COMMODORE'S BALL

Don't forget to make your reservations for the 2012 Commodore's Ball, to be held at the Depot, January 14. The Ball honors outgoing Commodore Phil Case and is annually a social highlight for AYC.

For details of this event and to make your reservation, click here to go the website's Event Registration page.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL!!! Friday the 23rd is a FIVE BUCK night, bar open the 30th and then, be sure and make your reservations online at the website for the COMMODORE'S BALL January 14th at THE DEPOT....great food, honor Phil Case for his year as Commodore and dance to Dillinger's Clambake!!!!

Friday POTLUCK & Cruiser's Planning Event

Friday night....16 December....bring a dish to share, socialize, and help Bill Chowanec plan the Cruisin' schedule for 2012!!!!
All are welcome and ALL are encouraged to come!!! There's a lot of great ideas floating around out there...this is your chance to help bring them together!!!!

2012 Racing Calendar

After great deliberation we have the 2012 AYC Racing Calendar available for your thoughtful consideration and review.  You can download your copy HERE.

You will notice several important changes:

• We have incorporated a couple more family fun races into the schedule in order to better serve the needs of those with children, or those new to the racing scene.
• We are slightly reduced the number of distance races with the goal of increasing participation, plus we have introduced a new event -- the Guemes, Cypress & Sinclair circumnavigation.  Also the fall distance races will be starting on Sunday in order to accommodate those among us who follow college football!
• We are also planning two pre-season events at the club -- one will be a new-racer orientation designed for the general public and existing club members who would like to get into racing.  The second will be for current racers and will review the rules of the road, the duties of the race committee, and the logistics associated with serving food after the races on Wednesday night.  Stay tuned for more information as we will be announcing the dates before the year end!
• As an added benefit, we are also going to add some more variety into the after racing meals so that we can attract more members.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact our race committee chairman Andy Schwenk!
I

Winter Time at the AYC

Hopefully you had a terrific season of sailing and had to build an addition to your trophy case. If you have any suggestions for the Race Chair now is the time to drop him a line. The roster goes to press in a few weeks and the race packet soon after. Call Andy @ 360 770 7035 or email @ andy@northwestrigginginc.com, I'm not certain I can accommodate all requests but I've picked up a two great ideas already. For the 2012 season all races are Cat III and distance will be fleet races with no class breaks.

Round the County Roundup!

Each fall local racers start @ Lydia Shoal for the annual circumnavigation of San Juan County. This year six AYC burgees were represented on the start line.

The winds were Southerly and boats headed North to Patos with all the laundry flying. A headsail reach to Turn Point and short beat to the finish and most boats were done in time to catch the WSU game. Sunday the start line and RC work made for lively conditions. A reach to Lime Kiln and a run to Davidson followed by a broad reach back to Lydia Shoal start/ finish line and one boat was on the trailer before the Seahawks hung on for a victory.

Icon finished the 60 odd miles in less tha 7hrs for a third in Div X. In Div II Pangaea beat Passepartout by by 12 minutes for an 11th and 13th respectively. In Division III where Schooner Martha beat the next monohull by nearly an hour the Celebration crew placed 4th, followed by Soulfood in 7th and The Wild Rumpus in 12 and 60th overall out of 73 despite losing their rudder near James Island.

Thanks especially to all the volunteers that made Friday night memorable including bartenders Pam Edwards, Walt Meagher, and Jerry Reilly. Money counters Tod and Alyssa Osbourne. Kevin Welch handled the wind and current breifing. Stephanie put together a slide show and cracked the whip in the kitchen over volunteers led by Lori Gillmer. Bill Bowman took charge of cheerleading and arm twisting prospective new members. Racing for 2011 is officially in the record books!

AYC hosts RTC Sailors!

Come on down to the good ole AYC on Friday the 11th for some fun. AYC has a tradition of hosting sailors heading for the annual 'Round the County Race hosted by OIYC. (goto OIYC.org for all the details) 75 boats are signed up and many of them stage out of Anacortes. Whether you are a sailor or not come join the fun.

Doors open @ 4:30, lasagna dinner ($5) @ 6, wind and weather breifing @ 7 hosted by last year's overall winner Kevin Welch skipper of The Big Blue Show.

In addition AYC unofficial cheerleader Stephanie Schwenk, skippers of last year's division III winner the The Little Yellow Show, (also featured in this month's Sailing World magazine on your local newstand now) has decorated the club and put together sailor music and a slideshow to add to the party atmosphere. Of course there will be the usual opportunities in the galley and after we chase the sailors out to put away a few chairs and such. This is a chance to showcase our club and we will have flyers out promoting the Tulip Cup, Windermere, and Northern Century Regattas. Rain or shine this is the place to be Friday night.

P.S. - For those scoring@ home Big Blue Show=ICON, Little Yellow Show=Wild Rumpus

Annual General Meeting THANK YOU!!!!

A very informative and fun Annual General Meeting was enjoyed by all last PM...Your new officers for next year are:
Markay Neuman, Deanna Emsley join Roger Jewett on the Board, Sean Kelly is your Rear, Steve Orsini is your Vice and Mac Madenwald gets to wear the Commodore's cap.
THANK YOU very much for the most informative Program, Kevin Welch and Dave Thomson and THANK YOU very much Wendy Gray with help from Terri and Dave Bawden in the galley and Jamie Riggs and Joan Mickelson as 'Dessert Divas'. And of course kudos also to Bob Neuman, Joan and Cal Mickelson for setting up all the tables, Mark Novak for taking your money, the 'Trash Kings' Madelyn Case, Tom and Anita Nute cleaning up. And, as always, Bill Bowman was there to haul the garbage to the dumpster!
Get your dues in, upgrade your profile (you now know how!), Rd da County party Friday the 11th, next meeting December 9 (Jennifer Bowman is the Program) and the Commodore's Ball January 14th.

From MEXICO to HAM SPECIAL!!

For those who missed it, too bad!! Last Friday's $5 Mexican Extravaganza by Jennifer and Bill Bowman (and others!) was superb!!!

This Friday, November 4th, it'll be a HAM SPECIAL (ham, scalloped potatoes, veggies, rolls, dessert) by Wendy Gray and her crew for the AYC Annual Meeting...election results for 2012 officers, a call for volunteers to help next year's Committee Chairs and Kevin Welch giving a program: NAVIGATING the WONDERS of the AYC WEBSITE!!
So register on line please, bring your $12, bring your laptop, participate and enjoy!!!

The Ultimate in CRAB CAKES!!

Due to popular demand, after the crab feed on the 14th here it is:!!!!
Helen Prier’s Crab Cakes

Original Recipe – Mark Bittman’s Very Crabby Crab Cakes
from “I Love Crab Cakes” by Tom Douglas

1 Pound crab meat
2 large eggs *
1/4 cup minced red pepper
1/4 cup minced green onions *
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tab Dijon mustard
Kosher Salt
freshly Ground Pepper
1 Tab minced garlic *
2 Tabs Dried Breadcrumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tabs curry powder *
Olive Oil or vegetable oil
2 Tabs butter

In large bowl mix together crabmeat, eggs, bell peppers, green onions, mayo, mustard, garlic, bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes.

When you are ready to cook the crab cakes, put the flour in a shallow container and season with salt, pepper and curry powder. Shape the crab mixture into cakes. If the mixture does not stick together add more bread crumbs. Coat the cakes in the flour mixture. Cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place oil and butter in the pan and cook cakes until golden brown on both sides. (about 4-5 minutes per side).

Notes:
Experiment with the curry powder, some can be quite hot. You do not want to drown out the taste of the crab.
I added garlic to the recipe and an extra egg.
Add more mustard to taste.
Have fun!!

AYC....50 Years Ago...TURKEY SHOOT by LIONS

In case you've missed it, check the 'Back In The Day' page in this week's ANACORTES AMERICAN!!

Oct. 1, 1961
Mayor 'Bud Strom' okays a Lions TURKEY SHOOT at the ANACORTES YACHT CLUB!!!

Should we try a repeat? Any suggestions? Any turkeys to spare??

Crown dem Kings!

The 2011 Yachts of the Year are; Pangaea in A fleet, Celebration in B fleet, and Syndicat in C fleet. The overall Yacht of the Year will be announced at the Commodores Ball. If you were not able to attend the awards banquet Saturday night get on down to the club on Friday and pick up your award. Even if you did not win a series there is a little something for each boat that competed in A,B, or C fleet.

Crabfeed/Racer Volunteers...THANK YOU !!!

It was 2 great evenings...Crab Feed Friday and 'toberfest Racers Awards Saturday....both to 'packed houses'. And it never would have happened without the volunteers. THANK YOU: Deanna Emsley, Pam Edwards, Sean Kelly, Jan Chapman for bartending, Helen and Larry Prier and Patti Krieder for the crabcakes and cookies, Koffee Klatch guys (Ed Kennedy, Bill Short, Dave Thomson) plus Duane Stai and Jr member, Gabe Hill for setup of tables and chairs. Then Kathi Reilly, Joanie Mickelson, Carol Herbert and Jennifer Bowman for the table decor. Jerry Reilly took your money one night and Gabe Hill the next. Nancy Drake and Bernie Bell helped Wendy Gray in the galley Friday night and Raymond Russell, Gabe Hill and Kelli Boardman helped her Saturday night and then there were the 'Desseert Divas' Friday of Brandy Britton and Bev Dresen, followed by Clean Up Kings, Mark Novak, Duane Stai, Mike Herbert, Anne Barry and many others!!!! And then of course, you had to have been there, but the Steph and Andy Show Saturday night was memorable as always!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!
P.S. If you missed the opportunity to volunteer this weekend, there'll be more in the future...check the sign up sheet on the bar!!!

Phun with Phil!!

RACE THIS SATURDAY!!! Start at 1pm at or near the tanker dock. Listen to VHF 72 for course details. All are welcome even if this is your first race. One start for all, course length and direction based on wind strength and direction or lack thereof.....Be on the lookout for Hobie Cats and stay clear, they are racing for a championship. Bar opens @ 5, dinner @6, year end awards and program 6:30.

WONDERFULLY BUSY WEEKEND at AYC

Friday Night....General Meeting, Officer Nominations for next year, cruising program by Mark Bunzel and Annual Crabfeed. Already 120 of you have registered, so it'll be cozy but we'll do it!! You'll see!!! If not registered, you must, or end 'crab-less'!

And then Saturday Night...The Racer's Award evening, again with dinner, recognition and trophies (prizes) to the winners of and standouts of one of our best racing seasons ever!!! All are welcome but we expect all skippers and their crews to be there....along with the Hobie-18 sailors who are in town for their regatta!!

Fall Racing Update

When the leaves start to turn colors and blow down the street, your crew has been sailing all season and have their act together it is time to head out on the Salish Sea and try to fill that dusty trophy case! This past weekend featured the Puget Sound Sailing Championship sponsored by CYC of Seattle. Wind was great on Saturday and six races were sailed Sunday was very light and only two races were completed before sailors headed for the beach. The fleet is split into two courses; on the North course sailing in P4 div. the mighty Grafix skippered by Dave Martin battled to second place, Barrel of Monkeys a Viper 640 helmed by prospective member Scott Ellis finished 6th. Meanwhile down South Ian Slaon took the Melges 24 Mikey to one of the toughest fleets of the season finishing 11th in a 22 boat fleet, highest finish was third and they carried two 19ths after leaving early Sunday to beat the crowd at the crane and watch the Seahawks. In South 2 div Andy Schwenk and the Northern Century crew that won the fully crewed div. switched Hotfoot 27's from Blackfoot to Egress and scratched out another victory.
In other racing news the OIYC sponsored the Benson Cup Race 'round Waldron Island starting just North of Jones. Nearly the entire fleet was swept over early but were able to battle back and chase the ones that weren't, like Cookie Monster for example. Chuck Tidrington and his crew of 1000's placed 5th, Stephanie and the Rumpians were 7th. After the race a potluck and campfire was enjoyed by all @ Jones Island and Night Runner made a celebrity appearance. As I write this I'm thinkinghow often I hear about a boat trying to procure crew and the fact that Chuck has always had a boatload, in the White Lightning days it was rediculous! Maybe Chuck could host a seminar this off season for skippers looking for crew....
Tune in later this fall for Seattle Yacht Club's Gran Prix and the ever popular OIYC 'Round da County!

Year End Awards/ Fun with Phil!

Hey y'all lets have some fun and laud the winners! October 15th is the annual year end sailing awards banquet. We have had our biggest and most successful year ever at AYC with record breaking fleets in each of our three signature regattas. The weekend series and Wednesday nights continue to grow and we have big plans for next year. There will be a race starting near the tanker dock @ 1300. Even if you haven't done a race all year, here is your chance. Listen on VHF 72 for course details, the local Hobie 18 fleet will be our RC. (Fred Abelman) It is likely we will head out Guemes Channel or around Huckleberry depending on the wind strength and direction. Don't forget to record your finish time. When the fun on the water ends the fun @ the club begins. The bar opens @1700 and dinner by Chefs Mac and Wendy is at 6pm. The annual slideshow will be produced by that wacky Stephanie, please drop off your CD with your favorite pictures to Northwest Rigging at 2901 T ave #4. Yes, we are still there, the shop at 28th and R is Anacortes Rigging owned by club members Ian and Joy Sloan.

ANACORTES SMALL BOAT CENTER DINNER MEETING!!! YA'ALL COME!!!!

This coming Monday, October 3rd, at 6:00 p.m. the Anacortes Small Boat Center (ASBC) will hold its annual meeting and election of officers at the Anacortes Yacht Club. This will be a BYOB and Potluck event.

Come join us to celebrate a great year of accomplishments in getting local small boats access to Fidalgo Bay. Not only is the P/Q Dock hoist operational but we now have a mast up storage yard as a neighbor to AYC. Seafarer’s Park opened in May of this year and small boating… sailboats, rowing gigs and kayaks are all benefiting from the work of many.

We are growing and appreciate all the support Anacortes Yacht Club has provided. To continue to support this energy in Anacortes, we encourage all AYC members to join the Anacortes Small Boat Center for a mere $15 per year. Not only does it show your support but with membership you have full access to the P/Q Dock hoist.

For details about the Annual Meetinga and Potluck, click here.

For the ASBC Application Form, click here.

On-Line Reference to Canadian Current Atlas

For those of you who use the Current Atlas: Juan de Fuca Strait to Strait of Georgia (published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service) and have difficulty getting or don't want to pay for Murray's or Washburne's tables, our club website now contains a set of pre-computed tables from 2008 to 2030.

You can find these at http://www.anacortesyachtclub.com/cruising/current-atlas-reference/

Use the HTML link to view online, and the PDF link for a printable version.

AYC On-Line Forum Change...

In case you haven't noticed we have switched to using Facebook instead of our traditional on-line user forum.  When you select the AYC Forum logo on the main AYC website page you will be re-directed to the AYC Facebook page where you can view & comment on the various posts...

Why you ask did we make the change -- first the old forum was not being used very much (two posts thus far in September); and despite not being publicized the AYC Facebook page was receiving numerous hits and a stead stream of posts.

Our old forum is still available (www.anacortesyachtclub.com/forum) so you can go back and review past posts, etc.  Also, in the members only section of our website there is a private forum accessible only to members where you can review club records and privately discuss club business.

One final comment - we can always go back to our old on-line forum should we want to.  Stay tuned and for now please use our AYC Facebook page!

THANK YOU, GENERAL MEETING VOLUNTEERS

Any members that missed it, you really missed a good one!!! Kudos and a most hearty THANK YOU to Walt Meagher, and Christie Sundholm and Callie Weber for the salmon and the oysters, Pam Edwards and Clay Wilcox for manning the bar, Wendy Gray, Anita Nute, Catherine Bearce for the rest of the meal...salads, bread, desserts,etc., Tom Nute for collecting the $'s, Kevin Welch for the program, and Bev Dresen and Dale Fowler for the clean up. And the weather was PERFECT!! Thank you, thank you , thank you all!!!

THIS WEEK AT AYC!!!!

Sept 7...Wednesday Nite Race, 1800 Start, FUN NIGHT 2...It's Biker Night!! PANGAEA is start boat, COOKIE MONSTER cooks!!!

AND Friday Night is the First General Meeting of the Fall...SALMON BBQ ala Walt Meagher!!! Program by Kevin Welch!! Make reservations and pay at the door..$12/per.....Bar Opens at 1730, dinner an hour later!!!!

WEDNESDAY NITE FUN RACE 31 AUGUST

It's the start of a new FUN series.....Thank our friends at 2901 'T' Avenue!!!!
It's Hawaiian Night and the start time is one half hour earlier....1800!!!!
EMOYENI is listed start boat and LIMEY BASTARD is cookin'!!!
BE THERE!!!!!!

N100 - All Boats Home & Safe...

The 2011 running of the Northern Century finished up Sunday afternoon with all boats present and accounted for.  One interesting thing about this race is that three (3) father-son teams participated (Emma, Madrona & Really Crazy).  At the post-race party at the AYC clubhouse the following prizes were handed out:

MONO-HULL DOUBLE HANDED

Division #1
1st - Really Crazy! - Chris White
2nd - Surfin' Bird - Eric Beemer
3rd - LimeLight - Martin Vachon

Division #2
1st - Emma - Eric Jespersen
2nd - Madrona - Jamie Buchan
3rd - Idefix - Adrian Johnson

MONO-HULL FULLY CREWED

Division #1
1st - Blackfoot - Mick Corcoran
2nd - Wild Rumpus - Stephanie Schwenk
3rd - COHO - George Mundell

Division #2
1st - Garyloo - Eric Nelson
2nd - White Cloud - Steve Johnson
3rd - String Theory - Bob King

MULTI-HULL DOUBLE HANDED

1st - Alii Kai - Doug Barlow
2nd - Blue Steel - Nigel Oswald

You can check out the fullresults HERE.  Pictures and stories are starting to emerge, so check out the AYC facebook page or the N100 Sailing Anarchy forum!

2011 Northern Century Still Running...

In case you hadn't heard, the 2011 Northern Century got off to an EXCELLENT start Friday night with 42 registered boats.  The first two starts (double-handed & fully crewed) got away cleanly only to hit the first of many parking lots at Saddlebag Island.

With numerous fits and starts the wind eventually built near Lummi Island for those were lucky enough to get that far.  One brave boat went inside Lummi and did well.  After rounding the Point Roberts mark the courses tended to diverge with most taking the traditional route down Boundary Pass and Haro Strait, although a few took the inside route which resulted in sailing in the fog out through Cattle Pass -- now how is that for a challenge!

Preliminary results are available on the club website, plus there is a post-race party at the AYC clubhouse starting around 18:00...

Various N100 Routes

Tonight, the 26th and tomorrow night!!!

Lots going at AYC this weekend.....
TONIGHT...Bar open....Northern Century Racers gather, eat and start!!!
TOMORROW Night...$5 Night (what was Three dollar night, is now Five buck night!!!) with beef stroganoff (Del Fox's prime rib from the B'day party!!) prepared and served by Ed and Mellie!!!
And then during the day tomorrow, the Port of Anacortes Work Boat Races on Guemes Channel!!!
ALL ARE WELCOME !! Come and enjoy the waning days of summer!!!!!

40 and Counting...

We are now up to 40 boats registered for the 2011 Northern Century, with room for a few more.  Don't forget the organizational meeting tonight at 6:00pm at the AYC yacht club for race volunteers...

N100 Registered Boats - As of August 22, 2011

Why SPOT?

In case you hadn't heard, the 2011 running of the Northern Century will be using SPOT transceivers which will enable your family and friends to track your progress (or lack thereof) throughout the event.  SPOT transceivers have been around for a number of years and are the defacto-standard for race tracking here in the Pacific Northwest.

The way the system works is as follows:

• GPS satellites provide signals
• SPOT messenger's onboard GPS chip determines your GPS location and sends your location, speed and direction to communication satellites
• Communication satellites relay your message to the SPOT central data servers
• The AYC SPOT tracking page downloads this information in real-time and displays the position of each vessel on a chart

The Anacortes Yacht Club has partnered with the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and will be using their SPOT race tracking system for the Northern Century.  This is the same system that was used to provide race tracking for Southern Straits, Swiftsure and the Van Isle 360.

Each competitor will be issued a SPOT transceiver and throughout the event you can follow along using the link in the Northern Century website (www.northerncentury.org).  Additionally, each SPOT transceiver has a HELP button which can be pressed when emergency assistance is required.  This will immediately notify the race committee that assistance is needed and they in conjunction with other agencies (such as the Coast Guard) will work to provide help.

SPOT Coverage Map

Then there were 35...

BREAKING NEWS - BREAKING NEWS - BREAKING NEWS

We now have 35 boats registered for the 2011 Northern Century - you can download the latest registration list here.  Note that we still have room for more boats, so if you are thinking about entering now is the time.  Remember that included with your race fee is dinner for you & your entire crew Friday night, plus a SPOT transceiver rental which enables your family & friends to see where you are throughout the race!

We also need some more volunteers to help out with the festivities -- we will be meeting Monday night August 22 at the AYC clubhouse at 6:00pm for an organizational meeting.  If you can help please stop by...

This could be you!

2011 Shaw Island Classic

San Juan Island Yacht Club sponsored the 41st Shaw Island Classic, the annual mid-summer pilgrimage that requires sailboats to determine which way is quicker around the island, then prove it! Many tacticians were faced with advice to not to go counter clockwise and you would be foolish to go clockwise. Roughly 60 boats were entered in the official race and a surprising number in the "Hippie Shaw" which saves on entry fees but you're not as welcome at the awards presentation; if that is important to you.... Basically anything faster than a somewhat modified Sc-27 or a Freedom 36 that both rate 150 are in the second start, 10 minutes after the slow boats. 


Fast and slow were well represented with Joss @ PHRF -33 a Macgregor 65/70 and Ichiban a Mariner H-28 @ PHRF 348 as the bookends. This year it was good to be slow and also comfortable being in shallow water as the first start boats turned left and began working West along the rocky shore of San Juan Island fighting a fading outgoing tide.Generally the slow boats jammed all the lanes and the fast boats battled for clear air or were faced with sailing in deeper water against stronger current. Wild Rumpus and Lynn Adkin's new J-111 led the charge across San Juan Channel and entered Wasp Passage about the same time as the Hobie 18. 


Meanwhile for those choosing the counter clockwise option Norn led the way only to be slowly ground down by perennial favorites Grafix and Crazy Ivan this year also joined by local sailing Olympic medalist Carl Buchan in Madrona. In the great reckoning in Harney Channel the competitors met and you could have thrown a blanket over 75% of the fleet as chutes were hoisted and dropped, and boats jibed and tacked to avoid one another, dodge ferries, slog through power boat wakes and  will their vessel from one zephyr to another.The wind filled in Upright Channel and the clockwise boats reached home less than an hour later, Wasp Passage went completely greasy calm and it was game over for the CCW crowd. The SJIYC went all out with a delecious meal, great service, and awards for several classes. 


When the cheering died down it was Lloydd Bacon with a beautiful set of Ulman Sails powering his Laser 28 to the podium  standing with the biggest smile and a nice shout out for his crew. As the sun set and the stories grew there were many recollections of previous feats and plans to get it right next year Go to sjiyc.com for complete results.

N100 - 24 boats registered & counting...

The word is that there are already twenty four (24) boats registered for the 2011 Northern Century, including some well known local favorites such as Radiant Heat, Skookumchuck, Grafix, Tantivy, ReignMaker, Son of Raven and Madrona. A number of these boats were battling it out during the 2011 Van Isle 360, so perhaps this is turning into a double-handed grudge match in order to even the score...

We could still use some more AYC boats in this event, so if you are sitting on the fence this is your chance!  It is looking like there will be two divisions in both the double-handed and fully-crewed races, plus with a little luck we should be able to exceed the number of boats registered last year...

Stay tuned...

Then there were 15...

The good news is that there are already fifteen (15) boats registered for the 2011 Northern Century, including some well known local favorites such as Radiant Heat, Skookumchuck, Grafix, Tantivy, ReignMaker and Madrona.  A number of these boats were battling it out during the 2011 Van Isle 360, so perhaps this is turning into a double-handed grudge match in order to even the score...

We really need some more multi-hulls or Son of Raven will win it all like last year!

Carnage at the Gorge...

Instead of attending the club's 120th birthday party our erstwhile Race Committee chairman was doing the unthinkable -- he went sailing.  Unfortunately, like many things, he was really ripping along on Morphine (a Moore 24) when things went wrong in a big way -- take a look.

Bad things start happening around 7:00 minutes into the video...

Northern Century Coming up Fast...

The 2011 running of the Northern Century is coming up fast -- on-line registration is open and is $50 per boat (which includes a SPOT transceiver & dinner for you and your crew).  This increases to $75 per boat after August 15, so don't be late!   

If you have purchased an AYC race packet you get $20 back or a free event-shirt when you check in before the race.  We presently have 8 boats registered with many waiting in the wings.  We especially need some multi-hulls to participate.

Here is a video from last year in case you want see what the event is like...

Don't try this at home...

Things got a little slow on Friday at the Whidbey Island Race Week so the crew of Pteron (a Melges 24) tried a little backwards sailing under spinnaker.  Now try this on Wednesday night to see what happens...

AYC @ Adult Summer Camp!

Whidbey Island Race Week celebrated 29 years of fun in the sun last week. The winds were surprisingly steady and strong Mon-Thurs, Friday was reserved for ice cream and mussels in Coupeville as the wind appeared after the fleet was headed for their trailers. 11 fleets sailed as many as 12 total races before the curtain came down and the winners headed to the podium. AYC was well represented with 7 boats and a bunch of AYC members crewing aboard other boats.

Starting at the top, Teddy Bear was third in P0 fleet. It appeared the usual cadre of family and friends lining the rail with a new mainsail providing horsepower. Kevin Welch's Mikey earned a third in P3 with fellow AYC member Ian Sloan on the stick. These boats are easily the most physically challenging class and Kevin still had energy to sail Soulfood Wednesday night.

In P4 the Santa Cruz 27's competed in their 35th annual class championship. Wild Rumpus with Stephanie Schwenk on the helm battled to 3rd and Cookie Monster with former Commodore Chuck Tidrington held on for 11th.

Crazy Ivan skippered by Dr. Chris White still flying the scarlet letter by way of Orcas Island was the sole winner for AYC in P6. Rear Commodore Steve Orsini drove his new Viper 640 Kaa to 6th in P7 after placing his Lido 14 2nd in the preamble DWI. (Dinghy'sWhidbey Island, Ian Sloan also placed second in his Hobie F-18)

Finally Captain Brad Blymyer earned a 6th in P11 aboard Alert. This regatta provided terrific racing, great food and music, easy camping, decent trophies and freebies, excellent support from OHYC and I'm guessing those that came will be back as well as a few more.

BYC PITCH Regatta...

In its 38^th year, sponsored by KarMART Auto Superstores, PITCH 2011 is a Grand Prix and 48 North Top 25 qualifying regatta and will offer PHRF and One Design Class racing, the Kelly O’Neil Cup for club team performance, free moorage and camping, delivery and cruising gear storage, free Dead Pirate burgers and beer at the Friday Skipper’s meeting, free hoist use and much, much, more.  Come see what Bellingham Bay will serve up this year….LABOR DAY WEEKEND, 2011.

Details and NOR at www.BYC.org

2011 Northern Century Registration Now Open...

For all you anxious sailors out there wanting to register for this season's most challenging double-handed event, you need not wait any longer. At long last on-line registration is now open --

NORTHERN CENTURY WEB SITE

PS - registration is $50.00 per boat by August 15, $75.00 thereafter. With this you get race entry, a free meal for you and your crew Friday evening, plus the use of a SPOT transceiver for the event. We also have some cool event shirts for $20.00 each (you can order these on-line during registration).

 

Colin Orsini TransAtlantic Update

The second wave of sailing vessels, including the 289 foot long Maltese Falcon, started the 2011 TransAtlantic Race from Newport, RI to the Lizard, UK today July 1, 2011. Smaller boats started on June 26 and the third and final wave starts July 3. The Oakcliff All American Offshore (OAAOT) team on board the STP 65 footer Vanquish starts in this third wave along with such speed machines as the 100 ft long Rambler, ICAP Leopard and the fearsome new Volvo Ocean 70, Mar Mostro.

The team on Vanquish was put together by three non-profit sailing foundations to give young American sailors the chance to compete in long distance ocean racing. One of the foundations, Kings Point Maritime, donated the use of Vanquish. Oakcliff, headed by America's Cup veteran, Dawn Riley, stepped up to add major funding to get the boat ready for this season. Colin Orsini from Anacortes is on board as grinder, trimmer- one of 18 chosen from over 250 applicants, all under the age of 30. When Germany entered a youth team, and realizing that offshore sailing is dominated by teams from New Zealand, the UK and Australia, the foundations realized that something had to be done to give young American sailors more opportunity to compete in long distance ocean events.

The OAAO Team has already completed the Block Island and Annapolis-Newport, RI races in preparation for this TransAlantic. Go to their website, http://www.oakcliffsailing.org/offshore/ and their Facebook site, http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-American-Offshore-Team/141371945922677 to find some great video as they went offshore to get deep water experience. A 38 knot blow found them and gave them all they had asked for. Colin is writing blog updates for the team which are carried on http://www.sailingworld.com under their Blog tab. All the boats in the 2011 TransAtlantic Race will have GPS tracking, so you can follow along to see how the team is doing crossing The Pond. Once across with some days to recoup, the team will compete, starting August 14th, in the famous Fastnet Race from Cowes,UK around the Fastnet Rock on the southern tip of Ireland. Enjoy and cheer for the home team while eating that July 4th hotdog!!

Pirate Camp is Coming!!

Pirate Camp is coming up during the first three weeks of August. It was founded to give the kids of Anacortes Yacht Club a fun introduction to sailing. At Pirate Camp, kids learn the basics of sailing: how to rig and sail dinghies, basic knots, capsize recovery, and have fun on the water with other kids. They will spend three days on dinghies and have a chance to steer the boat, trim the sails, and take care of the boats. On Friday, we sail keelboats to "Scallywag" Island and kids get a chance to steer a keelboat, trim the sails (usually including a spinnaker), anchor, and ferry to the beach on a dinghy. All ages are welcome. The youngest kids have been in the 5 year old range, and teenagers are gratefully welcomed. Each boat with have a competent sailor on board, and a chase boat will always be at the ready! Add a little pirate fun, and we've got Pirate Camp! Each year the camp has grown, and we are limited by how many boats are donated for use, and how many volunteers are available to go out with the kids... so sign up soon, before it fills up!

Go to the website's Event Registration page for a printable registration form.

Wally's Tours on Wednesday

Wednesday @ 6:30 pm kicks off the Wally's Tours Racing Series. This series is named after Wally Schwenk. It is common for racing boats to have a "battle flag" to fly at regattas. Back in the days our family raced a SC-40 Ajax, and one day before Swiftsure regatta in Victoria, BC, with our "Wally's Tours" battle flag fluttering in the breeze, some government officials came to the boat to inform us we did not have the proper licenses to be running tours in Canadian waters. Wally and Girts decided it was time for some fun at the official's expense and nearly got the yellow boat impounded......So in the spirit of good times come on out! We are having a terrific season with as many as 28 boats split into A, B, and C divisions. Syndicat is on their way to an unprecedented 4th consecutive yacht of the year trophy proving that it doesn't cost a mint to have a little success if you know what you're doing. We have a "D" class for boats without a PHRF rating, just show us proof of insurance and join the fun! Each night after the race the BBQ is fired up and Northwest Rigging is sponsoring prizes for this series. You can click on "Racing Program" on this website to download the race packet for all the details. If you are a crew person looking for a ride or a skipper looking for crew simply post on the forums portion of this website or meet @ 5:30 by the flagpoles on the North side of the basin in front of the laundry and restroom facilities. If you are interested in helping out with Race Commitee call Andy Schwenk!

Solitary Sunday

The AYC's annual singlehanded race took place on Father's Day yesterday. 7 boats set sail for the red buoy located off Jack Island using the standard start line off the tanker dock @ 1130. Wild Dave Wagner was the first to get his spinnaker up and drawing in a light southerly. Cat Sass led the way all day long and Keith Rubin noted that all the controls seem a long way off when you're all by yourself. Tim Wenger flew his pink panty spinnaker and a gybing duel soon ensued with Good Enuf skippered by Colin Emsley and Celebration with Jim Bottles each looking strong at one time or another. The Wild Rumpus simply cranked the pole back and was the only vessel to risk shooting the gap between Huckleberry and Guemes Islands. Tiramisu with Tom Stockton at the helm and our treasured Treasurer Charles Webb played out to the East searching for breeze. The roundings were entertaining as the skippers became foredeck crew, mid deck, mast and pit people while creative lash ups on the tillers performed helmsperson duties. Celebration turned on the afterburners and flew to a first place finish. Wild Rumpus held on for second, and Split Arrow third. It's Wednesday buoy racing until The Northern Century Aug 26-28th so come on out and join the fun! The D class is open to boats without PHRF certificates and crewspots are ususally available especially on Syndicat!

Fast Women=No Cookies!

Six boats braved Junuary weather conditions in the annual Get Out the Boat Girls/Womens Regatta. Four races were sailed in a little under four hours. The Hassenfeffers with Wild Esther Wagner at the helm chose not to fly the spinnaker and took a beating in the windward/leeward buoy racing. Blackfoot the lone Bellingham entry learned that local knowledge of the bay is always valuable. Heron put a different lady at the helm each race and featured Mackenzie as the youngest skipper. Syndicat was able to muffle Walt long enough to slip into third. The yellow menace Wild Rumpus tallied 8 points and finished with bookends winning the first and last race. When the smoke cleared and the course was empty I realized in what has become one of my favorite traditions the Cookie Monster had not passed out chocolate chip cookies to each boat or at least not to the race commitee boat. They must have been reading up on sailing tactics instead of cookie recipes as Sarah Johnson and crew put the smack down on the fleet and put the little blue show in first place! Congratulations to all the competitors and thanks to Ed Kennedy for bartending duties and Colin Emsley for PRO and scoring.

Women on the Water!

Please print out and or bring the following info to the skipper's meeting @ the club Saturday @ 10:am!

Get Out the Boat! (g.o.t.b.)Regatta

Girls on the Boat/ Get off the Boat (singlehanded) Weekend

Skipper _______________________________________________________

Address/phone: ________________________________________________

Boat name: ___________________________________________________

Boat type: ____________________________ Sail Number ______________

PHRF rating: ____________________

Entry fee: $20

I am registering for:

• Girls (Saturday) 10 am- 3 pm

• Singlehanded (Sunday) 10 am until finished

Payment:

• Cash

• Check

I am in compliance with Coast Guard and PIYA category IV safety regulations and hold AYC harmless for any activities associated with this regatta.

Signature: _________________________________________

Crew: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Girls on Boats/ Everyone Singlehanded!

Saturday the 18th is the Get out the Boat Girls Regatta and Sunday the 19th is the annual Singlehanded Regatta. Skippers meeting at the club both days @ 10:00 am. On the water instructions on VHF 72. Both of these regattas were well attended last year and people are still talking about them. Males are permitted in the ladies regatta as long as they don't touch anything (on the boat) and a passenger is allowed in the singlehanded race if they promise not to be helpful. (Like most crew!) Come join the fun! If you are interested in coming out on the commitee boat for the Saturday Race contact Andy Schwenk 360 770 7035, Singlehanded Race will start/finish off the tanker dock and racers will record their own times then call Andy and leave message GPS time.

Windermere Regatta Wrap

This past weekend June 11-12 AnacortesYacht Club hosted their annual Windermere Regatta on Padilla Bay. 40 boats from as far away as Olympia, Idaho and Victoria ranging from 22' to 40' feet were split into 4 divisions. Six races were sailed during the two day regatta and live music and shoreside competitions kept the club busy till the sun went down and then some.The J-80 fleet (80 decimeters) were sailing their Fleet 18 Championships where the racing was tight and resulted in in a two way and three way tie in the final results. When the sails were stowed and the champagne flowed it was Dr. Chris White and co-skipper David Way sailing for Anacortes Yacht Club in first, Sheva and Excitable from Victoria were second and third. In the big boat fleet Teddy Bear skippered by Gray Hawken with three generations of Hawken family sailors on board finished sandwiched between two Bellingham boats;Vitesse driven by Tequila Dave Steffen in first and Extreme with Aussie Jack Gerity in third. Division 4 was the most diverse fleet with 12 boats. The Left Coast Dart which is manufactured right here in Anacortes ended up on top folllowed by one of the two female skippers Stephanie Schwenk putting her 1978 vintage SC-27 "Wild Rumpus" in second place and Blackfoot sailing for Bellingham Yacht Club and helmed by Mick Corcoran in third. Division 5 featured the closest starts and busiest mark roundings. Syndicat with Jerry Vanderveen of Mt Vernon at the controls dominated scoring only 8pts in a 5 race series. Kyle Saum drove his Ericson 29 which he has owned for 30 years to second with original sails and Port Commisioner Bill Short took third in the Lucky Duck. Next weekend AYC will feature the Womens Regatta Saturday and the Singlehanded Regatta Sunday.The sailors are allowed to use both hands.

WOW!!!! Wonderful Windermere!!!!

WOW!! WHAT A WEEKEND!! Kudos to the dozens of volunteers involved, too many to name but we all know who you are and thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!! Special kudos to Fred Abelman, PRO, and his crew in unbelievably difficult shifty light air conditions and to Andy Schwenk (and of course you know who behind him...Steph!!). WOW, what success for AYC!
We had lots of boats out, from far and near, and all had a fabulous time. And, in their honor, we present this short tribute....

LITTLE ANNIE was playing GO FISH with her TEDDY BEAR in a peaceful state of KINETIC KI in the land of PANGAEA. Suddenly a BARREL OF MONKEYS descended, some of whom were SURFIN' BIRD, HRAVEN (with his SON OF RAVEN) and a Russian called CRAZY IVAN. Together they formed a SYNDICAT to win her AMORE! So, they kidnapped LITTLE ANNIE and took her on a JOY RIDE which soon became an EXTREME, EXCITABLE, WILD RUMPUS!! While everyone was shouting "YEAH DOG" and "go LUCKY DUCK", HANDYMAN undid his ZIPPER and with a SWISH his OLE YELLER, SKYE ROCKETED causing quite a KYMODOCE! With this distraction going on an old HOERNDAG with a BLACKFOOT chased, with great VITESSE, back to the AYC, where after a GARGLE BLASTER he wined and dined her with HASSENPFEFFER (rabbit stew to those in the know), TIRAMASU and a MONSTER COOKIE. But seeing this CELEBRATION happening, EMOYEMI was so jealous he swept in on a DRAGONFLY, going "KAA, KAA" and took her off to UNCLE PERVY'S SANCTUARY (a cheap motel) where in FEARFUL SYMMETRY he had his wicked way with her while all the time she prayed to SHEVA!!!

Local Sailors SHINE!!!!

Kudos to AYC sailors...Rear Commodore Steve Orsini and wife Ginger, and racer Steph Schwenk and Race Chairman husband Andy.
The latter took first in Division and 6th Overall in the Delta Ditch Run in San Francisco Bay and read on about SteveO and Ginger in Vancouver:
Ginger and Steve sailed their Lido 14, sail number 6310, at the 42 Annual Vancouver Lake Sailing Club Regatta, on Vancouver Lake, near Vancouver, Washington on June 4th and 5th. They were a bit rusty not having sailed the boat since last fall. The first race did not go well as they came in 5th in the 8 boat Lido fleet. The bad part was that they were beaten not only by 6131, the first 6000 series boat that they owned, but by sail number 2953, their original "Pig in a Poke" boat from the founding of the Anacortes Fleet. That did it, they re-adjusted sail settings, got to roll tacking the boat and ran off a series of 4 first place finishes. By the next day, they had won the Lido 14 Division for the 2011 Regatta.

Now's the chance for all us to challenge them at WINDERMERE REGATTA this weekend!!!

AYC Takes 1st & 3rd in Swiftsure!

The news is just in -- AYC boats take 1st and 3rd, plus line honors in the 2011 Swiftsure Lightship Classic!

Doug Fryer's Night Runner and Kevin Welch's Icon took 1st & 3rd respectively in the 2011 Swiftsure, with Icon also winning the City of Victoria trophy for the first to finish!  The race started in light winds and adverse current, with most boats footing off for Albert Head to avoid the strong flood at Race Passage.  Icon was the first to reach Race Passage followed by the rest of the big boat fleet.  Most boats, including Night Runner elected to work the Canadian shore, with Icon switching over to the US short near Sooke.

Icon worked up the US shore steadily putting time on the fleet,  Night Runner stayed on the Canadian shore until punching out into the middle mid-strait.  Icon rounded Swiftsure Bank around midnight in lumpy seas and moderate swells.  Night Runner rounded about 8 hours later early in the morning.  Both Icon and Night Runner stayed in the middle of the Strait throughout the night.

On the way home Night Runner managed to stay ahead of many of the big sleds until the winds built.  Icon on the other hand, being so far ahead had extremely light winds until shortly before Race Passage when they built to a maximum of 18 knots.  The winds continued to build for the later boats, hitting 35-40 knots late in the afternoon.

In the end Icon took line honors by about 3 hours over Strum, Rage and Neptunes Car (taking 1st in Division One & the City of Victoria trophy for first-to-finish in the process), but not enough to correct over Night Runner who finished first overall and first in Division Two!

A great (and long) couple of days on the water for AYC boats -- congratulations to all for a job well done!

Night Runner shortly after starting

Icon transiting Race Passage against the current

Race Track - Icon in Red, Night Runner in Orange

Have a GREAT MEMORIAL DAY weekend

Whether racing from Victoria or cruising to Garrison Bay or socializing with $3 night at the Clubhouse tonight...It's Memorial Day weekend, the weather's not TOO bad and AYC has plenty going on!! Have a great and safe Holiday and next week plan on Otterstedt I Wednesday night, meet at the Club Thursday with Fred Abelman to organize volunteers for Windermere Regatta, and Friday night to socialize and meet and volunteer to help with the 120 yr Birthday party coming up 31 July. Thank you one and all!!!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Fun Race....& evening!!

The Schedule says "Fun with Mac & Wendy - Buoy Race (no points)". So while the 'rock stars' are off to 'Driftsure' let the stay at homes have some fun. Come on out and we'll try some 'hijinks' on the Race Course and then after at the Club we'll have prizes for the most OUTRAGEOUS hats...men and/or women, girls and/or boys....Royal Wedding, or Derby, your choice!!!!!! The junior members will do the burgers!! Come one, come all!!! Same start times!!

May 18 Race Results - Read and Weep...

In case you missed it the race results from May 18 are now available online.  There were a record number (at least for 2011) on the water with some exciting racing!

You can get your results HERE...

AYC Racers - Start/Finish Line Rules Change

Attention Anacortes Racers -- there has been another slight change to the race packet (sailing instructions) that you will need to be aware of this coming Wednesday night. The exact wording regarding the start-finish line has changed slightly -- the final language is as follows:

REVISED SECTION 12 --Start Line Restriction

After completing the first leg of the course, a boat shall not cross the starting line. A boat shall not cross the finish line until she is completing the last leg of the course and finishes. A boat that breaks this rule shall not correct her error as per Rule 28.1. However she will be exonerated if she takes a Two-Turns Penalty as per Rule 44.2. This changes Rule 28.1.

The start finish line (the boats or buoys that define it) ranks as an obstruction on upwind and downwind legs. Before finishing, boats may therefore leave the start finish line either to port or starboard. As an obstruction, Rules 19 and 20 may apply between boats as they approach and pass it..

You can download an updated version of the Race Packet HERE.

FRIDAY THE 13th GENERAL MEETING!!!!

All members, and guests:
This Friday, 13 May is the General Meeting. Bruce Bottolfson of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will give an approximate 30 minute presentation explaining the role of the CG Aux and an update of Coast Guard rules and regs, etc followed by a question and answer period. It should be a very valuable program and update for all boaters, cruisers and racers!!!!
And the meal is another gem from Wendy Gray et al....Asian Pork Tenderloin, Wild Rice, Vegetables, Salad and a Scrumptious Dessert....$12/ Bar Open 1730, Dinner about 1830 followed by program.

Mildly Wild at Double Bluff

As some of you know we have several AYC boats competing in the Sloop Taven Yacht Club Race to the Straits this weekend.  The event consists of a race from Shilshole to Port Townsend on Saturday, and then back on Sunday -- all cumulative time.

What makes this event a little more interesting is that it is exclusively for double-handed or single-handed racers. On Saturday the event got started with a brisk southerly and things got a little out of hand at Double Bluff with a certain AYC boat.

Exactly what was going on we don't know, but we will leave that up to you to speculate -- one thing for certain, it wasn't t-shirt and shorts weather:

Courtesy Jan's Marine Photography

Port of Anacortes - Opening Day Festivities

AYC has been asked to take part in the Port of Anacortes Opening Day Ceremonies. I have agreeded that AYC would have boats in their parade. If you can show up with a boat or if you need a ride please contact Phil Case mpcase@earthlink.net. We have a few boats readyto take part, but would appreciate more boats in their parade. We intend to have several people on each boat to represent our interest in boating and the waters around.

Phil Case Commodore

Anacortes Yacht Club

HERE IS THE CURRENT AGENDA

Attention Racers -- Race Packet Change

Attention Anacortes Racers -- there has been a slight change to the race packet (sailing instructions) that you will need to be aware of this coming Wednesday night. Due to an error of omission, the start/finish line was not restricted in the initial version of the race packet -- this has been corrected with the following language:

NEW SECTION 12 --Start Line Restriction

After starting and completing the first leg of the course a boat shall not cross the starting line. A boat shall not cross the finish line until she completes the last leg of the course and finishes. A boat that breaks this rule shall not correct her error as per Rule 28.1. However she will be exonerated if she takes a Two-Turns Penalty as per Rule 44.2. This changes Rule 28.1.

The start or finish lines (and the boats or buoys that define it) shall be considered as an obstruction while racing. Boats may therefore leave the start or finish lines either to port or starboard. As an obstruction, Rules 19 and 20 may apply between boats as they approach and pass it.

You can download an updated version of the Race Packet HERE.

Don't go in there.....

Spread the word far and wide, the 2011 race packet is being amended. The new rule is the starting line is restricted. This will be posted at AYC prior to the race Wednesday night and posted on line. You can only cross the start/finish line if you are starting or finishing. This adds a tactical element to the racing as well as convenience for the race committee.Sorry for the late notice, we accidentally edited ourselves right out of a good idea!

Thank Heavens Racing and Spring are Here!

I know it's only two decent days but it's May 2nd so we gotta call it spring if we wanna make room for summer!

On the homefront the bad boys on Emoyeni were the victors/only boat to finish the weekend race to Sucia. I watched the start and although my face shield was dusted with bottom paint it looked like a nice day for waterskiing or bowling, not a bad effort for a comfy 30' cruiser. In any case many reports of good times around the campfire and people sleeping in!

The Big Blue Show extended her winning streak with a victory in the Seattle Yacht Club's Protection Island Race. With the fleet grouped up off .Wilson she was able to leg out to an 8 minute winning margin and finish before midnight.  You can get pictures & the story here...

This Wednesday features everyones favorite chef Walt Meagher and Scott Soes on RC duty. There was certain new boat out on the water Sunday - better have a snake bite kit aboard.  Split Arrow should have her mast in a vertical position today, Heron is sporting new rags, Grafix and Mikey are due to continue where they left off last fall, Handyman has work to do to renew her "Pride of the Elks" title, Kymodoce is airing out the 180, D fleet is due for the first competitor.

(NOTE: D fleet is open to all comers, need not be a AYC member for first year. Simply show us your insurance and sign a waiver. Call Andy for details 360 770 7035)

Sail fast, live slow.....

Apriluary in Anacortes

12 brave crews braved the wind and rain swept eel grass and whale pasture we know as Fidalgo Bay. Brad Blymyer with lovely assistant Colin Emsley rode the bucking "support vessel"(really is the best name we can come up with?) to the start line.

In a heavyweight grudge match Pangaea led the way across the line with Kinetic Ki driving hard not far behind. While his first wife was cooking up the finest chili this side of the Skagit river Jim Bottles blasted the Celebration across the line threading the needle on port tack through a rapidly closing space to add B fleet highlights. In C fleet John Gunn annihilated the fleet on the first beat only to be swallowed up by those cool cats on Syndicat. In the end Pangaea, our newest member Eric Beemer surfing to victory on the Surfin Bird and Syndicat took home the gold.

After people wrung out their long johns and enjoyed the talents of Jerry Reilly behind the bar Colin Orsini put on a terrific presentation of RC 44 action from Austria to Dubai to Miami to places I can't pronounce. Check it all out @ www.oracleracingmedia.com.

Also note we have "D" class which does not require a rating. Simply purchase a race packet, sign a waiver, and show us an insurance cert. and you can come out and play. A long form birth certificate is not required.

Wednesday Night Racing Starts Tonight...

In case you missed it, Wednesday Night Buoy Racing starts TONIGHT - yes TONIGHT at 6:30pm.  The Celebraton crew will be cooking and the Alert team will be managing the race course....

We just checked with the weatherman (yes, we know he can't be trusted but who else can you go to), and he says that we will have clear skies, 75 degrees with a 10-15 knot consistent westerly wind.

So there you have it...

One for Four

Four AYC boats made the trek North to the West Vancouver Yacht Club for the Southern Straits Regatta. This annual race starts on Good Friday each year and features long 125nile, medium 95 miles and short 60 mile courses. They are different every year.This year Wild Rumpus was short, Passepartout was medium and Night Runner and Icon went long. The trip North featured the usual antics and hijinx with the customs service, Nexxus ain't always what it is purported to be.....A trip to the emergency room for the Wild Rumpus crew, gotta watch out for the outboard when the boat is on the trailer! In any case the WVYC put on a terrific meal, weather briefing, and a free keg (imagine that, free beer!)

The start includes a brass band, a visit by the Easter bunny, a whole bunch of current and very interestingly the RC reporting over early boats via VHF even before the start. Of course they were Canadian boats, but I digress. The Passepartout boys took one look at the flat water and bleak forecast, fired up the iron genoa and headed South for Anacortes. Icon, Night Runner were in the first start and beat out of Burrard Inlet under light Westerlies and sunny skies. Wild Rumpus with Andy driving for once cleared the line on port tack, had one starboard tack boat dip under us(did you just read that right?, yes that is what happened) then got buried by a wall of starboard tackers. To say we took a flyer maybe accurate but we were following Icon now barely visible on the horizon. We checked and rechecked the GPS and stayed on a lifting starboard tack providing overwhelmingly better VMG. (look it up) The first mark for us was Entrance Island and by 6pm we had only made 15 outa 25 miles. A small conference was held and soon we were underway, under power arriving back at WVYC just at sunset.

A great feature of this race is you can visit www.southernstraits.ca and follow each boat via a transponder. They had a bigscreen set up in the club and we watched as Icon and Night Runner battled into the night. Proving that it is never over until it is over Icon went from the penthouse to the outhouse and back several times but they were ahead by over nearly and hour when it mattered at the finish, that is the way to start the season. Night Runner hung it out into Saturday night but eventually gave it up, did I say it was light? It was...

Wednesday starts rain or shine @ 1830 call Andy 360 770 7035 with any questions!

It's all about current...

As the weather starts to get better more people are thinking about getting out on their boat -- one essential part of this is knowing what is going to happen with the tides and currents.  With respect to currents, one of the great resources for predicting currents is the Canadian Current Atlas for Juan de Fuca Strait & Georgia Strait.  This indispensable book is filled with pictures depicting the set and drift of the current as it flows around all the land masses in our area.

One of the problems with this book is that it is keyed off the tides at Point Atkinson (near Vancouver) and in order to use it correctly you have to figure this out, adjust for daylight savings time (if active) and then determine the correct page of the book - all time consuming and prone to errors.

In order to overcome this several enterprising people have pre-computed a set of tables such that all you have to do is lookup the date & time in question and it will give you the page number to look up in the Current Atlas -- how easy is that!  The two most popular tables are Washburn's Tables and Murray's Tables.  Washburn's Tables can be purchased at most marine supply stores in Anacortes, while Murray's tables is a little harder to find being published in Canada.

Of the two, Murray's tables is the preferred one as it handles the exchanges better with the semi-diurnal tides that we experience.

There is however an ALTERNATIVE -- and best yet, it if FREE and available on-line.  You can find them HERE.  Note that there are both HTML and PDF versions, so if needed you can print them up and keep it on the boat for reference.

PS - don't forget the buoy racing season kickoff meeting and barbeque on Wednesday night, April 20 at 6:30pm at the AYC clubhouse.

Let's go Sailing!

Wednesday, April 20th AYC is hosting a night of sailing, food, and fun. Kevin Welch and Stephanie Schwenk have created an agenda that looks like this:
6:30 Take your boat out and take a friend or neighbor. The idea is to introduce the wonders of Wednesday night sailing to some folks that might be interested. If it's still pouring rain or you don't have a boat you can goto the club where Andy Schwenk will be hosting a presentation on what you need to do to become a successful PHRF racer. With wins @ Swiftsure, Whidbey race week, and PITCH to his credit Andy will answer questions and offer "go fast" tips for the rookie or sailors that haven't raced in a while.
7:30 Strap on the food bag while we fire up the BBQ, burgers with all the fixins....
While you're munching away Steph will do a quick presentation on how to handle cooking duties when it is your turn and Andy will do the same for RC duties.
Come on out one and all join the fun!

Tulip Regatta Wrap-Up...

In case you hadn't seen it, here is a recent article about last weekend's Tulip Regatta in Pressure-Drop...

You can check it out here...

PRESSURE DROP ARTICLE

Tulip Update

Who are those Handyman boys? Three races three bullets! , Kymodoce 8 and Syndicat 9..... Three races were sailed, one and two lap W/L for monos, triangles for the cats. Speaking of cats Laser Tag leading the way with Shrek and Barely 18 tied with 8. The SJ-24's are chasing last years winner Ekono Juan with 5, Majic Juan and Merlin have 8. There is a Celebration in B fleet with 6, Surfin Bird 7, and Blackfoot with 8. Vitesse and T-Bear are tied with 7 in A followed by the very brave men aboard Crazy Ivan(you should see their starts!). The Sc-27's are led by the Buggy with 4 Rumpus with 6 and Cookie and Slayer tied with 10. Supposed to be windy today, stand by for more action on the water! Big thanks to Thomas Childs, Dave Thomson, Pam Edwards, Sundholms, Clay Wilcox, Nancy Elliott, Walt Meagher for keeping everyone fed and watered. Even bigger thanks to Jennifer Bowman for donating the painting auctioned for 415.00 to Dr. Chris White $$$ going to junior sailing. The ever smooth Keith White and the Jeff Charles band kept people on the dance floor. Come by this afternoon and cheer for the winners and munch a free chili dog!

Tulip Regatta -- There is time to register...

In case you missed it, the Tulip Regatta is running this weekend with what looks to be a RECORD number of boats -- the weather is going to be sunny & warm with a moderate westerly both days, what more could you ask for, especially when you consider the gorgeous views you will have of Cascades from Fidalgo Bay!

Tempted -- all you have to do is have a PHRF certificate and follow this linky, and then you will be registered for the fun as well...

Team Emoyeni - Hein Bank ReCap

The day began gray w/ light westerly breeze, perhaps 5-7kn, and another strong ebb push in Guemes channel that boats struggled against. Knowing it would be blowing harder in the straits, (Pangaea starting with a reef & a blade?), we switched out to the #2 headsail prior to the start (thoughts of upshifting to the #2 off the Davidson rock washing machine didn't excite anyone). The uncharacteristically small C fleet was us, Syndicat powered up w/ a full main and genoa, and Hasenpfeffer with her crispy new Ballard Sails storm jib. Variety is the spice of life I guess... Nightrunner was called OCS about 50 times over the VHF, but no hail, phone call, e-mail, smoke signal, or singing telegram could get their attention. Long race to sail for an OCS finish...

Leading C fleet across the start we kept pace to weather of Syndicat, and had Hasenpfeffer sniffing our transom (though grossly underpowered and falling back)... In Rosario Strait you could see the white capped rollers on the horizon; felt pretty good about our decision to go early w/ the #2. Syndicat eventually gained to leeward of us but the waves built from 1-3' chop to 6'-8’ swells... Emoyeni was in the groove while Syndicat appeared overpowered. The Catalina slowed, we assumed they were changing sails but they ended up turning back for A-town; maybe a bottle of rum was mishandled and deposited to Neptune. Hasenpfeffer stuck it out till nearly Smith Isl before bailing due to motion sickness and leaving us the lone C boat still racing.

While the waves were big, the breeze wasn't and the boat was tremendously manageable. Sun broke through on Iceberg Pt as we were beating on port towards Lopez. The sea state had died down to 4' chop, west breeze around 12-15, and the boat was just gliding. Staying north in the strait Deano game-planned to round the Salmon Bank buoy cause it'd make a great layline to G1 and there’s cooler stuff to look at. He was pretty dead on, though we ended up knocked a bit below as a squall came through and the current strengthened.  We were only 25min behind a Hobie 33 at the mark rounding. I’m gonna repeat that, we were only 25min behind a Hobie 33 at the mark rounding!
 

The pressure really came on, literally at the G1 rounding, and swells were back to 6’. We were the only C boat left; Tom and Ryan both battling motion sickness, so we opted to delay our hoist and sail conservatively under whites till the lumps and breeze eased off a bit. Surfing big waves saw us pushing near 10kn at times, averaging a steady 7.5. By Rosario the seas had calmed a bit, the wind had gone SW; felt reasonably comfortable putting up the kite nearby Telegraph Bay. It was a wild hoist as we were greeted w/ nearly 20kn due west out of Lopez pass, putting 10.5kn on the fun meter but blowing us to Allen Isl. After few minutes of trying to tame the kite and we decided to douse and actually sail towards the finish. Went wing-on-wing at Shannon Pt in a dying breeze, crossed the line just after 5pm.

It was a fantastic day of sailing for the crew of Kyle, Becker, Rich, Dean-o, and Tom. Not an epically splashy wet kinda day but we did pull a bucket of green water from the bilge. On the beat out the only time our attention broke from the sea state was when Tom gracefully plummeted through companion way while descending a swell and the boat kind of eased down to catch him gently on the sole, or as gentle as teak can be. He didn't complain. Everyone got helm time, Tom and Rich doing their best Kelly Slater impersonations; their surfing might be described as a bit undisciplined... Officially a 36.94nm race, we likely put over 50nm’s under our keel from start to finish. Nothing broke, and we didn’t do anything terribly boneheaded… might be losing our touch?

Here’s the link to our beat out of Rosario taken by Becker:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKLvhDN4mNw

It's a Wrap -- 2011 Hein Bank Race...

The 2011 Ed Knowles Memorial Hein Bank race was run this Saturday with nine (9) boats competing and six (6) finishing due to the lumpy conditions. The race results have been posted and here are the perspectives from three different boats:

C Fleet - Emoyeni
Fun day, weather was better than advertised I thought. Nightrunner was hailed by the RC as being OCS a number of times. Too bad they didn't hear it. Emoyeni's crew of 5 had a great ride, stayed towards lopez, rounded the salmon bank buoy just because it made a great layline for hein, maybe 20-25 min behind the hobie. With two on the boat a bit motion sick and the other C fleet yachts retired we sailed a bit conservatively, soaked up the sun, and put some newbies on the helm for some hot surfing action... very brief kite hoist in rosario, saw 10.5 on the fun meter before the westerly kicked up hard and made for a bit of a lively douse. Finished just after 5pm.

B Fleet - Celebration
Celebration had a great day too. Only 4 on board. Jimmy, Arty, Gord and me. With the exception of me, no one over 165 lbs. Perfect day. Wind dies off Washington park and the Hobie 33 that we saw appear on the horizon from behind ended up passing us. Icon finished about 4 hours so 1"30pm. Night Runner, Pangaea, Hobie 33 and Celebration all crossed a little after 4pm. Perfect day.

A Fleet - Icon
A little lumpy on the way out to the bank near Davidson -- steep seas with a short period making for a bumpy ride. The wind diminished a little at the bank and the ebb turned to a flood knocking things down a little -- managed to do some surfing on the way home hitting 16-17 knots at times. Only saw 4 boats on the way home - don't know what happened to the others, perhaps they bailed given the conditions? We managed to ride the A2 all the way from the bank to the finish with an elapsed time of approximately 4 hours -- not too bad given the bumps on the way out... A fun day but could have been a little warmer!

For those of you that wished you could have been there -- here is a great video taken by Emoyeni that gives you a little idea what the seas were like...

APRIL GENERAL MEETING REMINDER !!!

The AYC April General meeting will be the THIRD Friday of the month (April 15th!!) rather than the usual 2nd Friday due to our Tulip Regatta event next weekend. So plan on spending the evening of 'Tax Day' at the Club.

Chuck Rust has arranged the program....Travis Smith explaining and discussing 'Predicted Log Racing'. Wendy and I, with helpers, are planning a "Ham Extravaganza" meal. Please make reservations...the usual $12/

Tri-Straits II Smith Island Recap - Team Emoyeni

Here is the log from team Emoyeni about Tri-Straits II - Smith Island...

Single digit breeze from the SE with a significant ebb push extended the starting box to nearly the Guemes island ferry landing, racers knowing once they turned down the acceleration would be tremendous and an OCS start would be an easy way to ruin a chance at placing. Wild Rumpus provided the start for 12 sun seeking boats, remarking after the prep flag went down that you’d usually see boats a little closer than a mile away from the line at this time, think there might be some current out here?

All late, but clear, Emoyeni was hanging at the rear of the fleet looking to put a kite up and make up lost ground. We must have forgotten to say our pledge of allegiance that morning given we hoisted a flagging spinnaker; the shackle on the spin sheet still hanging on the upper lifeline. Felt like our best impression of a Cougar football running play, “NO GAIN.”

I’d venture a guess that most boats were taken a bit by surprise when the winds came on above 15kn to a pretty steady 20. Washing machine chaos, flogging mains, bareheaded boats, salty beer, and a retirement by Kinetic Ki ensued. Boats who didn’t hitch south early (Emoyeni & Kymodoce) got a big time west flush, compliments of Deception Pass, another reason it pays to not sleep through geography class. 2 of our crew on the rail had fun punching through the confused seas for about 30 minutes and then realized why cotton is a poor choice for sea fairing attire. Walt Meagher, channeling his inner Dos Equis’ guy from the commercials, conned Jerry into cheerfully driving Syndicat upwind as the lumps got bigger.

Approaching Smith Island we managed to pass Kymodoce, couldn’t find the rest of our fleet or figure out who was doing what… At the rounding we realized were quite a distance behind the Beneteau’s, Syndicat was running down B fleeters, and Kymodoce just off our stern. We cracked off, shook out the reefs, and took a moment or two to collect ourselves. Our strategy, sort-of, was reel in bene’s, sail faster than Kymodoce, and hope that Syndicat had forgotten her chute in the back of someone’s car. Pressure was still pretty strong, flood was kicking in, and with no other C fleet boats under kites it was time for a bold move. Clean hoist, holding steady, grins all around, screaming along at 9kn, yeah baby! The Beneteau’s turned up to avoid being weather rolled while Syndicat and Kymodoce scrambled to hoist their own downwind laundry. By Lawson Reef we were passing Lil’ Annie & Hasenpfeffer and it was clear we had boat speed on the Catalina. At R2 off Green Pt, Syndicat caught a wild shift and had to turn towards Cypress. We decided to douse early and stay closer to fidalgo, sailing a close reach to the finish. Syndicat appeared to be struggling mightily to get to weather of G3 while we were easily on course to the middle of the line. It got really close but we couldn’t catch them, giving us a second 2nd for the series.

What a gorgeous and surprisingly physical day on the water where lots of boats seemed short handed. Fisch, Rich, and Chris managed the headsail trim and reef work, Fisch also moonlighting as the pointy end guru, Kyle kept dry trimming main and kite, while Deano spun the wheel a bunch and pointed us mostly in the right directions. Lots learned, like Fisch and Rich both need better foul weather gear, and Fisch in particular needs a sippy cup.

Congratulations, Colin Orsini

Colin Orsini, who grew up participating in AYC's various racing programs, has been named to the All-American Offshore Team. He is one of nine under age 30 sailors selected. The team will participate in four major races: Around Block Island, Annapolis to Newport, Transatlantic, and the Fastnet. Colin is the son of Rear Commodore Steve Orsini and has been carrying Steve to victory in one-design competitions for several years.