Lane Kendall
06/23/2008, Neuse River, Pamlico Sound NC

Although not unheard of, it is unusual for us to travel to the coast two weekends in succession. Last weekend we were able to schedule a very enjoyable weekend with Jack and Vanessa, and this weekend was race weekend at the Whortonsville Yacht and Tractor Club, of which we are card-carrying members (so to speak). The race is an annual event held as close to the Summer Solstice as possible. Nick and Jeanette (our dock masters) always do a fantastic job of organizing both the race and entertaining nearly a hundred people at the picnic after the race.

Southern Star has a checkered history with this race. Since we bought the boat and moved it to Ensign Harbor in 2003, we have never actually started the Summer Solstice race. After checking old log entries, I found that in 2003, I sailed with Stefan on his Saber 30. Judy was not with me but she sent a covered dish to the picnic. I have never been quite forgiven for failing to return home with the serving spoon she sent. In 2004 my log does not mention the race, which probably means we were otherwise occupied. In 2005, we signed up for the race but our fuel pump failed the week before the race so we did not start. We did, however, sail with Chuck and Tish on their Island Packet 35. An injured back on our first trip to Little Washington qualified us for the dreaded DNS (Did Not Start) designation in the race results for 2006. Last year we simply did not enter the race for whatever reason. So based on historical fact, although we have raced Southern Star informally at the Octoberfest event, this was our very first running of the Great Whortonsville Race.

Sailboat racing is not a spectator sport. The major networks do not televise even the America's Cup races. Even to a sailor, watching a sailboat race would be like watching paint dry. You have to be there and have your hands on the tiller and sheets to appreciate the sport.

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Friday June 20, 2008
We left home at the usual time. I have been working from home now for over a year and that really makes things easier. We packed light for the trip, and Judy had everything ready to go as soon as I finished work at 4:30. We made really good time. The state of North Carolina has provided a bypass around Clayton, NC. Whether we actually take the bypass or not, we will save time because of decreased traffic on either route. We stopped for dinner and still made the trip in 5 hours. We were glad to see a good turnout of dock mates already there. The weather forecast was for winds south at 10 knots and a 50% chance of rain in the form of thunderstorms. When we arrived, the skies were clear and the temp was in the mid seventies. No need to deploy the air conditioner.

Saturday June 21, 2008
Bagels, cream cheese and coffee were served for breakfast. There are a dozen little chores that require attention to launch a boat like ours. From "buttoned up" at the dock to "ready to sail" takes at least an hour if you are in a hurry and two if you are not. The skippers' meeting was held at 9 am in Nick's back yard. The race would be a triangle course, which is typical. The course would be marked by a red floating, anchored ball about 3 feet in diameter, and the other two marks would be existing aids to navigation, or government marks. The trawler Intermission and a well-staffed crew would serve as the committee boat, and the start finish line would be an imaginary line between her and another floating ball colored white. All marks would be taken to port, but the order the marks would be taken and the location of the start/finish line would be announced after the committee boat was on the course and could determine actual wind speed and direction to provide one windward leg. This would be a gentlemen's race (my term) so protests were discouraged. Participants are expected to obey the rules of the road, use common sense and avoid bickering about the finer points of the rulebook.

The race was to start at high noon, and it would take at least an hour to get there from our dock. Most boats left between 10 and 10:45 am. We left at 10:30. The thing I like about racing is that you can learn more about handling your boat in an afternoon of racing than in a summer of sailing by yourself. The reason is simple. You can compare your performance to that of the boat in front and, if you're doing it right, behind you. The thing I don't like is that it can become a contact sport if captains and crews don't pay attention to their position relative to other boats. This is especially true before the start of the race. Imagine 36 very large machines milling about on the water in close proximity. Each boat is going in a different direction, just killing time before the start. These machines are designed to go as fast as possible and there are no brakes. Care must be taken to avoid collisions.

We arrived on the course in plenty of time. About 30 minutes before the start, we were visited by a nasty little squall. One boat reported actual wind speeds of 25 knots. There was a moderate rain so we broke out the foul weather gear. We do not usually sail in these conditions but since we weren't starting for a while, we decided to leave the sails down and the diesel running and just wait to see what the weather would do. We knew that warm weather squalls are not pleasant but neither are they long lived. At the height of the storm several boats resigned from the race. Smart skippers know when to pack it in. There were some problems with communication. The race committee had chosen VHF channel 72 for announcements and instructions. A couple of boats close by chose our start time to discuss the pros and cons of sailing the Pamlico Sound. Somehow it took a long time for them to get the message that we were using the channel. They finally moved their discussion to another of the many available VHF channels.

Moments before start time, the committee boat announced that one of the participants had fouled the starting line (white ball) and the start would be delayed by 30 minutes. This was fortunate for us. Had the race started in the middle of a squall, we would have probably resigned. During the 30-minute delay, the weather improved dramatically. At the delayed start, we were seeing 10-knot winds from the south and very little chop.

When sailboats of different designs race each other, there must be a system in place to allow for the fact that some boats are simply faster than others. Each production sailboat has a handicap rating derived from its design characteristics and past racing performance of the design. In this race handicaps were applied using the staggered start method. The boats are started in groups with the slowest boats starting first. I prefer this method over using a time handicap at the finish, because there is less confusion at the starting line. We were in the third group on the slow end of the scale primarily because of our relatively short length at the waterline. We were the last boat in our group to actually cross the start line, but not by much. The start was good but not great. The first leg was a beam reach with the wind from our starboard side. This is a good point of sail for most boats and we did well on the first leg. The wind was steady at about 10 knots. By the time we rounded the first mark we were leading our group. The second leg was downwind with the wind coming from almost but not quite astern. We did not do as well on this leg. One of the boats in our group passed us about halfway to the second mark. The wind was too far to port for us to fill our large headsail so it really was not providing much power. We could have used a whisker pole to hold it in position, but since we didn't have one Judy steered a course directly for the next mark and we did the best we could. The third leg was the windward leg. Normally this would require everyone to tack several times to reach the third mark. The race committee had done a great job of setting up the course but they didn't have control of the wind and they could not change the course. The third leg required us to tack only twice. Southern Star loved this. She had enough wind to power her at near hull speed but not enough to overpower her. It was like riding a rocket ship. We rounded the next mark and headed for the finish line. I knew we were in a good position because we were close to the finish line and nobody else had crossed. I wasn't sure exactly where we finished but I knew we did well.

The wind had been decreasing for a while, and when the race was over it was pleasant but driving the boat very slowly. We cranked the diesel and headed for the barn. The picnic was to start in before long. There were two small racing boats that finished about the same time we did. Neither had engines and had been towed to the racecourse. We offered them a tow, and they immediately accepted the offer and threw us a line. We must have looked like a mother duck with babies swimming to the dock.

We intended to take lots of pictures during the race. We also intended to eat lunch but we had time for neither. We did take a few pictures but not many and we finally had a free hand after we crossed the finish line to grab a few small snack.

The picnic was great. Everyone brought a side dish and the barbeque had been cooking all day. When Nick announced the winners, I was surprised to find that we had finished seventh of about 26 boats that started the race. We were awarded a delicious batch of home baked "Rum Raisin Rolls". We also received many complements and congratulations on our relative success. The first place winner gets the Whortonsville Cup full of cookies. It must be returned before next year's race, full of cookies.

It had been a long and exciting day on the water. Our dock mates had begun to gather in the cockpit. We joined them for a very enjoyable visit. The day caught up with all of us at about the same time. We all returned to our boats at about 10:30. I hope everyone slept as well as we did.

Sunday June 22, 2008
The morning was beautiful. Judy brewed coffee and we ate our seventh place award for breakfast. The rolls were delicious. We soon started the process of getting the boat ready for our absence. We had packed light so the process went quickly. We left for home about 10:30 and stopped at the Rocking Comet Diner in Clayton for a vegetable plate.

This was a great weekend. The best part of our success in the race was that we felt good about our ability to handle the boat. Our seamanship will have a direct bearing on how safely we can operate the vessel. Racing is exciting but we will be glad to get back to just messing about in the boat. Maybe next trip we will bring the tri-radial spinnaker that came with the boat. It's a huge colorful balloon shaped sail that would take care of that slow, down wind leg of the race. We have never tried to use it but maybe now is the time. Hmmm, that's something to think about.

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Lane Kendall
06/16/2008, Oriental, NC

My brother Jack and sister-in-law Vanessa had been to the coast with us before. Last year's trip was fun but due to some weather issues and an engine failure, Vanessa did not get to go out on the boat. She seemed to enjoy the trip and was willing to give it another shot. Sometimes it's difficult, with work and other obligations, for all of us to plan an outing but we managed to get something on the calendar for this weekend. Our plan was for Jack and Vanessa to have a room at the Oriental Marina & Inn and for us to rent a transient slip at the same facility. The sailing part of the trip would be from Ensign Harbor to the Oriental Marina & Inn.

Friday June 13, 2008
I took a vacation day so that the weekend would not seem so rushed. Jack and Vanessa had taken the day as well. We had not planned to travel together because our schedules did not match. As it happened, both cars left home at about the same time. Judy and I had ldft most of our packing for Friday morning, se we were really busy for a while getting out the door. We made a stop in Asheboro to look at tile for our everlasting bathroom-remodeling project. The good news is that we have finally made some decisions about the countertop tile. Our trip to the coast is long but not unpleasant. Most of the time we try to spend the minimum amount of time getting to the boat but sometimes it's nice to take our time, make some stops and enjoy the ride. We needed a few grocery items and I needed to renew my fishing license. What a combination! Leave it to the American free-enterprise system to give us Wal-Mart, where Judy could grocery shop while renewed my license. We also made a quick stop at a used book store in Bayboro. We seldom have the opportunity to shop at "Buckhorn's" because of the timing of our trips. We picked up a few bargains and continued on to the boat.

The weather was hot but not oppressive. By the time we arrived there was a pleasant breeze and the humidity was not quite so high. We got unloaded, did all the boat chores and even had a few minutes to relax before we were to meet Jack and Vanessa for dinner. Our friend Art had been working on his classic Tartan 30 all week. We invited him to go to dinner with us and he accepted. We met at the Toucan Restaurant in Oriental for a pleasant dinner. We made plans to return at 9:30am to transport our passengers to Ensign Harbor for a sail.

Saturday June 14, 2008
Judy and I were up early having coffee and checking the weather. We had a light breakfast and arrived back in Oriental at the appointed time to pick up our guests. The little town was busy with an art show on the grounds of the Marina. I hoped it would not be terribly crowded on Saturday night. Staying in a transient slip is kind of like being in a fishbowl. A certain amount is ok but a big crowd can be annoying.

The trip back to the boat (Ensign Harbor) took only 20 minutes. We were ready to shove off by 10:30. Art had invited our friends Bill and Susan out for a sail on his Tartan. We got a short visit before both boats got underway. Bill and Susan took some pictures of us under sail, and we took some pictures of Art's boat. I hope the pictures turn out. The weather was cooperating so far. When we got out to the Neuse river we found South winds at about 8 knots. For our boat, this is almost ideal. Smaller boats require less wind. It urns out that Vanessa was very handy at steering the boat under sail. With a little coaching she steered for quite some time and did very well. Southern Star has a very responsive helm and it does not require much movement of the wheel to cause a course change. Most people tend to over steer, causing an erratic path, but Vanessa has a steady hand and did very well steering. She seemed to enjoy it too. We had at least two hours of excellent sailing and the weather was still very nice. With the wind from the South, we had made very little progress toward our destination when the wind slackened and the boat speed dropped dramatically. I knew that the wind typically builds in the early afternoon but it was already 2 pm. I made a command decision to start the diesel and motor into South River just to kill some time, hoping the wind would get just a bit stronger. It took 45 minutes to do the South River tour which consisted of going through the channel, looking at the cemetery through the binoculars and going back out the channel. Back in the river, the wind had not increase as I had hoped but it was a bit stronger. We killed the engine and set the sails. After another hour or so, I decided we needed to proceed to our destination. The wind was very weak and it was really getting hot. I do not mind hot weather at all, but not everyone feels the same way. We proceeded to Oriental where we were expected. We got tied up without incident.

My plan on the trip down was to dazzle everyone with my fishing ability. My plan went awry when the only fish I hooked managed to unhook himself before I got him close to the boat. I assured the entire crew that it felt like a monster fish but since he got loose we would have to make other arrangements for dinner. As soon as we arrived, Jack went in search of seafood. Jack likes fish as much as I do and luckily there is a fresh fish market in walking distance from our slip that had Mahi-Mahi and fresh local shrimp. The dinner menu was set. What could be better? Judy prepared brown rice to got with the bean salad, and bread we had brought from home. I grilled the shrimp and fish on the ship's gas grill. As soon as the sun went down the cockpit was comfortable.

Dinner for four in the cockpit of a 30 footer is an exercise in patience. Plates are held on laps and only a few items will fit on the tiny cockpit table. We managed somehow and I heard no complaints. The meal was outstanding and while we were eating, the live band started playing just across the sidewalk on the marina's deck. This was a very civilized band that catered to an older crowd, which was what had gathered top listen. They played some familiar oldies and young and old were dancing and having a great time.

The long hot day caught up with everyone at about the same time the band quit playing. We made arrangements to meet early for breakfast and parted company for the night.

Sunday June 15, 2008
Judy and I woke early because we knew we needed to get the boat home but we wanted to spend as much time as possible with Jack and Vanessa. We checked the weather over coffee. The forecast was a bit murky. It was not a disturbing forecast because the winds were to be light, but there was mention of rain. We had a very nice breakfast on the deck at the local deli. Jack and Vanessa were not planning to go back to Ensign Harbor with us but rather head for home taking a completely different route. At one point, we all found ourselves huddled under Southern Star's bimini, waiting out a short but serious downpour.

We parted company at about 10am. Jack and Vanessa left by car and we left by boat. Getting Southern Star out of her slip was a bit tricky because there was another boat on our side of the town dock. We had spectators as usual. I'm not sure what kind of score we received for our launch but we did not damage any boats on the way out. The weather was not great but it was not raining and the cloudy skies kept the temperature down. We needed to get back to the dock since we had to be back to the real world on Monday. Motoring was the only way to go. It was not a big loss because the wind was very light. The highlight of the trip home was a dolphin sighting. We saw several 50 yards in front of the boat and again as they surfaced only feet away and dove under the boat. Each time I see dolphins up close, I realize just how large these animals are. The trip from Oriental to Ensign Harbor is only about two hours using the diesel. We arrived at our dock shortly after noon. We greeted friends, packed, covered and did our boat chores and left for home at about 2:30.

Sharing a good time with family and friends makes it even better. We enjoyed having Jack and Vanessa this weekend. I think they enjoyed themselves. Hopefully we can work out a schedule so they can return soon.

Captain's Note
The Southern Star crew has received a very special gift. Not too long ago, our friends Fred and Ruth fished the waters off Long Beach North Carolina in a vessel named "Land's End". They could catch enough fish in a few trips, to treat the whole community to a fish fry. I know they enjoyed their time on the water as much as we do. I heard lots of stories of happy and scary adventures. Fred passed away a few years ago and the boat was sold. Ruth retained Land's End's boat hook and gave it to us. A boat hook is a frequently used tool on any boat and now every time that Southern Star sails a little part of Land's End will sail with her, and each time we use the hook we will think of Fred and Ruth.

Thank you Ruth for such a thoughtful gift.

Land's End's boat hook

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