Thanks to Elaine Wade for the following report, and Greg Keel for organizing this great event.

 

The forecast was for terrible wind & rainy conditions but it turned into

a beautiful weekend for the eleven boats that participated in this

pursuit-style race.  We started in medium winds on Saturday morning, blowing south-east 10-15, and the fleet spread out a bit over the strait.  There were several mini-races as we all sprinted towards the finish line at the outfall pipe near Gibson’s.  We had raced across the strait on one tack, but the current and wind forced many of us over to the Gibson’s shore and we were forced to put in our first tack of the day, a mile from the finish line!  It looks like the average speed for most boats was about 7 knots, and we all finished rather early.  Most of the crews opted to have dinner at Leo’s, while a few ate at Lunita’s Mexican and Smitty’s Oyster Bar on the water.  All proclaimed it an excellent day for racing.

 

The return Sunday was a bit wetter, but still beautiful conditions.  

With winds again from the southeast, most boats flew spinnakers and

jennakers.  A few broaches were experienced, and several shrimping

expeditions were witnessed as boats lost halyards or gave other excuses for dousing their best sails in the sea.  Greg Keel passed the monohull  fleet in his trimaran early on both days and was thus unable to report on the fleet conditions.  The infamous Gabriola Hole was in force, but it moved all the way to the finish line, which made for some exciting finishes.  It also caused a few who had had enough of single or double-handing in near zero wind conditions to motor to the finish.  Ron Campsall surprised us all by sailing the great northern circle route & finishing second behind Greg Keel.  Synergy sailed the great southern circle route and finished shortly behind Ron.  Most of us met at Carlos O’Bryans after the race & swapped stories.  Thanks to Greg Keel for organizing this race and obtaining some great door prizes.  A great time was held by all!  Next distance race – the Jack & Jill on the Thanksgiving weekend in October!