With a forecast for possibly heavy breeze and storms, Elise sailed the Berkeley Circle race with 4 crew: Roger, Heather, Amy, and Nathan. Nat had some last minute urgent issues to take care of (funny how sailors seem to have all kinds of obligations come up suddenly on days that just happen to involve inclement weather...). Elise was also parked in her dry slip in such a manner as to prevent the competitor next to her from leaving (stanchion lock), which greatly impressed the neighbors when they tried to get to the hoist first. So awed were they by our skills in parking,maneuvering the trailer, and launching the boat that they grew quite nervous later in a starboard crossing when we ducked them.
We had the opportunity for a bit of spinnaker practice before the race, and it went well though light air made it difficult to keep the kite full through the gybes. Unfortunately, we didn't have quite enough time to get the boat tuned for upwind (jib cars in particular were significantly out of position).
The course was Berkeley Circle #4 (triangle, windward leeward). Conditions were light to medium, #1 weather but not overpowered.
We had a good start at the committee boat end of the line (second tier, but right on the heels of the boat which timed it perfectly and with a significant edge over boats further down the line). Unfortunately, we spent the first several tacks upwind tuning the boat and consistently losing distance. The jib car position was the main item needing a change, though backstay was also an issue. We basically lost the race on the first upwind.
Tacking was pretty smooth, with Roger and Amy working trim. The first spinnaker set took about a third of the first downwind leg, but was correct and smooth when executed. A gybe at the offset mark went well, as did the drop at the leeward mark. I apologized for calling the drop a bit early but wasn't heard forward, so Roger helpfully translated my comment for the foredeck as allegations of incompetence (the call forthe early drop) which were proven (by a quick, correct drop) to be scurrilous and unfounded.
Being solidly behind, we took a few flyers upwind and downwind (reasonable choices upwind, but the downwind flyer towards the Berkeley shore proved a loser). We also got in a nice gybe set at the second windward mark, which was completed faster than our normal set. After a close encounter with a Santa Cruz 27 mistakenly heading down while we ducked her, we crossed the line and headed for home.
After a hat-overboard drill, we got to the dock without being too sodden, though a squall blew through just before we passed the spit leading into the harbor. It was a very successful day for Heather on her first day as foredeck (no significant mistakes except a setup issue at the dock), and also for Amy and Roger keeping things under control in the cockpit.
The finish wasn't what we were hoping for, but we've learned a lot in the first series and should be able to apply that in the Spring Keel.
Chin up, serious look, straight back.
Pom Pom Girls
Ave Caesar - Navigatori Te Salutant
