Racing

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Jack & Jill Race 2012

Just the two of us, plus fifteen or more other boating couples, with a weekend stay in Gibsons makes for another great weekend of racing with the Nanaimo Yacht Club.

The Jack and Jill Race takes place annually on the Thanksgiving Weekend, No racing experience is necessary as this is a fun casual race. We race to Gibsons on Saturday, tying up at the Government Wharf on a first come/first served basis where they have been very accommodating in the past and have managed to squeeze us all in. Saturday evening we all get together in a local restaurant to enjoy a turkey (or pig or Greek or whatever) dinner before racing back on Sunday to the Dinghy Dock in Nanaimo Harbour where an informal wrap up of the event caps off a fabulous weekend. It is a pursuit race, so whether you’re being chased or doing the chasing, it’s a very exciting race, often ending with a nail biting finish. And although it’s aimed at couples, hence the “Jack and Jill” name, we’re very accommodating and don’t ask too many questions. However, if the gender question of one of the crew is raised, we may ask that a dress be donned for the weekend to be fair to all the other boats.

All in all, it’s another fabulous weekend out on the water with the Nanaimo Yacht Club and one you’ll be glad you joined us.

Race Results

Jack & Jill 2012 October 6: Click to view race results

Light winds in the harbour and a promise of better things around the corner prompted a last minute move of the start line to Gallows Point. Wayne and Janine were able to get Boomerang in position to start the fleet in staggered start times off towards Gibson's Landing. The Gabriola hole however was in full effect and the lead times of the first boats quickly evaporated as the entire fleet was still within a stones throw of each other at 10:30. Boats closest to Protection Island were able to drift northward faster and once they were into the breeze, tack in the general direction of the mainland. The race was on! Spinnaker work proved to be the difference in the light winded affair as only one of the NFS boats, Sea Lion, was able to finish, just squeaking in before the 16:00 deadline.

Tied up to the docks at Gibson's Landing Harbour Authority everyone gathered on Synergy, the winning boat, for an impromptu cocktail party before heading up to Smitty's Oyster House for a fabulous dinner. Although the table was segregated into PP and NPP (Platter People and Non- Platter People) both groups enjoyed the fine fare presented before retiring for the night in the hopes of a redemption or repeat (depending on your position) the next day.

Although the winds at the start were a bit better than the previous day, allowing boats to at least get some separation initially, they did not fill in and despite desparately optimisitic attitudes on the majority of boats, reality set in and the Iron Jenny's were fired up to ensure arrival at the Dinghy Dock before the last of the libations provided by the entry fees were consumed.

All in all a great time was had by all as the weather, save for the lack of wind, was incredible! Thanks especially to Wayne and Janine for organizing the event, despite their inablity to take part this year. Mark your calendars for next year's Thanksgiving weekend as you'll want to make sure you're with us then.

Although nobody was able to finish the race on Sunday you can check out the day's action on TackTracker and guess as to who you think might have been in the best position.