Sausalito YC Midwinters

December 5, 2011

Sometimes it helps to be patient with winter racing on San Francisco Bay. As the time ticked down to the first start, the Sausalito Yacht Club's midwinter race this Sunday looked like it was going to be a drift-fest in a strong ebb. The Race Committee had set up a windward/leeward course out of the big current with the windward mark sitting to the southeast in perfect alignment to the very light breeze. Then the breeze died and the dreaded postponement flag came out.

Doug Grant's Hanse 342 Grey Ghost. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

Some of the racers were getting frustrated, and one wise guy called on the radio that, "You better get started while there is any wind at all." Things were mulled over and ideas of what course to pick were being discussed when an 8-knot southwesterly filled in.

Bruce Nesbit's Olson 34 Razzberries and Daniel Thielman's Melges 20 Kuai make an odd pair. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

"Why don't we send them to Blackaller?" suggested PRO Dave Borton. But before that could happen they had to find out if Blackaller was back on station after taking its vacation on Ocean Beach. After the crash boat raced across the Gate to confirm that a buoy had been placed for the missing mark, the racing began.

Before the mast on the Yankee 30 Jam Jam. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

The fleet completed a mini Bay Tour around Blackaller, Knox and back to the finish just outside of Sausalito. Just as the last boats made it around, the wind softened then finally died proving the RC made the right call after all. "I give the Race Committee a thumbs up for course selection," said someone back at the club. "Are you sure it wasn't the finger?" remarked Dave.

When the railmeat complains about your driving, give them the wheel. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

See results at www.sausalitoyachtclub.org/racing.

Ron Young's IOD Youngster winding up for the start. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

Streaker and Willow on the beat to Blackaller. ©2011 norcalsailing.com