J/120s past photographers at the wave organ on Friday. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

"Grace Dances got launched at the top end of the cone," said Rich Hudnut, Jr., crew on Twist. At Blackaller Buoy, the windward mark, the wind was very shifty and difficult, with velocity changes, and less pressure. "We had 23 knots at Treasure Island, and only 8-10 at Blackaller. At Blackaller we had a jibe-set, kite up, and then jibe for the finish." Grace Dances got the gun in that race.

Timo Bruck's Twist in a Cityfront tack. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

Stephen Marcoe's trimaran Cake Walk crossed the finish line sans main, but was scored DNF in Race 4. They finished long after the cats, and the rules for the state that, "A boat failing to finish within 90 minutes after the first boat in her division sails the course and finishes, will be scored 'DNF' by the Race Committee." ©2012 norcalsailing.com

Shipping traffic on San Francisco Bay had its own version of Friday afternoon rush hour, as three container ships entered the Bay, one right after another, while other ships were departing.

The Sig 45 Vamonos crossed tacks with Cosco Xiamen. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

The Express 37 Golden Moon was given redress for Race 2's disqualification, putting the past winner in first place in their one design division.

Fridays at RBBS are famous for their post-race Mount Gay Rum Party, with rum drinks compliments of Mount Gay, and a spread of hors d'oeuvres to replace some of the calories burned racing and soak up some of the alcohol. (It should be noted that Thursday's Rolex party is not too shabby either, with free beer and hors d'oeuvres.)

The courtyard at St. Francis YC, setting for Friday's Mount Gay Rum party. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

Some of the well-dressed crew from John Wimer's J/120 Desdemona. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

Some of the crew of Bob Lugliani's Express 37 pHat Jack were caught fraternizing with one of the Expeditious crew. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

Gerard Sheridan's crew on the Elan 40 Tupelo Honey had spiffy new jackets. They've had no finishes worse than a third place. ©2012 norcalsailing.com

Racing continues through Sunday. Find out more and watch live streaming video at www.rolexbigboatseries.com.