Author: Kurt Hoehne

Thunderbird West Coast Championship

Kurt Hoehne Racing 0 Comment

Thanks to Sue Weiss for all her race committee work and going the extra mile to get some news out. She was on the race committee for the T-Bird West Coast Championship over Labor Day weekend. I don’t have a report, but here are some photos and results. For more information, go to the Port Townsend Sailing Association page.

Canadian Opti Nationals, 100-boat Fun at Squamish, BC

Kurt Hoehne Dinghy Racing, Youth Sailing , 1 Comment
Orca delay!!

If you’re one of those who decries the Optimist dinghy as holding back the sport of sailing, please, please don’t tell that to the 100 or so kids that just got back from sailing the Canadian Optimist Nationals at Squamish, BC Aug 17-23. They had a blast, from full-on hiking conditions to no-air delays to an orca-on-the-course race delay. A total of 10 races were sailed, and full credit goes to the organizers for pulling off an epic event.

With Optis, there is of course an overall winner but many others as well. The overall winner was Noah Adler (overall Red fleet winner), second was Seattle’s Dieter Creitz (overall Blue fleet 11-12-year-olds winner) and third was Andreas Steinitz. The first girl was Carling Davies.

Andrew Nelson, NW Youth Director of The Sailing Foundation, submitted a report below. As far as I can tell, the coverage from the event itself is all on the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association Page. At the end of this post there’s a brief report lifted from that site.

I got a chance to talk to Dieter Creitz and has dad Nate after their drive back from Squamish.

“The trick was to sail to ‘The Wall,'” Dieter explained. The Wall is a towering shoreline where there’s plenty of depth and a current that carries the boats to weather. Boats lined up beam to beam, bow to stern, at the boat end of the start line trying to get over to The Wall the quickest. “The boats that got to ‘The Wall’ first won, every time. There were no changes to the places after that,” Nate said.

Creitz was in first place after two days, but on the last 5-day race the 14-year-old Noah Adler came through and won the event, with Creitz hanging on just ahead of Steinitz. Adler qualified for the Canadian Opti team and he and others are headed to Cyprus for the Worlds.

The story of this regatta is as much about the turnout and great venue. Squamish has long been a favorite for great winds and natural beauty. Nate reports that there’s a new sailing center taking shape which will make Squamish even more of a Mecca for small boat sailing. “It’s like a mini Lake Garda,” Nate says. “It blows from one direction in the morning, then you take a break for lunch, then it comes in from the other direction.

Click on any image to enlarge.

It’s clear that the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association is well organized and eager by the number of participants and the quality of racing. It’s also clear there’s an ever increasing amount of cross-border cooperation in the youth sailing programs. US and Canadian youth sailors and coaches are creating a regional boom in small boat skills. And while it’s quite a hike for Seattle sailors to get to Squamish, seven made the trip in large part because of Andrew Nelson’s commitment and energy. “The fact that Andrew Nelson stepped up and got all the kids to go was really big,” Nate said.

And before I could say goodbye to Dieter and Nate, Dieter made absolutely sure I got in a big thanks to his parents, “None of this would have been possible without my parents!” Amen. Parents take note.

Youth events coming up include the SYC Junior Olympics this weekend at Corinthian YC on Puget Sound and the JAM Regatta at Port Madison in early September plus the Northwest USODA (Opti Assoc) Championships in late September. Youth sailing is alive and well throughout the Pacific Northwest, whether in Optis, 29ers (a Vancouver team won North Americans – more on that later), Lasers or whatever floats!

From Andrew Nelson:

A group of seven sailors representing several different clubs/teams (SYC, TYC, SSP, OIYC, and Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Center) attended the CODA Opti Canadian Championships Aug. 18-22. There were nearly 100 Optis competing this year and they ran everyone together (no flights/fleets). Most of our team had never sailed a big international championship like this before. I arrived in time for measurement/check in and the practice day. Afterwards there was also a “parade of nations (provinces)” and a traditional welcome by the Squamish people, which the kids really got into. We raced Sunday-Wednesday, except that Monday was cancelled because of smoke. 

We were “Team Northwest” for the regatta and also “Team USA.” The kids and families all got to know one another much better by the end of the event, and many new friendships were made. For most of our team it was unlike any regatta they’ve ever sailed. When do you see 100 boats on the start line? When do you see the U-Flag on the very first start of the regatta? The sailors had a great attitude despite long days spent sailing in VERY difficult conditions, which included strong winds, lots of current, smoke, VERY challenging conditions which included strong winds, crowded boat end starts, current, smoke, and a postponement caused by an orca on the race course. There were a lot of lessons learned the hard way, but it’s an experience I’m sure none of them will forget! I would say on all fronts this was a big success and I’m proud of the way Team Northwest did.

Results are on the Event Website. There are also tons of great pictures and videos on the CODA Facebook Page. Photos are courtesy of Sonya Ramsey who said to use them as we please.

From the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association:

2018 Fleet Racing Opti Canadians wrapped up yesterday in Squamish with a long day on the water of very successful racing.
5 races were raced on the last day which made it a total of 10.
Winds were strong through out the event and up to 20 knots the last 2 days.
Sailors had a great performance spending more than 6 hours on the water and multiple races a day.

Congratulations to all 102 competitors, coaches and supporters.

Now a BIG shout out to the winners!!⛵️👏🏻
1st overall and Canadian Champion, Noah Adler from RNSYS
1st female sailor, Carling Davies from RCYC

Full results: https://www.regattatoolbox.com/results?eventID=tgoT84Ccvn

Moore Fun on the Gorge – Braden Wins

Kurt Hoehne Columbia River Gorge, Racing 0 Comment
Moore Fun on the Gorge – Braden Wins

The Moore 24 enjoyed yet another rockin’ good Columbia River Gorge regatta August 10-12, this time the Nationals. Moores love the Gorge. And Ben Braden loves the Moore 24 on the Gorge, winning the event in a tough battle with Peter Schoen’s Mooretician. If you want to learn about the timeless Moore, check out this web site. 

Braden tells a great story. Here’s the first couple sections – follow the link at the end of this piece to read the rest of it. 

 

Ben Braden’s Moore Uff Da sending it.

 

The Set –

Straight outa Wikipedia – Hood River is considered a “sports mecca” and offers some of the best spots for windsurfing, kitesurfing, Moore 24 Racing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, skiing and mountain biking—all for which it draws considerable national attention from many media outlets, such as Sail Magazine, Pressure Drop and Sailing Anarchy.

Moore 24 Nationals in Hood River, Oregon, one of the most consistently windy places to sail in our country and if half of what is written above is true one of the most fun and active towns you can imagine.  A sailing venue I always think of with a little trepidation in the weeks before – why are going here – man that’s a hassle to get down there – it’ll be too hot and too windy – things are going to break – we are going to wipe out. You know, all the normal stuff to be worried about.  We’re going somewhere to race that the Opti’s don’t sail at, where the only keel boats to have a one design regatta at the venue is the Moore 24’s and where the sailboards and kiteboards shine and rip around in places with names like Swell City – but then you get there and take in the scenery as you are welcomed in and get to welcome in all the different players in the theatre that is a Moore 24 Regatta.  The Sailing is always great, the wind is usually incredible and the sailors in the fleet are top notch, but it’s the players, the actors in this regatta that make it what it is.

The Cast –

Competing from Hood River Oregon and first on the entry list is Doug I’ll Make it Happen and I had the best holder 20 wipeout ever Archbald and crew on #111 Morjito with Matty I don’t need a life jacket McQueen (yes he’s related to King of Cool Steve, and yes he threw the vhf in the water) aboard.

Hailing from Alameda, California is Karl Offshore extraordinaire I’m so wired I don’t need sleep Robrock and crew on #121 Snafu with Steve Scuba McCarthy on the helm

Another Home town Hood River Oregon Boat is Dave Jelly Man Gee and crew aboard #23 Space toaster with calm and cool Tyler Splice Master DuroKnot Beck aboard.

Hailing out of Corte Madera (no it’s a city not a fortified bum wine) California is John skinny trailerKernot and crew aboard #118 Banditos with Dave Soft Ball King Hodges aboard on the helm.

Coming all the way south from Ballard Washington is Ben I like a hot lunch Braden and crew aboard #26 More Uff Da with Andy I got a joke for you Schwenk aboard trimming

Hailing out of San Rafael, California is Joel I like red Turmel and crew aboard #64 FireFly with local Hood River Native Bart Master sailboard king I got a sailboat for you Vervleot aboard

Slipping their way up from San Francisco, California is everyone’s favorite Wet Spot #51 with Mike I swim in my tiddy-whities O’Callaghan, John I can’t stop movin and doin Verdoia and their longtime, fun, We Send It, crew aboard

Hailing from Corte Madera (no it’s a city not a fortified bum wine) California is Peter no it’s not Schoen Yes that fanny pack is a lifejacket #89 Mooretician and crew with Joe is that a new breweryWilderman aboard pulling the strings.

Another Hood River Native is Ted I sail Express 27’s Lohr borrowing Andrew’s Seldom Seen #37 and naming her Nice One for the weekend and he wasn’t talking about that old jib…

Then you have the Hood River, Oregon fixture Brian I lost my shoes in that wipeout Petros and crew aboard #145 Electric Mayhem sporting their new, yes not used by somebody else before type new, sails!

Hailing from Aptos, California is wee little Scott Captain Offset Sorenson who not only can’t decide on a boat name but now has named himself Karl Hungus and #92 LogJammin’ (even though Kung Fu Sock Monkey is still the fan’s favorite) sailing with his 11 year old son Spike aboard on the bow!

Rounding out the actors and hailing from Hood River, Oregon is 6/16’ths of the local Junior sailing program sailing aboard Morgan I can’t find a cooler boat than a Moore 24 no matter what I sailLarson’s #127 Bruzer on loan due to Larson trying out yet another boat in another city.

12 platforms of actors in this year’s Moore 24 National’s regatta but trust me – there was plenty of personality and action to be had by all.

Read on…..

T-Bird West Coast Champs in Port Townsend September 1-2

Kurt Hoehne Racing 0 Comment
T-Bird West Coast Champs in Port Townsend September 1-2
From a 2017 T-Bird regatta.

If all you T-birders aren’t already aware of this, the dates for the Thunderbird West Coast Champs are September 1-2 and the location is lovely Port Townsend. I was hoping to gather some more enticements that the NOR – but for now all I can do is refer you to the Notice of Race link. (HERE!) and show you the first page below. If anyone wants to come up with a post regatta wrapup and some photos, please get in touch.

 

Bic O’pen it up to 15

Kurt Hoehne Community, Youth Sailing 0 Comment
Bic O’pen it up to 15

The O’pen Bic looks like a miniscule Open 60, sails with performance somewhere in between an Opti and Laser 4.7, does not require bailing, seems indestructible and is, according to youthful experts, “easy.” In most books the boat itself, even with its roto-molded construction, would rate at least a 7+. But when it comes to fun for kids, the “unregatta” regattas the O’pen Bic class puts on are definitely a 10. Or even, as one young sailor points out in this video, a 15.

And when it comes to producing a promo video, Bic gets at least another 10 with this one the 2018 North Americans at the Buffalo Canoe Club. I haven’t seen so many smiling faces of any age at a regatta in a long time, if ever. You gotta love the Bridge of Doom. Watch for one of the sailors getting pinned down there.

While the sailing community tears at each other debating how to get more participation, this class is showing us one way to do it. Only a handful of the kids in this video are going on to make sailing a lifelong pastime, but the rest will have fond memories to pass on to others.

And remember, format innovation can be done at every level and in every class. And while a Bridge of Doom might not be the best idea for PHRFers, I’m sure they can think of something just as innovative and fun to spice up their events. Results link: Ooh, never mind, that’s not the point.

Ward Steps Down at Sail Sand Point, “A Sign of our Success”

Kurt Hoehne Community 0 Comment
Ward Steps Down at Sail Sand Point, “A Sign of our Success”

Mary Anne Ward May be stepping down from the Executive Director post at Sail Sand Point (SSP), but not completely away.

“It’s time,” she explains. “I’ve done what the Board has asked me to do, and now there’s a need for a different skill set. What they need right now is a fundraiser. That’s not me.” She’ll remain on duty until a new executive director is found and stay involved moving forward.

Mary Anne Ward

The official announcement is reprinted at the end of this post. But I had a chance to talk to her a little bit on Monday outside in front of the offices with a nice northerly keeping the classes engaged as they headed out for the day.

The story of Sail Sand Point is truly amazing, under-appreciated by the public, city and, most surprisingly, the sailing community. As the amazing Sand Point Naval Air Station was dismantled and passed on to the city of Seattle in the late 1990s, Jon and Marcy Edwards got a hiking boot in the door at the little harbor at the north end of the facility. It was perfect. In addition to the harbor, there was a boat house, a huge tarmac formerly for seaplanes and enough shoreline to accommodate a lot of sailing. It’s only drawback, if it is one, is that it’s not highly visible from the roads or the rest of the park. The first director, Deb Sullivan, got things going. I was there and even worked with her some. Morgan Collins took over when Sullivan left and did a great job increasing the program’s access and community awareness.

Ward came to the job four years ago. “I was hired to develop and solidify the administrative sub-structure,” Ward says. That’s now done. She has also dramatically amped up community outreach and built partnerships with groups as diverse as veterans and disabled kids. She’s integrated the STEM curriculum and has brought regional US Sailing events to Sail Sand Point. The open boating (rental) fleet is huge, including sailboards, kayaks, SUPs plus a plethora of sailboats. There’s an 8-use rule for the dry storage renters, so all the boats in the yard are being used. At any given time in summer you’ll see outriggers, paddlers, swimmers and sailboats sharing the shoreline. Personally, I race there on Monday nights with my son in a low-key and very fun, non-scored all-fleet series. It’s free, user friendly and we have burgers in the parking lot afterward.

The boathouse pilings need replacement.

The next challenge is a big one. The boathouse that protects all the coach’s boats and much of SSP’s equipment is on shaky ground, literally. The pilings and some of the structure are rotting or inadequate. They’ve held up well considering they were built 80 years ago, but now it’s the time to fix the problem. In addition, the Parks Department would love to give a large brick building (used once upon a time for fuel storage) to SSP, but remodeling it would be up to SSP. It so happens that that kind of space is just what SSP needs. They need more classroom area – the programs are starved for that kind of space.

This deceptively large building may come SSP’s way, but will require remodeling.

“Four years ago we couldn’t imagine being in the position of seeking those kind of facility improvements,” Ward says. “My stepping down is really a sign of our success.” Nino Johnson, who’s been with SSP many times, will be taking over operations management so the new executive director can focus on fundraising.

There is no doubt that this facility is Seattle’s best chance at making sailing available to the larger community, and it deserves support.

If you or someone you know might be interested in applying for the executive director position, here’s the link: http://www.sailsandpoint.org/about-us/edapplication/     Let’s get someone committed to expanding SSP’s presence into that position.

As for Mary Anne Ward, she says she’ll be doing some traveling, including a river cruise in England with her four children. But she plans to remain in Seattle and help SSP as a volunteer “in whatever way they see fit.” And look for her sailing J/24s and Melges 24s.

 

The official announcement

Executive Director of Sail Sand Point Announces Plan to Step Down

Sail Sand Point, Seattle’s Community Boating Center, located in Magnuson Park on Lake Washington, announced today that Mary Anne Ward will be stepping down as Executive Director in March. Mary Anne joined Sail Sand Point four years ago and has led the organization through a period of extraordinary growth.  

Mary Anne came to Sail Sand Point from the Chicago Match Race Center where she ran such events as the World Match Racing Tour and worked with the Louis Vuitton World Tour.  Prior to that, she raced sailboats competitively and saw first-hand how sailing and being on the water changes lives. In 1994 she started an education company which provided K-3rd grade education at parents’ workplaces. With this blend of education and sailing experience Mary Anne has led SSP to where it is today. 

“It has been my incredible honor to lead Sail Sand Point for the last four years. Removing traditional barriers to the underserved communities of Seattle as well as teaching youth and adults the joy of being on the water has been wonderful. Programming has nearly doubled with over 11,000 users last year, we have developed a fully integrated adaptive program and participation in camps and classes is at an all time high.  With growth like this it is clear that we need to renovate our boathouse and increase our facility space”, said Ward. “Although I do not have the experience to lead Sail Sand Point through the next phase of development I look forward to offering my full support as an ambassador to the organization.”

Andy MacDonald, President of Sail Sand Point’s Board of Directors, said, “Sail Sand Point has been very lucky to have someone as passionate and dedicated to our mission as Mary Anne. She has led the development of a strong team of managers, staff and volunteer board members who are prepared to work together with the new Executive Director to ensure SSP continues to thrive long into the future.”

Sail Sand Point will begin the search for new leadership this summer.  The next Executive Director will guide SSP through its next phase of growth, including a major capital campaign to expand classroom space and improve the facility. The role will entail creating strategic partnerships with local government, businesses, and philanthropic individuals and organizations while maintaining a steadfast desire to fulfill our mission. More information is available at our website.

 

Let’s Get Festive, Casual Racing Off Shilshole and a Look Back at J/Fest

Kurt Hoehne Casual Racing 0 Comment
Let’s Get Festive, Casual Racing Off Shilshole and a Look Back at J/Fest

Bob Ross (Sail Northwest and Seattle Sailing Club) has taken the tack that simply getting people out on the water is good business.

Ross’s companyie are sponsoring the Friday Night Sailfests, free casual racing off Shilsole Bay Marina on the first four Fridays in August. It’s a chance for sailors to enjoy Fridays with friends and family who might not enjoy the more white-knuckle type of racing that often goes on. All boats welcome and there are no ratings to deal with. There are three rules (have fun, no collisions, rules of the road) and three starts (Fast, Not-So-Fast and Dinghies). Between Duck Dodge, the Downtown Sailing Series and Sailfest, a casual sailor can have his/her fill right though August. Be sure to bring the chips. Here’s the website, or call Sail Northwest at (206) 286-1004.

This year Ross also brought back J/Fest after a 7-year hiatus. The event, specifically for J/Boats, light winds Saturday, and lots of socializing. It was a chance for the J/109s to hold their Pacific Northwest Championship, a cruising class and  two of the three J/97es to enjoy some one design racing. Click here for results.  Here are some photos by Jan Anderson. You can see the rest here. 

 

Van Isle 360 2019 – Start Getting Excited (And Plan) Now

Kurt Hoehne Uncategorized 0 Comment

The Van Isle 360 is only a year away, and Jeff and Sylvia Motley are making sure skippers and crews start lining up their ducks now. I’ve only done half this race as a crew, and can attest that the logistics are both challenging and a big part of the fun of the race. They’ve put together a planning guide to help out, just click on it to download: Van Isle 360 Planning Guide. 

Van Isle 360 – Everyone Wins

Ekono Juan Wins 15-boat San Juan 24 North Americans

Kurt Hoehne Racing 1 Comment
<em>Ekono Juan</em> Wins 15-boat San Juan 24 North Americans

I challenge anyone to find a more cost-efficient way to have competitive fun keel boat racing around here than in a San Juan 24. (OK, you Cal 20 sailors have a case but you guys don’t fly chutes…..)   The SJ24 fleet is active, organized and competitive. And say what you want about that vintage IOR quarter tonners, they can have competitive racing when it blows or when there’s just a breath of wind. And you can actually sleep on them! Here’s the report from Ken Johnson on the North Americans a couple of weeks ago. Long live the San Juan 24! -KH

Ekono Juan from Orcas Island Takes Third Straight San Juan 24 North American Championship

Grauer Geist of Seattle and Renaissance of Oak Harbor Are Second and Third

By Ken Johnson

Fifteen San Juan 24s from around the Salish Sea lined up in Penn Cove on July 14th and 15th for the Fleet’s North American Championship but one, Ekono Juan from Orcas Island, dominated the event with 8 bullets in 11 races to claim its third consecutive championship. Despite Ekono Juan’s wins, the races were closely matched – six other boats claimed at least one second place, and often the race committee had to closely watch three or four boats crossing the finish line overlapped. One-design racing at its best.

Sailing with Ryan Forbes on Ekono Juan were Ian Wareham (helm), Chris Kaufman and Justin Blevins.

Jan Anderson photos. Click photo to enlarge. Full gallery. 

We finished second for the regatta with Grauer Geist, with consistent top four finishes in all but one race, followed by Dave Steckman’s Renaissance which finished the second half of the regatta strongly with two firsts, two seconds and two thirds, to claim third. Bruce, from Bellingham and skippered by Mike Kleps, which was 2nd in 2017, was 4th and Mark Bradner’s Return from Seattle, a previous North American champion, followed closely in 5th. Consistent good starts, sharp upwind tactics and downwind speed proved the difference among the top boats.

One challenge for the weekend were the significant tides – the low each day was between 12 noon and 1 pm, a negative two feet, an hour or two into the racing, matched between high tides of over 10 feet – thus the famous (“infamous”?) Penn Cove counter-clockwise current grew increasingly stronger during each afternoon’s racing. The westerly, with occasionally northerly components, came in just before 11 am on Saturday (the time of the first warning) and delayed racing a bit on Sunday – the early winds were not settled, providing a challenging series of lifts and headers irrespective of what tack one was on. Nevertheless, the race committee, heading by Byron Skubi of Oak Harbor as PRO, ran a series of excellent windward-leeward (some short, some long) races, quietly moving the marks between races to adjust for the ever-changing conditions.

Seven races were run on Saturday, exhausting the fleet, followed by a more moderate four on Sunday. The second race on Saturday proved a harbinger of the weekend – Grauer Geist had a good lead going around the last weather mark but sailed into a light wind spot before gybing for the downwind finish. Ekono Juan gybed earlier and ran a puff down the course ever-closing on Grauer Geist – just before the finish, with both boats on port, Grauer took Ekono Juan up and up until both boats were almost past the finish line, but Ekono Juan handled the tight reach-to-reach gybe back better to finish a foot or two ahead of Grauer.

Starts became increasingly tighter, with two general recalls before the fourth race, aided by the ever-stronger up-course current, resulting in the round-the-ends flag being posted to slow down the fleet. The race committee was not so patient on Sunday, and the one (and only) general recall was immediately followed by hoisting the I-Flag.

It wasn’t until the fifth race of Saturday, after four firsts, that Ekono Juan had a rare buried start and Dave Steckman’s Renaissance broke through to win handily the race – she rode the south shore current to the east to the deep set leeward marks to build a commanding lead. In the next race Ekono Juan’s no. 1 jib suffered a big tear after the start and she raced without a head sail for a considerable period while the crew found the no. 2 jib. Grauer claimed its only win of the regatta, with Renaissance and Bruce close behind. Ekono Juan put up its no. 2 sail and of course the wind built a bit for the last race of the day, and she claimed her 5th first place.

Going into Sunday’s race, Ekono Juan had a 4 point lead over Grauer, and with its one throw-out used up in last place finish in race six, she had actually little margin for error – one more buried start or bad first leg could give an opening for the trailing boats – but she claimed three firsts in the four Sunday races that overcame a 6th place in the next to last race and was the deserving champion.

The excellent Oak Harbor Yacht Club hosted the regatta, with dinners each night and coffee and sweets in the mornings before racing. Thanks to Club Manager Joe Catanio for the excellent food and drink and OHYC Commodore Larry Munns for welcoming all of us.

Dick Rose gave an excellent talk Saturday night explaining the complicated process that results in changes in the racing rule book; we are fortunate that careful people around the world take considerable time and effort to consider the rules and handle the multitude of suggestions that come in world-wide from the internet.

Ullman Sails was the principal sponsor of the regatta and contributed money, prizes and support. Other sponsors: Oak Harbor YC and North Coast Electric Company, followed by Dunato’s Boatyard, Jan’s Marine Photography, Whidbey Coffee, Samson Ropes, Swinomish Casino & Lodge and Oak Harbor Marina.

Jared Hickman chaired the protest committee, aided by Steve Hood from Bellingham and Liesl Mordhordst from Seattle. In addition to PRO Byron Skubi, others on the race committee included Larry Munns, Jane Mays and Avis Berney.

Penn Cove is an excellent racing venue, with challenging winds and tides, with gleaming mountains to the west and east, and Oak Harbor a welcoming place for sailors to assemble each year and participate in a competitive and fun regatta.

 

Full results:

  1. Ekono Juan, Orcas Island               Ryan Forbes               20
  2. Grauer Geist, Seattle                      Ken Johnson              27
  3. Renaissance, Oak Harbor               David Steckman        33
  4. Bruce, Bellingham                           Mike Kleps                 39
  5. Return, Seattle                                Mark Bradner             41
  6. Conflict, Bellingham                        Andrew Fitzgerald    56
  7. Manhattan Transfer, Seattle           Mike Irish                   75
  8. Fancy,  Seattle                                 Jeff Kendall                76
  9. Sweet Jesus Seattle                        Sean Busby                84
  10. Cake or Death Lake Union               Kyle Roethie              91
  11. Snappy Tom, Seattle                       Gil Lund                      94
  12. Wiki Wiki, Seattle                            Zach Warren               121
  13. Separator, Oak Harbor                    Steve Hucke               122
  14. Malice, Seattle                               Joe McNulty               126
  15. Toto, Oak Harbor                            Alan Wilson                141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PNW Laser Youth Sailors On the Move, Abbie Carlson 5th in Leiter Cup and 4.7 North Americans Winner

Kurt Hoehne Dinghy Racing, Laser Sailing, Youth Sailing 0 Comment
PNW Laser Youth Sailors On the Move, Abbie Carlson 5th in Leiter Cup and 4.7 North Americans Winner

All the Pacific Northwest youth activity continues to show impressive results nationally, particularly in the Laser class. There’s so much it’s hard to get it all in, but suffice it to say that there’s a wave of excellent young sailors nationally. Abbie Carlson has found her groove, finishing as the fourth girl in  in the Radial at the US Youth Champs (AnaLucia Clarkson was third), fifth in the Leiter Cup (US Junior Women’s Championship) and winning the 4.7 class at the North Americans sailed from the Alamitos Bay YC in California. Owen Timms has been getting some tips from Isabelle Bertold and has been consistently moving up the boys’ ranks. He finished 12th at the US Youth Champs, 25th in the North Americans (all ages) and won the Radial Class in the WIND Regatta on the Columbia River Gorge.

Here are a few pix from the US Youth Champs, courtesy of US Sailing.

I’m hoping for some more “boots on the ground” reports on the events to spread the word about youth Laser sailing in the PNW. It’s booming. At the WIND regatta, for instance, there were a dozen Radials and an amazing 19 4.7s! Those 4.7 sailors are going to be wicked fast by the time they get to the Radial. PNW adults were in force on the Laser circuits as well, watch for a 1st hand report shortly from Jay Leon from North Americans.

The US Sailing web page dedicated to youth sailing is here.

In the meantime, here’s a report from Cam Hoard, the Seattle YC coach who’s been instrumental in a lot of the success:

US Sailing Youth Championship, hosted by Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Practice Day

Abbie and Owen were able to get out on the water for a practice session on Saturday. It was a hot sunny day on the Atlantic Ocean with the sea breeze the area is known for. We started off in 10 knots and by the end were in 15-20. It was a good preview for the first day of racing.

Day 1

The forecast called for the big sea breeze to fill. Initially the ocean had an offshore breeze, not from the SW as predicted. It wasn’t long before the wind clocked around to the SW sea breeze direction and begin to build. The forecast proved to be spot on, we saw high teens to low twenties consistently.

The steady wind brought with it some big wave chop over a moderate ocean swell. The wind didn’t really oscillate or shift at all, the left side was favored but it was all about hiking and working the boat.  It was the day for the big boys.

Owen was in the front pack, working hard to keep the boat at speed. He had a 9-9-9 on the day, the definition of consistent.

Abbie and Ana were in ‘just get around the course mode.’ Not good racing conditions for the lighter sailors. But they were doing it, even smiling a bit.

Laser Full Rigs and i420s were on the same course, there was a little learning curve for the RC to get the timing right and dealing with two small fleets and one big fleet (radials).

Th High Performance course (cats, skiffs, and boards) had good racing but it was a safety boat day with multiple kids coming off the water with injuries and swallowing some water.

Day 2

Similar day in that we tuned up in a lighter offshore breeze. The RC set up the course as it seemed to be sticking around. Shortly after the start the wind began to lose its grip, by the time the fleet was at the first leeward gate the wind was very light. The sea breeze was starting to slowly build and the RC opted to continue to the race and finish the fleet at the second windward mark. Not a championship level race in my opinion, but our sailors came out of it OK. Abbie and Ana were happy to have lighter conditions.

The sea breeze began to build, but with it being later in the day it wasn’t able to get as windy as the previous day.

The RC was able to run three races again. Owen slipped off his 9s and put up a 18-18-19 for the day, not quite able to find that extra gear to work in to the front pack. Ana had a great last race of the day, rounding the last windward mark in first, but slipped to 3rd on the last run. The overlap of the 420 fleet didn’t do her any favors on that… Ana had a 15-26-3. Abbie also put up a couple good scores, her speed was tough to beat. She had a rough 2nd race of the day, the second beat just had everything going against her, she had a 7-44-11.

Day 3

The forecast had a grim outlook, a stalled front over our race area took the wind away and left us with a threat of serious storms. The RC postponed ashore and was going to be giving updates on the hour. They figured they needed a 4 hour weather window in order to safely run races. The great thing about this club is that they have dozens and dozens of rocking chairs, comfort level was acceptable for waiting onshore. 

It was about 12:45pm when they pulled the plug on the day. I think this surprised a lot of people, they had made it sound like they were willing to wait late into the day. I think it came down to the fact that the wind was too light for racing, and the day was only going to get worse. Storms did eventually roll through, but not until much later. It was a good call. Start time was moved earlier for the final day of racing. 

Day 4

The early start seemed like a good call at first. We got out on the ocean and the offshore wind was 5-8 knots. But as the RC got things in the water and started blowing horns and raising class flags, things began to fall apart. First race was abandoned for all fleets. It was a very low marine layer of thick clouds. As that began to burn off the sea and offshore breeze were fighting. The sailors and I had a good time waiting for wind, but we wanted to get races in. 

The breeze came around to the sea breeze direction and started to come together. It was light but race-able. We were getting up to the cut off time, so it looked like we were only going to get one race in. The radials had a general recall so the RC went for the first black flag of the regatta, time was running out and the full rigs and 420s still needed their shot at a final race. The last start got off and our SYC team closed out their 2018 Youth Champs with a 33 for Owen (worst score of the regatta…), 18 for Ana, and 15 for Abbie.

Results – Full results

12th – Owen Timms

25th – AnaLucia Clarkson (3rd girl)

29th – Abbie Carlson (4th girl)

Our friend and SYC Race Team alum Marcus Huttunen won the regatta! He sailed a very consistent regatta and put himself in a controlling position going into the last race.

This was a stronger showing for the trio compared to last year. In 2017 Owen was 17th, Abbie was 42nd, and Ana was 40th. All three moved up. The mix of conditions kept it interesting, the big boys had their first day and then it was light to moderate the rest of the event.

Cam