05/19/2013, San Francisco Bay
SFYC Regatta
Elite Keel
2013 May 18th and 19th
The San Francisco Yacht Club invited the F18 fleet for the Elite Keel Regatta this year. We had 4 boats signed up and were given our own start. This was a drop off from last year where we had 8 boats but several people were at other events decreasing our numbers. I was crewing for Philip (Wildcat), Charles was sailing with Jim (Wildcat), Alex and Jose (Sat) Ben (Sun) (Capricorn), Jesse and his crew (Tiger) was the line up for our fleet.
Saturday Philip and I got to the club early and rigged the boat and got it hoisted into the water. As we were rigging we saw Alex and Charles getting their boats ready. We got dressed out and launched for some practice. The conditions were great as we sailed out and sailed in the protected area at the West end of Raccoon Strait. This was my first time racing with Philip and the first Regatta for me as a crew.
We did tacking drills and trapping practice on the way out. Then we put the kite up and did some jibing practice and went over the procedure for trapping with the kite up. It seems weird that we had to do that, but even though I have been racing the F18 for 7 years it was my first ride on the front of the boat. We sailed out of the dead zone at the end of the strait and made our way to the race course.
The wind was light and shifty as the race started right on time and we were off for a 3 lap race. We were going from both on to trapping to double trapping back to sitting on. We were third to the windward mark and stayed there the whole race. I made several mistakes as crew and Philip was great to help me realize the mistake and learn from them. This was really good for me in learning more about the crew position and how I can be a better skipper. The race ended and we sailed back to the start and were almost immediately put back into sequence for a second race.
We had a good start and were doing much better in the second race. The wind had filled a little and we had good trapping conditions. While we were still in third we were closer and beginning to gain ground on the downwind legs. I was getting the flow of the boat and how Philip drove it. We were much closer and in range of moving up more but finished in third. We made our way to the start area and after 2 other classes went off we were in sequence again.
Race 3 saw a nice wind and a little bit of a shift. We were off and it was a tight race. All 3 boats were close on the upwind leg. Alex went to the wrong mark and dropped back on the downwind leg. Charles was leading but we were sailing well and right on his sterns as the second lap began. We were in second as we sailed upwind and when we turned down we made up a lot of ground and went through the gate right behind Charles. We tacked off for some clean wind but it didn't pay and when the Race Committee shortened the course we took second without the last downwind to help us out.
The wind on the bay was dying and we began to sail back to SFYC. There was a large wind free area behind Angel Island and Matt Miller from Hobie Cat gave Charles a tow to the SFYC on the protector, while we joined a tow group with some of the Knapp fleet. With the boat tied up for the night we changed and went to the yacht club deck for snacks and drinks. Chicken Wings, potato skins, salsa and sour cream were provided and several people were hitting the bar for drinks. The fleet then went to Charles' house for dinner cooked by Matt. Grilled tri-tip, salad, corn on the cob, with mixed berries and cookies were served. After much food and drink some of us left while some spent the night.
Sunday morning we got to SFYC and got the boat ready. After a few repairs and retuning we were ready for a cup of coffee in the SFYC before starting the day. We got dressed out and started to sail out to the race area. A great spin run to the back of Angel and the wind was very light. We got through and had some nice sailing in a building wind. Again we got ready to race and the race committee had us on the line right on time and we took the first start on another 3 lap race.
Philip and I were sailing well and each cross the boats were very close. Alex was out front and Charles and Philip and I kept switching second with Jesse in fourth. The downwind saw Philip and I take second place and we opened up ground on Charles on the upwind leg. We took the windward mark the second time in second and the downwind reach to the mark was a high speed bow diving run with me out on the trap with the kite up. We got down and turned back up fighting to catch up to Alex who was a rocket all day. The wind was really piping up and touching the low 20's as we sailed up the course. When we got back to the windward mark we were right behind Alex.
As we started the turn down I went on the boat and began prep for downwind. Leeward board up, rotation control off, downhaul off, windward board up, reach for the tack line, and pitch pole we were in the water. We got the lines sorted out and pulled the boat over. Alex was gone and Charles had driven by but we were still ahead of Jesse. We cleared the mark and set the kite and ran down to the finish. We managed to keep Jesse behind us and got the third but easily could have won that race.
The fifth race the wind was up and waves were getting bigger. Charles went in and Jesse was driving in also. Alex chose to start with us and we were going to match race the last race even though all race positions were finalized. We started reaching down the line and at the gun turned up. I got knocked back by a wave and hit Philip but recovered and we were off for the upwind leg. We were trapped behind the shroud and still stuffed the bows in a wave. We both got thrown forward and I landed wrong on my knee. With my knee hurting and nothing to gain we decided to turn back. We radioed race committee and retired from the race. We reached back to Angel with a nice speed run and then it was into the wind shadow again. We got a tow past the island and back into wind and sailed into the SFYC.
We got boat up on the deck with the hoist and got showered and changed. After that we got the boat on the trailer and began de-rigging it. With the boat put away we walked down to the SFYC for drinks and conversation before the awards ceremony. We had a fun time and loved racing with such a great race committee and venue.
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05/16/2013, Humboldt Bay
Fog Race 5/15/2013
We started nice and close on the line and got a good line. We held the starboard line and forced 2 boats to tack below us on the first leg. We then tacked away and held for a while giving a little room up as we approached the island. We tacked again and were making good time to the mark. The wind was good but tended to be a little shifty and we had a boat above us giving us a little dirty air.
At the windward mark we were third to turn the mark but went deep into the channel for more tide relief. We gave up some space and began to get it back on the beet to the second mark. We were a close fourth on the second mark and began to gain down to the third. We turned the third mark and passed the third place boat and began to get some distance. The wind began to go a little light and we were forced into a battle with the larger boats for wind.
We were beam to beam with the Hobie 33 and were taken up then finally got clear. We put the kite up and drove down to try to get to the finish. The wind was dropping to under a knot and the heavier boats were gaining ground with more momentum. Coming to the line we were side by side with the Hobie 33. A good night sailing on Humboldt Bay .
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05/14/2013, Woodward Resevoir
Fleet 20 Funsail May 11-12, 2013.
We showed up early Saturday morning for the funsail. We started rigging and getting the camper together. We were going to show the boat to a prospective buyer so by the time they showed up we had the mast up and ready to put sails on.
Lester helped me put the sails on we talked and waited for the wind to come up. There was a little wind and we took to the lake for a sail. The wind was light and puffy but we managed to get a few trips up and down the lake. Lester was ok with the boat and had to leave to do a 5 k with his girlfriend.
The evening saw a wonderful pot luck dinner which is the usual for Fleet 20. Much food was served and lots of beverages flowed. The night drew on and people began to call it a night.
Morning saw the usual pot luck breakfast. There was a little wind on the lake so we got ready to sail. Lester showed up with Jeniffer and we took the boat out in the light wind. The wind filled and we got a couple nice rides up and down the lake. We got a nice little flip in an accidental jibe.
We took the boat back to the beach and after a light lunch we went out with Jennifer on the boat with Lester and I. We ran up and down the lake and I began to explain the crew position to Jennifer. She got to run the spin learned quickly. After several trips up and down the lake we came back to the beach and began to de-rig. With the boat put away we did the paperwork and the boat had a new owner.
Daisy and I then finalized the camper and we left for her mom's house for mother's day. Another wonderful weekend with Fleet 20.
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04/24/2013, Humboldt Bay
24 April 2013
The wind greeted us as we prepared the Holder 20 for the Wednesday night fog race. As we zig zagged waiting for the start, the wind was too powerful for the genoa, so we changed to the jib. Changing the sail delayed us to the start, but it paid off, since we were able to make it to the windward mark (19) with only one tack . We did not put up the symmetrical spin after rounding the downward mark (2), since we had good boat speed. Wing on wing we rounded mark (3) to the finish with a strong fourth place finish against bigger boats. Thanks to Paul for having us as crew, Rich, and Humboldt Yacht Club! - Daisy
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04/17/2013, San Francisco Bay
Interclub #1
I answered the e-mail for crew needed on a Multi 23 for the Interclub #1. After a few communications we were set to race on Saturday with Greg and Travis on "FLASH". We showed up early to find the boat and get our gear ready. Once we got to the marina it took a while to find the boat and we even ran into Rafi our Hobie buddy getting his boat ready. He offered to take Daisy with him on his boat but we still had to find our ride. We found the slip and finally started to get things in order.
We get the jib on and furled and new spin sheets ready and trimmed. We checked to get all the water out of the hulls and then got dressed out to sail. Rafi came by and offered to have Daisy sail with them but as the weather could build we decided to have an extra set of hands on deck and sail with 4 people. Greg, Daisy, Travis, and I let the air out of the hoist and motored out of the harbor. We set the main and began to make our way to the start in a light wind. We got to the start area and secured the motor and checked in with the race committee.
We waited for the "D"start and were off in the light noon wind trying to make ground against a heavy flood tide. The small sail plan and short water line kept us from making a lot of ground on the larger F-27s and 31s. The fact that centerboard flap door wouldn't close didn't help. We basically had a speed break on the whole time the board was down. We had lost too many positions as the wind began to build and we started to get back some space. We were still deep in the fleet by the windward mark and then as we turned the corner we fouled the kite and lost time getting it set.
Once the kite was up and full we began to make up ground as the Multi 23 really fly's downwind. We had picked up all the fleet and were first to the mark on the downwind leg. Upwind we had the same issues and dropped a few more positions back upwind. On the reach legs we picked up most of the positions back. We turned downwind and with speeds turning up to 19 knots we were first at the last downwind. We managed to hold the position and were first to finish just edging out a couple F-27's. While we dropped down to 3rd on corrected time we did ok for our first time racing with a new skipper. Thanks to Greg and Travis for the time on the water and a great day.
After sailing we went and hung out with a few Bama members at Quinn's lighthouse. We had a nice dinner and made some new friends. Thanks to everyone for making this a nice weekend.
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01/06/2013, El Nido, Palawan Philippines
Monday December 31, 2012 and I feel like crap today. Yesterday just took it out of me and I don't know why. I drank plenty of water but just couldn't function normally. Guess the stress from the last few days along with the heat were too much and caught up to me. After a good night sleep I feel a little better but still a little down. Maybe some nice food and then a quick cold shower will work before work. Today we are working and tomorrow I think we are off. Whether we work or not Daisy arrives here tomorrow, and I won't do much work wise. There are only a few days remaining here for me so I need to make sure the guys are ready and I feel confident leaving them with clients, however tomorrow is about Daisy and I getting settled in together. There are also a few control lines on the Wildcat to sort out also that could be done while the guides sail.
Afternoon and we are off for the rest of the day. We got the tramp back on the Tiger and got the spin re-rigged. I also got the downhaul sorted out so now all that is left is the rotation control and I can do that tomorrow or early Wednesday. Daisy will be here tomorrow morning so I am looking forward to that and tonight is New Years Eve so I will probably go down to Greenviews or Stunning Vistas for the dinner. My laundry is done so now I'm going to walk into town and wander for a while.
New Years Eve Went to Greenviews and having a nice buffet dinner listening to some Jimmy Buffett and feeling the sand on my toes. You have to love it when the buffet includes Rhum (that's how it's spelled here) and Coke as part of the menu. I have our last clients Martin and Tina, my old neighbor Delphine and the staff here to help me celebrate the New Year. Waiting to hear from Daisy as she will be in Manila in a couple hours from now. Tomorrow I need to pick her up at the Airport in the morning. Stayed up till about 1 am and didn't get an answer from Daisy. There was live music, a DJ, and even karaoke before the fireworks at midnight with a nice champagne toast. Walked home and got a couple hours of sleep and now getting some food before I go to the airport.
New Years Day is here and welcome to 2013. I was treated to a beautiful morning sky and a nice breeze blowing across the bay. I have to leave to go get Daisy in a couple hours. Hopefully she got the message and made the flight. I will find out soon. I also found out I need to move cottages again and this time I am moving about 15 minutes down the beach. Hate carrying that bag that far but you got to do what you got to do. With only a few days left things are winding down and we are supposed to do some long distance trips this week. Sail around the islands and over to the city front should be fun.
Went to the airport and picked up Daisy at about 10:30. They have some strange rules to be in the airport area so basically had to wait outside the airport till her plane landed and then took off again before being allowed in. Then after the ride home we got situated and went and had some lunch. Daisy had lost a pair of slippers so we walked into town and even though most stores were closed managed to find a place to buy some slippers for her. Three dollars later and she had some nice slippers with flowers on them. We then walked and stopped at a little store for some extra soap and my little hotel bars of soap are almost gone. After that we went to the Alternative for some afternoon ginger tea and relaxation. They have these really cool lay down tables and they are right over the surf. We then walked home and got a shower before dinner. We walked to Greenviews and watched the sun set as we waited for our meal. After a nice meal it back home and off to sleep.
Wednesday morning sitting here with Daisy waiting for them to open the restaurant. Never got to rig the Wildcat yesterday so this morning I hope to get it done before we start. Our plan is to do some distance sailing if all the guides show up this morning. If not then I'm not sure of the plan. The forecast looks good with 16 in the morning and 12 in the afternoon. Just enough wind to navigate the islands.
Great day on the water with 18 to 20 in the morning and lying down in the late afternoon. Daisy and I got to take the first sail on the Wildcat today. Great ride with a wonderful performance compared to the Tiger. We sailed up the bay and out into the South China Sea then back in and down to the city front. Not sure of the exact distance but it was a good 4 hours of making time. Rocky and Panoy had a flip early and had to have help righting the boat but that was the only issue. I had one line wrong on the spin but we were able to fly it for a while. Now tomorrow we are planning on going out the other side and rounding the islands there. Should be another day of fun and training.
Thursday morning started off just wrong for me. Woke up got ready for breakfast and we started walking down and I knew things were off. Well it was 2 am instead of 4:30 am so back to bed and off to sleep. Woke up at 5 and went for breakfast. After breakfast had to move and lug that heavy bag all the way down the beach. We then had to leave our bags till they finished up the room. We then walked to work and got the boats ready.
We got off the beach early and headed out for our trip around the island. After a long downwind in light air we started to the pass out of the bay. It was starting to rain and visibility was dropping so we chose to stay in the bay. We sailed down to Snake Island and had a lunch break. Daisy and I walked up to the overlook while the guys held the Wildcat. We beached the Tigers but the Wildcat has to stay floating or on her stern chocks and wheels. So after lunch we started back out on the bay and had some nice upwind double trapping going. We made it almost all the way across when Panoy and Juni flipped in a gust. By this time it was blowing in the 20's and gusting near 30. We came back to the beach and started to de rig. Then we sent the guised back out under jib alone to sail in big wind without the main to help. They ran for about an hour or so and came back in. We got the boats put up and went to get situated in our new place.
The new cottage is pretty nice and will suite us for the next few days. We are just getting settled in and then getting ready for dinner. We got showered and walked to Stunning Vistas and will meet Jan here for dinner this evening. Now it's time to check on the weather system and make plans for tomorrow.
We met up with Jan for dinner and also Gary and Eden the owners of Stunning Vistas. We sat chatted and had great food, drinks, ice cream and an overall wonderful night. We got in at 10 and then sleepy in till almost 6am. It was rainy and nasty so we walked for breakfast and while we were there Jan texted that there was no work today. So Daisy and I went to the beach to look for the knee pad she lost yesterday and thankfully we found it. We then walked home and decided to walk into town and look around. It was very busy in town and on the road to town but we managed to make it there with no issues. We stopped at one of the markets and got some more bug repellent and checked out a few shops. On the way out of town we stopped for lunch at Skyline Bar and Grill and had a nice meal. We then walked home and now the weather is finally clearing up. One more works day then a day off and then the journey home begins.
Daisy took a short nap and then we went to get got the laundry done and hung to dry. We walked down to Greenviews and since we had toured the garden there earlier we ordered a spring roll to share. We were joined by Delphine and we had a nice light lunch and talked for a while. We then walked home and got changed for the beach. We walked to Las Cabanas Beach and played in the surf for a while and as the sun set behind the clouds we began our hike home. We are now sitting down to a nice dinner and conversation at Greenviews.
After dinner we got to go look at the Palawan Bearcat that was rescued here. She is a beautiful animal and is very gentle. It was injured when its parents were caught and killed and Dave and Tina took the orphaned little ones in and raised them. One has since passed but this one will soon be transferred to an animal sanctuary. So cool to see and touch such a rare animal. We also saw a Palawan Horn Bill bird on the beach yesterday another rare local animal.
Saturday the fifth and it's my last day at work. Rocky wasn't there so we just rigged one Tiger and the Wildcat. Juni, Panoy, and Joseph took the Tiger and Daisy and I took the Wildcat. We sailed for a while with a nice long spin run then on the upwind Panoy got knocked over in a gust. They quickly got the boat back over and we started sailing again. I had the guys doing man overboard drills every once in a while and we would sit on safety in the area. We kept sailing and later Juni flipped when he was trying to keep up with us on a spin run and he got overpowered and turned to far down. The accidental gybe cleaned Joseph off the back and flipped them for a second time in the day. We sailed till about 2 then came in and cleaned the boats up and took our lunch.
After lunch we did a de-brief and talked over each guys strength and weakness as well as some general guides for sailing to keep in mind. After the de-brief we had some beer and snacks provided by Jan. This was a combination going away party and celebration of breaking ground on the cottages, and graduating the guides. After a couple drinks we called it a night and went home to get cleaned up. We went to dinner at Greenviews and booked a trip for tomorrow.
Sunday morning we had a nice breakfast and booked our hotel and bus transport for tomorrow. We then walked down to work and got our sailing gear and brought it home and washed it again. We then walked down for our tour boat at Greenviews. Our first stop was Helicopter Island where we walked the beach and ran into Juni. We then got back on the boat and went to Colusa beach for our lunch. Daisy had the squid and I had the fish, served with yellow watermelon, rice, and cucumber tomato onion salad. Daisy got a little sting from a jellyfish and I got stuck by a sea urchin but it wasn't bad in either case.
Our next stop was Secret Beach where the boat anchors out and you have to swim to a hole in the rock and through to get to the small lagoon. The snorkel and mask made seeing everything so wonderful. The only problem is the plankton was swarming and Daisy's shirt was stained with many brown spots. We then went to Shrine beach where a school used to be along with a shrine. We walked up to the top of the cliff and through the school as well as the shrine. Finally we headed to Hidden Beach and got to see the rock and beach formations cut into the cliffs by the ocean. We saw Rays, Dolphins, countless fish, birds, and a turtle. Upon returning we got cleaned up and went to see Jan at work. We are now waiting to go to dinner and then finalize everything to leave in the morning. A nice dinner with Jan at El Nido Corner and then we walked home to get some sleep.
It is now Monday morning and we are getting ready to leave. Having breakfast and then the bus will pick us up here. I need to finish packing as the power went out before we finished. Time to travel my work here is done.
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