Friday, November 4, 2016

Hobie 16 & Hobie 18 North American Championship - Puerto Penasco, Mexico

I replaced a crew at the last minute for the North American championship on a hobie 18. I had never set foot on this boat so I wasn't very hopeful in terms of competitiveness but what is there not to like in 80 degree weather and 80 degree water?


The race committee on set, displaying course 2



The youngest crew member! the big drawback of the venue was that winds were fairly lights most of the time, except for two days, one during the prologue (Pinata Regatta) and the championship.


The start of a Hobie 16 race


On Wind Raider - the skipper, Kurt, was a very experienced hobie sailor but not a racer. The boat was among the heaviest in the event - this made me feel better since I wasn't the most experienced crew around.



Our start. We got very good starts, except for the first race.


fun!


One of the rare days with wind.


Tactics play an important part when racing hobies as you need to bang the corners if possible since tacking is so expensive.


The weighing of the boats in front of race HQ. Hobie did sponsor the event alongside other companies and individuals.


Setting things up on the beach.


A very light air day in the desert...the water was so warm that in the morning it felt warmer than the air. At midday, dipping in was a great way to cool off in-between races.


Getting the boats in the water


Prep for the Hobie 1




Passing the gate...


Gybing!






Relaxing crew :)







Prawn ship


On the two days with a bit of breeze, the surf was up as well. Made for fun departures




Finally some double trapeze weather


The North American Hobie 16 champions!



Protection from the sun was a good idea. I got badly burned on my lower legs, despite ample quantities of sunscreens


Rounding the leeward gate


I believe that the Darcy's placed too in the championship


Mast down :(


Righting up a boat


Downwind in some of nicer breeze days





It was my first time crossing the Mexico border by land. On the way to Mexico, they didn't even check my passport.


The view from the beach into the RV Park where most of the racers were staying. The entire place is desert.


The view from the RV Park onto the beach where the boats were staying in-between race days. There often was a shore breeze right along the beach but it would die a few boat lengths out to see.


Of course, a tropical destination must have bungalows...


Sunsets were all absolutely stunning


I watched all the post season Giants games with other racers. I don't feel too bad losing to the World Champions. There were also cub fans in the sports bar and I got some free drinks...



Kurt had a sleeping test (the bedroom) and a tall main tent (the living room, kitchen and others...) - it was great!


There were Waves at the Pinata regatta.


Race HQ and the scales


Go Giants!


I love that they don't have Ketchup but CATsup in Mexico


Breaking Bad



There were cats everywhere at my hotel! I loved it!


Watched the debate at an American owned restaurant and bar in town


Lotsa funny all terrain vehicles. I got on one for like an hour - basically a 4-wheel motorbike, an ATV. Fun but after an hour of eating dust and sweating in the sun, happy to be back on a boat and in the water...


We had breakfasts most days at a German breakfast and brunch place across the road from the commercial harbor



Canada was there!


After the sunset, we could see the other side of the Sea of Cortez into San Felipe.


The cats of the hotel...



I have about 100 pictures of cats from my vacation...



Award ceremony fun


I know...




Our loyal steed ready to head home





I had to take this picture... Elise is never too far clearly...



I loved the light in the evening. And boy does that place have tides - they were over 20 feet tidal differences. We'd have to walk a lot just to bring the boats back in the evening.



Launching a firefly...


Getting rady for the award ceremony






Jim, my regular Hobie ride and his crew for the NA


I did some tourist things on the last day - with a dinner/booze cruise to see my last sunset.


Hundreds of pelicans! and very few seagulls interestingly enough


That cruise was fun - 70-ish ladies pole dancing was quite unique!



 The last night at Puerto Penasco or Rocky Point



Seafood is a local specialty


And the signature dish of the German breakfast place


Our event was in the local paper!


Good bye Mexico, the border (with a wall) was across that hill range.

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