Author: Kurt Hoehne

Seattle Freeze – er Frostbite – is IN

Kurt Hoehne Laser Sailing, Racing, Youth Sailing 0 Comment
Seattle Freeze – er Frostbite – is IN

Seattle singlehanded sailing is booming. The Frostbite series, run by the Seattle Laser Fleet, now dubbed the Seattle Dinghy Fleet as it’s split between Lasers and RS Aeros (plus a few Optis share the course), has short courses, competitor-led race committees and some great competition. The ascendency of the RS Fleet has attracted both new sailors and highly experienced sailors looking for a new challenge.

Lasers, in turn, have become the boat of choice for many younger sailors, with the Radial and 4.7 rigs enabling smaller sailors to compete. Parents often attend the races in RIBs and Whalers, and act as shore crew for their kids.

Four Frostbite days have already been sailed, the Most recent being this past Sunday when it was blowing 20+ at West Point off Shilshole Bay Marina. For the last two Frostbites, it’s safe everyone went home tired and satisfied after some challenging conditions. Here’s a recap of the December 6 event from none other than Hanne Weaver, who has competed, and won, at the top levels of the Laser fleet:

Another fantastic day sailing on the Puget Sound. I was able to participate in the 3rd Frostbite series race. I was impressed by the number of sailors who came out.  The wind came from ESE about 5-12 knots with some good current pushing us back. While racing I would ask myself two questions: do I hug the shore and get away from the current or go toward the middle and get better wind? What I found that worked best for me was just tacking when the wind shifted. I knew I wanted to finish on the top right of the windward mark because there was always a right shift. I made sure I have a plan for each race before it even starts. 

   By mixing up how we start keeps me on my toes. Since we got in the way of the shipping channel, the race community wanted to race us back down to the Meadow Point buoy. This meant a downwind start; the goal is to have clean air. I have worked on my down winds for many years. What I look at while I go down wind is the wave speed, angle and how close they are together. This helps me determine when to pump and carve. 

   Once down at Meadow Point buoy, another race course was set up. Great wind, great weather and great sailors, what more can you ask for. It was wonderful to see new faces and old ones too. I cannot wait to get back out on the water and race against you all again. 

Following are some of John Beaver’s photos. The rest are here.

  • Two 4.7s chasing a standard rig

This past Sunday, the big breezes kept some people off the water, and chased others home early, but it was certainly great sailing. There’s nothing quite like sailing a lightweight singlehander in big winds.

Mark Ross submitted the following report:

Our appreciation to volunteer race committee Giancarlo Nucci and Andrew Loe for running Frostbite #4 races on Sunday, January 3, 2021. They did a superb job of clicking off the races in difficult mark-setting conditions. Approximately 15 Aeros, 8 Lasers a handful of Optis participated. What a great way to start off the new year.

Fantastic winter sailing conditions with warm temperature (upper 40’s), wind shifty (predominantly from the S and SSE), and wind strength hovering in the mid to upper teens and puffing into the mid 20’s. There were some good waves for planing downwind and also a lot of chop. It looked to me like quite a few boats went upside down at one time or another. When sailing by the lee downwind the waves were rolling into the leeward side. My death roll was a result of getting hit simultaneously by a hard gust and a nice rolling wave. Looking at the pictures provided by Giancarlo Nucci and John Beaver you’ll see some  awesome dark threatening clouds and others with blue sky–I don’t remember seeing any blue sky but the pictures don’t lie! And no rain.

The following photos are from Giancarlo Nucci. The rest are here.

The Frigid Digit Regatta is coming up January 23/4 (Seattle Dinghy Fleet and Corinthian YC-Seattle) and there are Frostbite events February 7 and 28th and March 14. Check out seattlelaserfleet.org for more information. To register for Frigid Digit, please go here: https://cycseattle.org/event-3801728/Registration.

West Coast Sailing Offers Ovington ILCAs

Kurt Hoehne Laser Sailing, West Coast Sailing 3 Comments
West Coast Sailing Offers Ovington ILCAs

The ongoing Laser Performance vs the International Laser Class Association dust up seems to have taken a bit of a break during Covid 19. It’s probably not lost on the everybody that there’s (dare we say it) a growing demand for ILCA dinghies (think Laser) amid the pandemic. It’s certainly not lost on Sailish sponsor and all-around good guys and gals at West Coast Sailing. They’ve been hard at work securing parts and new boats. Their announcement, below, is definitely worth reading. Not only have they chosen the builder to work with carefully, they’re also working with other distributors to coordinate supply. Imagine, working together!

I’m hoping to get the inside scoop on what, if any, controversy remains between ILCA and Laser Performance. In the meantime, a container of new ILCA dinghies is coming to the Pacific Northwest. See West Coast Sailing’s press release, below. -KH

Ovington ILCA : A New Era of Winning Boats

West Coast Sailing Partners with Ovington Boats to Offer ILCA Dinghy & Spare Parts in North America

PORTLAND, Oregon – West Coast Sailing is pleased to announce a partnership with Ovington Boats to offer class approved ILCA dinghies. Ovington Boats, the UK based builder specializing in high performance sailboats, was approved by the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) and World Sailing in August 2020. A long time supporter of the class and its sailors, West Coast Sailing carefully considered all new builders and sought to find the best ILCAs available. This expansion of a decade-long relationship between the two companies will allow West Coast Sailing to offer race-ready boats, spare parts, and top tier support, while providing Ovington Boats with a leading partner for their North American distribution.

The ILCA landscape has evolved quickly in the past year with several new builders approved by the class. Chris Brown, West Coast Sailing President, is confident the Ovington ILCA will become the boat of choice for sailors looking for high quality spare parts, reliable support, and a strong track record of success. “Ovington has been building high performance and Olympic level dinghies for many years and has applied the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in how they build their ILCAs,” Brown said. “After careful analysis and a factory visit, working with Ovington was a clear choice for us.” Beyond building a top quality ILCA, Ovington Boats is backed by a great team and a commitment to ongoing support. This is a key part of the equation every sailor should consider given issues with previous builders. Ovington staff members have an average of 20 years of boat building experience, and Chris Turner has been a stable hand at the helm of the business for the last 15 years. Robust warranty and support systems give dealers the latitude to solve problems and keep sailors on the water so they can focus on what they do and enjoy best. Ovington is committed to success from start to finish.

Looks familiar, doesn’t it?
Apparently Ovington ILCA boats roll tack and gybe just fine.

“This is an organized, experienced team that is used to being held to the highest standards of Olympic sailors who demand the absolute best,” Brown continued. “We have chosen to work with Ovington because we believe all sailors should expect the same.” The first container Ovington ILCA dinghies will arrive at West Coast Sailing the last week of December. Sailors can place a preorder deposit now to reserve a boat, with shipping available across the country starting in early January. A full range of Ovington ILCA sails, spars, blades, and upgrades are available for immediate purchase via the West Coast Sailing ecommerce website. Zim Sailing of Bristol, Rhode Island and Vela Sailing Supply of Dallas, Texas will join West Coast Sailing to collaborate on regional distribution. Through all the changes with the class and availability of boats and parts, the team at West Coast Sailing remains committed to helping sailors get out on the water and is looking forward to this new era for ILCA sailing. Additional information about West Coast Sailing, Ovington Boats, and the ILCA dinghy, including boat package details and a full list of spare parts, can be found via the link below.

https://westcoastsailing.net/ILCA 

Youth Resurgence at Turkey Bowl

Kurt Hoehne 505 Dinghy, Corona Virus Break, Dinghy Racing, Laser Sailing, Racing, Youth Sailing 0 Comment

There are few, if any, more Covid-friendly, appropriately socially distant activities than dinghy racing. Especially for kids desperate for some kind of sporting activity. That reality, and the Seattle Laser (and RS Aero!) fleets’ ongoing organizational efforts, helped make CYC-Seattle’s Turkey Bowl a big and successful event last weekend. Even with cancellation of Sunday’s racing because of too much wind, the event was a tremendous success. While there are a lot question marks regarding upcoming social events and regattas over the coming months, one thing is certain: The Seattle singlehanded scene has provided great sailing throughout this troubling year and is well set up to do so moving into the future. Seattle’s RS Aero fleet continues to thrive and attract the very best talent, while the Seattle Laser Fleets – 4.7, Radial and Standard rigs – have become the place of choice for youth you develop their skills while having a great time, and a haven for some of us oldsters.

There were other fleets as well. Seven brave Opti sailors were on the course, four 505s and a lone Vanguard 15.

More than 20 RS Aeros turned up, and Dalton Bergan dominated with two firsts, a second and third. In the biggest Laser fleet, Hannah Weaver made a triumphant appearance winning in the Radials. There are excellent pictures from Jan Anderson (above) and John Beaver.

RESULTS

I put out the call for input about the youth fleet, and immediately got this back from Alex Zaputil, skipper of Zap, the winner of the Laser 4.7 class:

Turkey Bowl , as you know, was a one-day event. It was great to have a 10-boat fleet- the largest so far this year. Despite the forecast for Saturday, it turned out to be a generally lighter day. The first two races were a southerly of 12-15 and pretty puffy. On the first race, the fleet bunched up at the committee boat so much that I found it faster to start at the pin with speed, port tack the fleet and tack back to consolidate.  Tacking back to starboard fairly quickly was important, as the chop early in the day on port tack was not very fast! Hiking hard upwind was key. As the wind lightened for the last two races, the fleet became closer and going to the middle/right upwind paid off. — Alex Zaputil

And the following report came from Mark Ross:

Singlehanded fleets competing included RS Aeros (21 competitors), Laser Standard (5), Laser Radial (11), Laser 4.7 (9) and Opti (7).  Double handed fleets included 505’s (4 boats), FJs (4) and Vanguards (2).

One of the Aero sailors described the sailing as follows: On Saturday four races were sailed with a mix of wind conditions. The first two races were medium breeze and the last race was light. The wind and current were going opposite directions throughout the day, so keeping the bow above the chop and the boat dry was important. The pin end of the start line was being pushed up the course with the current resulting in several general recalls in the very aggressive Aero fleet, and the RC worked hard to keep the line square. The pin end of the start line was still generally favored. There were shifts on both sides of the course with longer lasting left shifts. You could go left or right up the windward leg as long as you maximized the time on the lifts and covered the fleet when there was an opportunity to do so. On the downwind legs it was important to have a good visual on the mark and it usually worked to sail close to the rhumb line while taking into account a few degrees of offset for the current.

Unfortunately on Sunday morning racing was postponed and competitors remained on shore as the wind was consistently blowing around 30. Shortly after noon the race committee canceled racing entirely for the day as the wind remained strong and there was no expectation that it would drop.  Thus the finishes on Saturday resulted in the following regatta winners….Dalton Bergan (RS Aero), Owen Timms (Laser Standard), Hanne Weaver (Laser Radial), Alex Zaputil (Laser 4.7), Barrett Milne (Optimist).

Thanks to CYC for putting on a great regatta.

–Mark Ross

The next frostbite is scheduled for December 6. Register here and dress warmly.

Turkey Bowl this Weekend

Kurt Hoehne Dinghy Racing 1 Comment
Turkey Bowl this Weekend

It’s Turkey Bowl time again, virus or not. CYC-Seattle’s venerable small boat regatta is this weekend. Click on the masked turkey to sign up! We’ll get a weather outlook up tomorrow night.

Not so Frosty Frostbite

Kurt Hoehne Laser Sailing, Racing, Youth Sailing 0 Comment
Not so Frosty Frostbite

The Seattle Laser and RS Aero fleets were the first local groups to counter Covid with the “It’s not really a race but we’re out there” kind of racing events that became the norm in this very strange year. It turns out that singlehanded sailing is one of the, or possibly the, most socially distanced sport one can do in a pandemic. So now that fall is here and with renewed interest in singlehanded sailing the Seattle Laser Fleet/RS Aeros are enjoying even greater participation in their already successful Frostbite series.

  • Laser 4.7s
  • RS Aeros at the start
  • Laser 4.7s
  • Laser 4.7s

This past Sunday, 36 sailors (19 RS Aeros and 17 Lasers of various rigs) enjoyed perhaps the ideal “frostbite” conditions. 5-12 knot northerly winds, balmy temperatures and bright sunshine gave racers a beautiful day of sailing. A handful of Optis joined the fun. The winds dropped during the day, but never enough akento diminish the racing. The race committee provided ample racing, and stood by for the occasional capsize. Coach Cam was on hand in the SYC Whaler.

There are no results to post, because none were recorded. A quick glance at the Aero fleet made it clear that it’s competitive enough that the same sailors were not always at the front, and in fact some excellent ones found themselves “back in fleet” on more than one occasion. In the Laser fleet, the disparity between the Standard, Radial and 4.7 rigs became more pronounced as the day wore on and the winds lightened. Generally speaking, going right after the start toward Golden Gardens seemed to be the right tactic. Occasionally, holding off from hitting the beach seemed to work. There were waves to be worked, and some real gains could be made carving turns on the runs.

Perhaps the biggest news was the prevalence of young sailors in the Laser fleet. There were healthy numbers of 4.7 and Radial rigs and in fact there were only a couple of Standard rigs. Young faces were everywhere, having fun and enjoying the outdoors and fellowship at the same time.

In the end, everyone was a winner on what may be the best sailing day of the year of really good singlehanded sailing. The next Frostbite is December 6, but before then the CYC Turkey Bowl on November 14-15 should be a great event. Check out seattlelaserfleet.org for more information. Frostbite registration is here.

Seattle Boat Show Connected

Kurt Hoehne Pacific Northwest Sailing Industry 0 Comment
Seattle Boat Show Connected

The Northwest Marine Trade Association has announced, to nobody’s surprise, that January’s Seattle Boat Show will not be taking place in person. The NMTA has been hard at work preparing an online event they’ve dubbed Seattle Boat Show Connected. Here’s the release:

SEATTLE — November 3, 2020 — Ongoing COVID restrictions are preventing the Seattle Boat Show from being held in person in January 2021 but are not preventing the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) from producing a major boating event in January. The show will go on—but in a digital format. The digital show, Seattle Boat Show Connected, will take place Thursday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021 with an extensive suite of tools and exhibitor advertising opportunities designed to connect exhibitors and attendees. Additionally, NMTA is committed to driving attendee traffic to the show with an advertising budget just as large as previous in-person shows. The advertising campaign, with digital and traditional media, will start on December 15.

“We’ve spent five and a half months researching and planning for a digital show,” said George Harris, president, NMTA. “We’re leaning in and doubling down and giving it all we’ve got. I’m proud and excited about the new features and technologies we’re adding to the website and making available to exhibitors to help them drive those all-important winter sales.”

Seattle Boat Show Connected is the next generation of digital shows. It will have a number of features that will allow exhibitors to connect with attendees in a variety of ways, including an easy-to-use tool that allows them to schedule in-person appointments, Zoom, FaceTime, or phone meetings, boat and product tours as well as live text chat. The three-dimensional show floor will feature the show’s iconic red carpet and allow boaters to simulate cruising the aisles. Exhibitors holding special events at their locations concurrent with the show will be able to promote them via a calendar on the show’s website and through advertising opportunities. Exhibitors will also be able to upload product images, descriptions, videos, spec sheets, pricing, company logos, and even host their own live or recorded seminars.

The Seattle Boat Show is famous for its extensive seminar line up. The digital show will be no different. It will be full of engaging content aimed at drawing people in and keeping them coming back. There will be more than 100 hours of original boating, fishing, lifestyle and Boat Show University seminars, as well as a live video stream during show hours that will feature interviews with guest speakers, seminar presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors.

Exhibitor participation levels start with a free website listing. No NMTA member will be excluded from the show for lack of funds. However, companies that want to buy additional exposure can select from four higher level exhibitor packages with additional benefits and sales tools that include:

  • Up to 20 photos, videos or 3D tours per featured product.
    • Appointment calendar setting tool that allows exhibitors to control their availability and meet with attendees via the customer’s preferred method (in-person, Zoom, FaceTime, Phone, etc.).
    • Live text chat with businesses during show hours.
    • “Buy Now” button for special boat show only promotions.
    • Calendar listing of in-person events at individual retail locations
    • Live or recorded exhibitor content including product demonstrations, Q&A sessions with product experts and virtual tours during all show hours.
    • Advertising opportunities and product spotlights on the website.

“Interest and demand for boats and accessories are at an all-time high right now and many industry experts are predicting an even bigger year in 2021. If people wait until next spring to go boat shopping it may be too late,” said Harris. “That‘s why we’re so pleased to be producing a rich and robust digital experience that will allow boaters to easily shop, tour and compare boats and accessories all in one place and make a plan for 2021.”

Going Rogue

Kurt Hoehne Racing 0 Comment

Round the County is arguably one of the best races anywhere. Two days, not the dreaded round the buoys, potential for orcas, party at Roche Harbor. What’s not to like. Well, this year like so many things, it’s not even there to like, though it would have been this coming weekend. Cancelled. But of course that doesn’t keep sailors from sailing around the county.

So, a group of sailors decided that the county needs to be sailed around this year, no matter what the Covid situation is. I’ll let their web site explain it all. But basically, it’s a take your own time, find your own berthage or anchorage, and enjoy the weekend kind of thing. They added this important note:

“This is NOT a race or even an organized event. You are on your own, so embrace your inner rogue-ness and be safe and responsible on your cruise. Follow COLREGS (not RRS) and have the appropriate safety gear on board. Monitor Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) channels 5A (Seattle) and 11 (Victoria) as appropriate and be whale wise. Please respect all state and San Juan County COVID restrictions.”

For all you “cruisers” sailing around the islands, Bruce Hedrick is going to come up with a weather outlook sometime Friday. And we’ll have a wrapup here at Sailish post-event. In fact, if any of you want to take some pictures, send them to me here I’ll post them.

Below is a list of who’s going.

Sail safely!

Boat nameBoat typePHRF rating
DashJ/9975
HravnJ/10969
Time BanditJ/12054
KeetJ/3393
Neptune’s CarSC70-75
KineticJ/10593
REIVERReliance 37174
Poke & destroyevelyn 32-293
Blade RumnerSC 27156
RicochetSan Juan 28198
LodosJ/10969
MARTHAStaysail schooner111
SjöjungfrunCatalina 400 mkii145
Zen No Zen IISabre 42681
KyrnosCustom Barnett 563
White WingBarnett 47 Custom48
HamachiJ/125-3
InnamorataIslander Peterson 4099
VamooseJ12054
Heron IIJ-12051
BellaHanse 45566
Sir IsaacCustom Schooner93
Secret beaverSchock 40-9
IncognitoCatamaran27
AlsekQuest 3093
CohoFarr 4445
SolutionJ/3572
Endangered SpeciesGuzzwell 30120
NawalakRoberts 54249
HideawayOceanis 5563
RakuJ/11148

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Roaming Race Week Now in Anacortes

Kurt Hoehne Racing 1 Comment
Roaming Race Week Now in Anacortes

Whidbey Island Race Week has moved again – thanks to the Corona Virus – to Anacortes. More later, but for now here’s the press release. -KH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Race Week Announces New Venue: Anacortes, Washington


SEATTLE, Washington, October 28, 2020 – Whidbey Island Race Week LLC, the organizing authority of Whidbey Island Race Week and Point Roberts Race Week announces a new venue beginning in 2021: Anacortes, Washington. Anacortes is located on the north end of Fidalgo Island in Washington State, and will be the new venue for the 5-day sailboat racing event beginning in 2021. The dates will be June 21-25, 2021 and the event will take place from the Port of Anacortes Cap Sante Marina.


“The Port of Anacortes is excited about hosting Race Week in 2021 at Cap Sante Marina! Race Week has nearly four decades of history in our area as Whidbey Island Race Week, and this partnership offers strong support for our local economy, while highlighting what a great boating community we have in Anacortes. On behalf of the entire Commission, I welcome you to Anacortes.” Ken Goodwin, Port Commissioner, Port of Anacortes
“During these unusual and challenging times, we are thrilled to bring another great event to Cap Sante Marina. We are committed to safely providing the venue for a world-class regional sailing event. Race Week will spur our local economy and further defines the maritime excellence of our community.” Dan Worra, Executive Director, Port of Anacortes


What happened to Point Roberts?


In March of 2019, it was announced that the event would change venues to Point Roberts, Washington beginning in 2020, after a 37-year run in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, Washington. A title sponsor was procured through the Point Roberts Marina, owned by Chen Yihong, of DX Sport (China Dongxiang Group Co., Ltd), who signed a 3-year Title Sponsorship contract. Whidbey Island Race Week was rebranded as Point Roberts Race Week, and an active advertising and marketing campaign went into effect that included the production of a promotional video to build fleet interest. Point Roberts Race Week 2020 was set to host the 6 Metre North American Championships, and the Corsair Nationals.


Additionally, it was chosen to present the coveted Pacific Coast Yachting Association’s Jesse L. Carr Perpetual Captain and Crew Trophy at the event which was due to take place July 13-17, 2020.


But in March 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic hit, and Point Roberts Race Week had to be cancelled as did most big events around the world. Border closures combined with social distancing mandates enacted by federal, state, and local governments prevented the event from taking place. Point Roberts is an enclave located in Washington state, but to get there from the USA, requires two border crossings and the borders have been closed since April 2020, and are still closed to this day.


Following the cancellation of the 2020 event, the ownership of the Point Roberts Marina made the decision to not honor the 3-year Title Sponsorship contract terms that had been signed in 2019, and consequently, a contract dissolvement ensued. Once this legal process was complete, Whidbey Island Race Week LLC began the search for a new venue for the event. Race Week’s new home: Anacortes, Washington

Anacortes


The 2021 event will be rebranded “Race Week Pacific Northwest” until a new title sponsor is found. Sponsor procurement for Race Week PNW will begin immediately, with a sponsorship terms that deliver exposure from January 1 through June 30 each year.


“Anacortes offers excellent racing areas, ample guest moorage in the Cap Sante Marina to accommodate the fleet, and shoreside amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and an RV campground all within walking distance from the marina,” explains Event Producer Schelleen Rathkopf. “We are really looking forward to bringing new business revenue to the city, and getting to know the entire community of Anacortes.”
The Race Management Team includes Schelleen Rathkopf, Event Producer, John Abel, Principal Race Officer, Paul Evenden, Race Officer, and Jared Hickman, Chief Judge. The regatta is currently open to keelboats and multihulls 19’+ racing PHRF, ORC, or in a (NFS) Cruising Class, but a dinghy component may be considered.

COVID-19


Race Week will work with the Port of Anacortes to be in full compliance with any national, state, or city COVID-19 requirements and social distancing mandates that are in place in the Summer of 2021 to prevent the spread of the virus. “We’re confident that we can achieve COVID-19 safety requirements on the water while racing, and on the docks at the end of each race day,” adds Rathkopf. “We are going to wait to make any decisions about post-race festivities, and the inclusion of the popular Kids Camp program until next Spring, when we’re closer to the event and have a handle on what reopening phase the state and county are in.” Event Registration Race Week 2021 registration will open on January 1, 2021 and registration details, including the Notice of Race (NOR) will be found on the Race Week website www.RaceWeekPNW.com. Event participants will make their guest moorage and RV camping arrangements directly with the Cap Sante Harbormaster’s office, operated by the Port of Anacortes.

Northwest Harvest – Wrap on September’s Race

Kurt Hoehne Community, Corona Virus Break, Racing 0 Comment

Congratulations to the Seattle Singles YC for putting a fine regatta on back in September! Gallery here. Results here.

Sue Weiss reports on a blustery good time:

Thanks for Bruce’s weather predictions!  Strong southerly winds made it a perfect day to race to Blakely Rock and support NW Harvest.  

Three long time supporters returned to Seattle Singles Yacht Club’s 28th Northwest Harvest Benefit Race September 26.  Alan Vogt (Mountaineers) continued his winning tradition by taking first place in his NFS class Saturday on Blue Fin.  It was the 25th year that he has participated in this event, having done the race since its first year August 14, 1993.  He moved out of state for a few years, returned,  resumed racing, and winning.    

The masked Blue Fin winners of the Northwest Harvest Race, and the red Reverie winner of the flying sails class.

2020 NW Harvest Benefit Race is September 26th

Kurt Hoehne Community 0 Comment

Those energetic folk at the Seattle Singles Yacht Club are at it again, COVID or no COVID. They’re looking at a huge increase in attendance this year over past years and raising even more money for Northwest Harvest. And for those of us without any crew looking for some distraction from the pandemic there’s the Half Fast (spelling?!?) class, where one can just motor along without apology. Remember the huge needs here now and coming for the Northwest Harvest food bank. For more information on entering and donating, click here.


Skippers–please mark your calendars for the 28th annual sailboat race to benefit Northwest Harvest held by Seattle Singles Yacht Club! As in past years, the race will be held out of Shilshole Bay Marina starting at  11 a.m. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic the traditional dinner/dance/auction will not be held, making the race even more important AND allowing a Race Around the Rock (Blakely Rock). 

The race is for NFS, FS and a category called Half Fast – for sailboat skippers who don’t want to have the pressure of winning a race and for M/V people who’d just like to cruise across the Sound to the Rock and back.  NFS and FS winners, including multi-hulls, will get prizes.  The Half Fast winner will be drawn from the hat and get a prize.

Skippers and crew must follow state COVID 19 requirements in effect on race day.  i.e. limit skipper & 4 crew, no after party, etc.  Register for the race at seattlesinglesyc.com.

Race entry fee is $75 and that includes a gift certificate for the skipper to Little Coney (& $10 @ crew for gift certificates to Little Coney.)  For more information email vicecommodore@seattlesinglesyc.com or balsuesails@gmail.com.

The 2019 Race to Fight Hunger winners were:

Flying Sails Fast:                                                                   

First: Allen Johnson on Charlotte, a Quest 30 pictured above.
Second: Mike Sinclair on Surt, a C & C 41.
Third: Vincent DePillis on Freda Mae, a Corsair 31

Flying Sails Slow:

First: Jeff Blyth on Mata Hari, a Catalina 36 pictured above.
Second: Teresa Leupold on Norn, a Santa Cruz 27
Third: Joe Grande on Whisper, a Catalina 32

Non Flying Sails winners:

First: Alan Vogt on Blue Fin, a Catalina 42, pictured above.
Second: Brad Lefton/Karina Gilje on In Deep, a Bavaria 35

Third: Kari Ingalls on Quack! Quack!, a Hunter 30

Half Fast:  Drawn from a hat

First: Mike Hirsch on High Hopes, a Nauticat 44.