Scandal on the Circle!

November 14, 2011

On the weekend of November 12-13, there was scandal on the Berkeley Circle! The Berkeley YC Midwinter races were started on time both days, no boats ran aground, no boats crashed, and no boats dismasted. All that happened was that almost 100 boats enjoyed lovely sunny light wind days (perhaps a little too light for some). Some have even hinted that perhaps a congressional committee ought to be formed to investigate.

Saturday’s 80 boats were divided into eight divisions, including a strong showing of 17 in the Express 27 fleet. An eight-mile course was chosen and the first mark was the temporary that had been set for the missing “GOC”. (I have it on good authority that “G” has totally disappeared. An APB has been issued by YRA.)

Some holes in the wind were found on the north side of the course and thus there were some new winners. The last two divisions were given only a four-mile course and were all done in about an hour and a half, some wondering why the short course. It was explained that if the longer course had been chosen, the wind was almost guaranteed to die completely.

On Sunday, the wind was still from about 270° and thus the same eight-mile course was chosen. Again, about two hours was needed for all 26 boats to start and finish. And again, I heard tales of various wind holes being found.

- Bobbi Tosse, Berkeley YC