Grand Prix may not be the focal point of end-of-season sailing that it once was, but it can still cook up some great conditions. With winds topping 30 knots on Saturday, crews got a workout and gear was tested. Steve Travis’ Smoke had her rig crumple. Travis took it in stride: “It was fairly simple, runner did not come on when we gybed, kite filed, mast broke…. No injuries, no other damage, etc. Took about 30 minutes to pop pins, cut halyards, etc. so top 50 ft or so went over side, along with Main, J3 and A4. Will get diver to see if they can find it so we can try to get it out of water and not pollute or damage anything. We were flying along at close to 20 knots, jibe was all fine, except one small detail!!”
Smoke 
Smoke 
Photos by Jan Anderson. See link below.
Smoke won the one race they completed in the ORC class, but otherwise John Buchan’s Glory dominated. Of note is Marda Phelps’ return to the racecourse with the XP44 Maverick in Class 2.
Here is SYC’s recap of the event:
Grand Prix XLIII Regatta was a smashing success. At this annual SYC-hosted event, the competition is always tough and autumn conditions often test even the most experienced sailors. This year, competitors were met with 30 knot rain squalls and later a manageable southerly for the distance race on Friday, 20-30 knot winds for buoy races on Saturday, and a beautiful 12-20 knot northerly for racing followed by a lively awards party on Sunday. Thanks to a skilled Race Committee and experienced team of mark set drivers, races and awards ran smoothly and efficiently. In other words, Puget Sound brought the wind and Seattle Yacht Club brought the party. Congratulations to class winners John Buchan on Glory, Marda Phelps on Maverick, David Steffen on Vitesse, John Aitchison on Moose Unknown, and Bryan Rhodes on Crazy Ivan. Join us next year by competing in several local regattas to qualify. A full list of qualifying events will be published in early 2020.
Links:
Phil Calvert Photos
Jan’s Marine Photography
Race Committee Boat Photos
Awards Dinner Photos
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.