As PNW big boat racing sputters to life, not only are we seeing new races like the Salish 200, we’re seeing existing races that some of us are learning more about. Case in point, the Round Whidbey Island Race. Jan and Skip Anderson knew about the race, and jumped at the chance to shoot the event. As Skip says, “Both Jan and I were SO freakin’ glad to get back out on the water …”
Looks like fun, although we all know how “mild” Puget Sound can be like in July. As one would expect, an eclectic group showed up, including an AeroRig (I had no idea one existed here in the PNW) The event site is here. And for those who are wondering, here’s the course:
- THE COURSE
The committee boat will be anchored off West Beach at Deception Pass,
within 0.5 nm south of Deception Island. The course then proceeds down the
west side of Whidbey Island to its southern tip at Possession Point, then
north up the east side of Whidbey Island to the entrance of Oak Harbor. The
green buoys at Partridge Point, Double Bluff, Scatchet Head and
Possession Point must all be kept to port. The course is 65 nautical
miles.
Alternate course: “Along Whidbey” In case the winds are too high to sail
out Deception Pass as determined by the race committee, the start will be in
the vicinity of the Committee Boat, around the northeast end of Whidbey
Island (Hoypus Point) and race down the east side of Whidbey Island, to
round Gedney Island in either direction and return to the posted finish line.
The distance is approximately 54 nautical miles.
Jan’s report: What a glorious day to transition out of our COVID caves back onto the water! Sure, little to no wind, but at some point, who cares?! After all this time away, it was TERRIFIC to muster on the starting line once again, regardless of the race outcome. Seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, smiles all around, and they’re OFF! Conditions were so light that you will not see major league action in these photographs; instead, look for the sailing spirit, the racing community’s heart, and you just might be able to spot why we do this racing thing after all. Friends for life, engaged with Mother Nature!
AeroRig 
Winner. 
Recently launched trawler that wasn’t quite ready to launch. 
Masks are now sailing equipment.
And here are the rest of Jan’s pix!
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.