They don’t call it the Richmond Riviera for nothing. On a hot, sunny Wednesday evening in July, the missing ingredient was wind. The Richmond YC beer can races start and finish in the Richmond Harbor, and it was a challenge to get clear of the breakwater without running aground on its shoal, and out to whatever wind was available on the Bay.

The race committee has the choice of two courses. A black flag indicates red buoy #6 south of Red Rock. An orange flag indicates Southampton. That’s it - just one turning mark and it’s back to the bar. In last week’s race, the race committee changed course flags after the prep signal. The 30 boats split about evenly, with some going to each mark. Later, back at the clubhouse, race organizer Eric Arens allowed as how the mistake was the RC’s, and both courses would count. Bottles of wine are then handed out as prizes, and the racers enjoyed a grill-your-own barbecue dinner.

Sorry, you won’t find an NOR, sign-up or results on the club’s website, as these races are super casual and strictly for fun.