inside The Corinthian Yacht Club of Tacoma Newsletter A Small Tale Page 3 Commodore s Ball Photos Page 6 Quartermaster Harbor Race Report Page 10

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1 Mainsheet The Corinthian Yacht Club of Tacoma Newsletter Volume 14, Issue 2 inside A Small Tale Page 3 Commodore s Ball Photos Page 6 Quartermaster Harbor Race Report Page 10 Putting on Airs Page 18

2 Commodore s Comments Is it already February?..time evaporates when you are having fun. Hope you all came to our recent Commodore s Ball! Those who missed the event lost out on great food, fabulous dancing and great music. A royal thanks to the folks that put on the event in my honor! I sure had sore feet from dancing into the night.great band and a great venue! Many of you are looking forward to enjoying the winter race series still to come..the Tramp Harbor race on February 1 st, and the Gig Harbor Race on the 15 th. I hope there will be good winds for us all..granted, I seem to remember some recent windy days, but they always seem to have too much of a good thing with the races cancelled due to safety reasons. Why can t we have just a good old fashioned windy day, with say knots, some wind that really gives the guys and gals along the rail something to talk 2014 CYCT Officers & Board Members FLAG OFFICERS Commodore: Steve Ryan Vice Commodore: Paul Case Rear Commodore: Eric Nelson BOARD POSITIONS Recording Secretary: Joy Ballentine Treasurer: Dana Gage Membership Chair: Ed and Sue Pinkham Fleet Captain-Cruising: Rich and Angie Morales Fleet Captain-Racing: Billy Carter Past Commodore: Gary Ballentine STANDING COMMITTEES Club Merchandise: Linda Case Mainsheet Editor: Ken St. John Sunshine: Julie St. John Tyee Liaison: Jo Seward Web Site: Greg Sandwick & Brock Van- Ravensway Social: Cheryl White Education: Chuck Welter Historian: Open Long Range Planning: Joe Salz Floating Asset Chair: Open Publicity: Soo Carter Trophies: Steve Wagner REPRESENTATIVES PHRF Handicapper: Eric Nelson PHRF Director: Eric Nelson PIYA Representative: Eric Nelson Dinghy Program: Brian White MAINSHEET A publication of The Corinthian Yacht Club of Tacoma 5624 Marine View Drive Tacoma, WA about. With my heavy boat I am looking forward to some like that! the editor: Continued on page 3... kennethstjohn@gmail.com 2 MAINSHEET

3 Commodore's report continued... How many of you made it to the boat show this year? I saw a few of you in my visit to Seattle; everybody seemed intent on spending money! Two of my crew came with me and their wallets kept opening up! I also found those boating equipment booths to be my downfall.always finding something that I just gotta have. This year, refrigeration, and a new leather cover for the wheel.there goes my discretionary boat funds for the year! Also, was it my imagination, or were there were not as many sailboats in Lake Union to go aboard as I remember from last year? Still, it is certainly worth the look-see wear casual shoes to slip off as you go aboard those beautiful new boats! By the way, if you wish to see some more Commodore Ball pictures, take a look at photos/ @n06/sets Carve those waves! Steve Ryan CYCT Commodore S/V OBSESSION Your 2014 Commodores. Left to right: Eric Nelson, Steve Ryan and Paul Case Vice Commodore s Comments A small boat can go a long way Randle Domico and Latzy Bliss Randle Domico and Latzy Bliss are our club s newest members. They have one of the smallest boats in our club, Pinedrop, an eighteen-foot Catalina, and I m going to guess that they are among our youngest members as well. Oh, they are also engaged to be married! Those are the quick facts, but there s more! I met Randle and Latzy at 5:30 PM at The Cliff House, and the first thing I noticed, looking out at Commencement Bay from the window next to our table, was that there was still light on the water! The days are getting longer, shipmates, have you noticed? The worst is over and soon summer will be here Summer, with Windseeker races and Billy crackling over the VHF, asking if anyone knows where Naughty by Nature is. Ah, summer! I had never heard the name John Guzzwell before I sat down with Randle and Latzy, but maybe our story should start with him. John Guzzwell left Victoria, B.C., some fifty years ago and circumnavigated the world in a 21-foot wooden boat named Trekka. Guzzwell s book, Trekka Around the World, became a cult classic and is credited with sparking the imagination of many solo circumnavigators in decades following; perhaps one such inspired sailor was sitting across from me? You can tell a lot about a person by knowing whom they admire, and Guzzwell is one of Randle s heroes. Randle told me the following story near the end of our interview, but I think it s telling and so I ll relay it now: Randle said, I drove all the way up to the Victoria Museum to see an exhibit about John Guzzwell, but when I got there I was told that the exhibit wasn t open yet. I told the museum people about how I d driven all the way up, and finally they said, Okay, come on in and I got a private viewing. Randle also spoke of Continued on page MAINSHEET

4 ...Continued from page 3 Sean St. Clair, an intrepid open-water sailor who sailed his Catalina 18 across the pond, and believe it or not, both Randle and Latzy spoke at some length about our own cruisers Denny and Becky Flannigan. Their presentation at the meeting was amazing; they re living our dream! Randle said. Latzy told me about how much fun it was to talk with Becky about their adventures. Meeting Denny and Becky and being able to talk with them made joining the club worth it right there! Randle said. Now, backing up a bit, Randle s father owned a house boat in Eagle Harbor, and Randle grew up sailing a dingy outfitted with a blue tarp sail. In 2007 Randle drove to the Catalina plant near Los Angeles to buy his Catalina 18. Randle said, I wanted a boat that I could tow, and I ve always loved small boats. I got to visit the plant, buy Pinedrop brand new, and see what a mess making a fiberglass boat is! Randle and Latzy s boat is named after the small flower, but in conversation they called her Piney consistently. Randle and Latzy are cruisers. They don t race Pinedrop; She s really slow, Randle said. When you re out sailing I can tell you that nothing is getting bigger fast. They are very interested in learning more about crewing during races, however, so heads up, CYCT racing skippers! I asked about the kind of cruising they do, and I was struck by their enthusiasm for it. Randle began, We like to do adventure cruising, and then qualified that by explaining that wind and waves that would seem quite normal for a standardsized boat are often high adventure for them. Latzy told a story of sailing to Gig Harbor with the waves slamming over the deck. She said that when they docked, people came up to them and said, You were out there? We saw you disappearing behind the waves! Randle and Latzy have sailed Pinedrop all over the Sound and enjoy picking distant destinations in the off season especially. Ah, but Randle and Latzy have their eye on a bigger boat! We d really like to have a boat without any limitations, Randle began. We ve been looking at the Pacific Seacraft, Dana, 24; that would be our bigger boat. We d like to have a dinette, Latzy added. As with many couples that sail together, they share a common love for a particular part of sailing, and the word that Randle and Latzy used over and over was peaceful. Latzy said, Sailing makes you slow down, and it s good for Randle and me because it makes us relax and interact with each other. You can t vacuum or clean the house or anything; you just enjoy each other s company. Randle continued, I know you say that no one needs a boat, but I can t imagine life without one; it s how we slow down. One of the most memorable experiences that Randle and Latzy have had sailing Pinedrop happened in the entrance to Carr Inlet. Randle described a sunny day with calm, gently rolling waves that suddenly came alive with a hundred or more Harbor Porpoises all streaking around and under the boat. I could tell by the look on their faces and the glances they gave to one another that the event they shared that day was very special indeed. In the immediate future, Randle and Latzy are planning to cruise the San Juans this summer. A more distant goal is to buy a capable blue-water sailor, probably in the Pacific Seacraft line. I wanted to interview Randle and Latzy from the moment I learned who they were and what sort of sailing they were doing. There is something about a couple sailing, and I mean really sailing, in an eighteen-foot boat that is refreshing, honest and disarming. I knew that if I sat with them I d find a couple who truly loves the experience of sailing, and I wasn t in the least disappointed. Randle and Latzy joined CYCT at the last Christmas Party, and all I can say is, Welcome aboard! We re glad you re sailing with us! Randle and Latzy, thanks for a memorable interview! Paul Case Vice Commodore S/V Lucia 4 MAINSHEET

5 Rear Commodore s Comments First of all, I want to thank the editor, Ken St. John, for stepping in and providing filler since I had not completed an article for the Mainsheet. But since he brought it up... Yes, that is the original Gardyloo. Until 15 years ago, this majestic ship sailed into the waters of the Forth three times a week, just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland to, essentially, do her business, and deal with "the Business" of the great people of Scotland. It was a sad day back in 1998 when she made her last voyage and since that day, she has been missed. She was a historic vessel that serves the 850,000 of Edinburgh well for over 35 years. Sail on Gardyloo, sail on... Now, I was hoping to take the time with my first ever article to tell everyone about myself. Since many of you only know me from the water, I thought I would take a moment to tell you about me. I am born and raised in the Northwest, having spent the bulk of my last 43 years right here in Tacoma. A product of Bellarmine Prep here in Tacoma, and then Washington State University back in Since then, I have been working in the Construction Industry as a Project Manager, Development Manager, and Consultant. My wife, Aubre, and I have been married just over two years, and enjoy our home in North Tacoma with two cats and two chickens. As for my boating career, it is all my father's fault. Our neighbor back in 1978 had a boat and my father started to race with him. As happens to many of us, after crewing for a while, we make the brave decision to purchase a boat. To this day, I am not sure mom was thrilled with it because I seem to remember a lot of screaming that day... anyway... that led to my father enrolling me in CYCT sailing lessons at the age of 10. That first day, I went to class screaming, crying, and not happy with the program at all - can't I just stay home????? Maybe my reaction was based on what it would lead to? Since then, I have had a boat of one sort or another. It started so innocently with an El Toro...when that was not enough, it was a Laser... after that, step up to a Thistle...all while my parents enjoyed their O`Day 27 and later a Crown 34. My parents were members of CYCT, and I was involved with what was a very active and well attended CYCT Junior Program. Later, I went on to crew and then work into ownership of an Olson 30. Then I upgraded to an Express 37. Those boats took me to racing in California, Washington, and Canada. There would be an Olson 30 National Championship while crewing on Ozone, and a Vic-Maui on Kahuna. Then, back in 2007, there would be the purchase of my current boat, Gardyloo, and my joining CYCT. Now that I have worked up to Rear Commodore, I believe that I have been given a great opportunity to give back to the club while getting to know everyone a bit better. Thank you for that. Eric Nelson Rear Commodore S/V Gardyloo 5 MAINSHEET

6 Photos by Steve Ryan 6 MAINSHEET

7 7 MAINSHEET

8 Cruising Report This will be 2014 CYCT Cruise Program Now that the 2014 Cruising season is here we are about to embark on some good times. In order for that to happen we are looking for a few good, hearty souls to step up and be the masters of their very own cruise. Be as creative as you like. Or as laid back as you like. The Club has an assortment of paper plates to theme items which can be useful when planning your cruise, so be sure to check out the Club House first before spending your money. Our first cruise for 2014 will be Feb Sponsored by Ken & Julie St. John, it will be the 2nd Annual Bad Captain Maritime Olympics cruise. See the flyer in this Mainsheet. Remember to check Facebook and the web page for additional updates as information may change. Feel free to call me, Angie, at or a_p_morales@msn.com. Rich and I be available to help you. Let's have Fun! Angie Morales S/V Arrabesque Feb Ken & Julie St. John "Bad Captain Cruise" Mar Open Apr Open May Open Jun Ken & Julie St. John Jul. 4-6 Fred & Ursula Ahrens Aug Open Sept Open Nov Gary & Joy Ballentine Don t be a Bad Captain! Sign up with Angie and sponsor a cruise. more fun as Commodore CYCT Abroad S/V Kokomo Dennis and Becky Flannigan Bev and Lew Channing S/V Suzanne After 10 years of dreaming we are off. Follow along as we move about the globe fixing our boat in different cultures and exotic places member/channing/ 8 MAINSHEET

9 CYCT, Thanks so much for letting us share our trip with all of you at the January General Meeting. We are working our way back to the boat which is in Florida and we'll leave for the Dominican Republic in the next six weeks. Our plans are to be in the San Blas Islands, Panama in September We will be there until April 2015 chartering KO- KOMO in this beautiful area. If you share an interest in visiting us, send us an at KOKOMOSAIL- You can get more information and rates by visiting our website at KOKOMOSAILING.COM. We will give any CYCT member a significant discount. We have a couple reservations already. We would love to see CYCT members take advantage of this unique opportunity by putting together the best vacation package you could imagine! Denny & Becky S/V KOKOMO 9 MAINSHEET

10 Racing Fleet Report Race Report CYCT Quartermaster Harbor January 18 th 2014 The race itself was set in the most beautiful of surroundings, it always is. I love this race, a watery slalom course amongst tall trees. And for some unknown reason we always seem to have decent weather. After the cancellation of our CYCT Browns Point Race in Gale conditions and the cancellation of the Duwamish Head Race in Gale conditions, this race was an elixir of sorts. I don t want to take away from the race but the real story maybe the fact that the race committee got this race off at all. The tale starts out with high hopes and all the best with myself, Zak, Don and Cyndi aboard Romeo Charlie at 0745 heading for fuel down the Thea Foss Waterway. Romeo Charlie purred across the bay at 2500 RPM and 10.5 knots in light fog. When we entered into the Thea, we throttled back to observe the wake restrictions and blurped along at 4 knots. After fueling (32 gallons), lines were cast, we started to drift on the current and wind and Romeo Charlie refused to start. She d catch if you throttled it up RPM and die when you throttled back below I tried slamming it into gear at too high of an RPM and the millisecond it received the load of the turning prop she died. It wasn t for a lack of trying, engine cover off, no visible fuel on the manifold, no fuel smell but the trying cooked the starter motor leaving us in the hands of wind and tide. At 0900 and Romeo Charlie with the A-team of CYCT Race Committee s aboard now tied at the dock in front of the Seaport. We had landed there by pure luck! The 0955 scheduled first warning off Browns point seemed in jeopardy. All of our land transports parked at Tyee and we are in the Thea. Cell phone activity went crazy and Cyndi acquired the help of a real Salty Dog named Gary and his 4- door Subaru Hatchback. As Subaru s go, it s a small Subaru and I was concerned that we d inflict permanent damage, but Gary seemed most accommodating of the cargo packing that was about to happen. Into the Subaru besides Gary went Don, Zak, Cyndi, Billy, three anchor packages, three buoy/race marks, a cooler of beer, a Starbucks coffee carafe, briefcase, numerous bags and backpacks and the topper was three race flags that fit from Windshield to back glass with one inch to spare. I m sure I missed telling of something else on this list of RC paraphernalia but off to Tyee Marina we went. We unfolded, thanked Gary for his services and moved it all aboard Discovery, my trusty old friend, and headed for Browns Point. Then the weight and hurry fell. The calming effect of this beautiful old 6 knot girl took over. We arrived out at the point, set the start pin, anchored Discovery in 50 feet and fired off the warning at 1040 only 45 minutes late. However, with Gardyloo in the hunt and the challenge of motoring at 6 knots, it does not bode well to set the marks at Dockton and the Portage in time. But on this day we are living right. Jeff Stewart is out in his 24 runabout snapping pictures of his friends aboard Gardyloo and offers to take me and two anchor packages to set. Perfect. The course was laid with plenty of time to spare. The Race: Moderate breeze rolled the fleet to Manzanita and from there it gradually dropped in speed. Out by the Portage reports were of wind speeds as low as Zero. The first to cross the short course line at Dockton on the return leg were beating to weather. The second bunch of boats came across under chute or wing-on-wing as a nice Northerly had finally pushed itself over the Portage. In Windseekers division 2 Lucia took the bullet 61 seconds in front of Silver Breeze. Windseekers 1 saw a new NFS contender in Jeopardy taking first with Blue Jay finishing on that glorious Northerly wing-on-wing in second place. The PHRF class 2 saw Radiant hold a commanding lead in division with a third in fleet finish. Gardyloo finished first across the line, first on corrected in division and fleet, but Special Purpose was close behind by just 3 minutes off Gardyloo on corrected time taking second in division and fleet. The Skippers meeting was a hoot. Big turn out and everybody stayed to the end as we mingled with the Seahawk boosters. Thirteen boats hit the start line for this year s Quartermaster Harbor race up from seven in If these two events and there numbers along with all the smiles are any indicators of what s to come, 2014 is going to be the best. Billy Carter Race Chair CYCT S/V Discovery cell CHECK OUT THE 2014 RACE BOOK /2014-race-book/ 10 MAINSHEET

11 Photos of the 2014 Quartermaster Harbor Race by Billy Join us for the Gig Harbor Race February 15 th Scheduled first start for each race is 0955 with the start location for all three races in the vicinity of the Browns Point Lighthouse. See for entry form and details 11 MAINSHEET

12 Sunshine Saw it on facebook Please be sure to contact Julie with any sunshine items! Julie St. John S/V Naughty By Nature Happy Birthday to our CYCT Members Christine Thomas February 2 Rob Crone February 4 Bev Ott February 7 Dan Walker February 20 Bev Thomas Feb 21 John Ott February 22 Eric Nelson February 25 SAY IT AIN T SO! CYCT has a facebook page open only to members of the CYCT! To join, search for the group Corinthian Yacht Club Tacoma and request membership. On the Cover Lucia and Blown Away II wing on winging it to the finish Photo by Billy Carter 12 MAINSHEET

13 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Jack Christiansen, the owner of Seattle s North Sails loft, will be our guest speaker at February s General Meeting. 1 Tramp Harbor Race PM General Meeting (Johnny s) Bad Captain Maritime Olympics Cruise 6 PM Dinner 7 PM Board Meeting (Johnny s in Fife) Gig Harbor Race Bad Captain Maritime Olympics Cruise March 2014 Don t be a Bad Captain! Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat PM General Meeting (Johnny s) PM Dinner 7 PM Board Meeting (Johnny s in Fife) Check CYCT.com for additional information on meetings and races 13 MAINSHEET

14 The CYCT Boatyard Basic Rules You must be a CYCT member or sponsored by a CYCT member to post an item. Each month the CYCT posting member must submit their items for sale before the last week of each month (send your post to kennethstjohn@gmai.com ). Items must be submitted each month or they will not be reposted. You are responsible to sell your item so you must include your contact information (items without contact information will not be posted) MAINSHEET

15 Secretary s Report CYCT General Meeting Agenda 2014 Month: January 13, 2014 Meeting was called to order at 7 pm, by Commodore Steve Ryan Guests introduced Gary Ford (Store Manager for West Marine Gig Harbor), Steve Mell crew on Red Splash. Motion was made by Chuck Welter and seconded by Deb McAdams to approve the prior month s minutes as posted in the Mainsheet. Reports: Vice Commodore: Paul Case Guest speakers are Denny and Becky Flannigan, Jack Christenson from North Sails is next months speaker Rear Commodore: Eric Nelson-- No Report Past Commodore: Gary Ballentine Commodore s Ball still accepting RSVP s Treasurer: Dana Bachellerie Gage Have a surplus of $ New Billing cycle starts in April, statements will go out in February. Send Payment to CYCT, $225.00, Crew is $56.25 Secretary: Joy Ballentine No Report Membership Chair: Ed and Sue Pinkham Not Present, in Tahoe skiing Fleet Captain Cruising: Angie and Rich Morales Ready to have people sign up for cruises. First Cruise in February 22 nd -23 rd. The St. John s volunteered. Fleet Captain Racing: Billy Carter Notice for the Harbor Series went out. First race this Saturday. Racing entry forms are on the website. Tramp Harbor then Gig Harbor. Education: Chuck Welter No Report Social: Cheryl and Brian White Calendars for sale $ Waiting for Cruising Calendar to come out to plan Social Events possibly 4 events a year. Club Merchandise: Linda Case Have hats if you lost it in the wind. Paracord bracelets made by Angie Morales son, they can be made to your size and are $ Mainsheet: Ken St. John Read the mainsheet, if you want to write an article, He will put it in. Send Photo s He will put them in the mainsheet. Use the Boatyard to sell anything boat related. Publicity use the mainsheet, Facebook, and website. Sunshine: Julie St. John No Report Webmaster: Greg Sandwick Website has a few issues. Working on the Calendar. If you need something posted to the website Greg and he will put it in. Historian: Long Range Planning: Joe Salz Not much. Floating Assets: OPEN for Opportunity join the winning team Publicity: Soo Carter Going to get race notices out Women s Sailing: Dana Bachellerie Gage February 9 th Fireball Seminar on Radiant 3pm. Agenda want to take our boat out Ladies night out cruise. TYC has TWISA a meeting January 23 rd MAINSHEET

16 Trophies: Steve Wagner No Report Racing Protests: Eric Nelson No Report PHRF Director: Eric Nelson in Bellingham on Sunday for a meeting PIYA Representative: Eric Nelson No Report PHRF Handicapper: Eric Nelson Meeting as well in Bellingham on Sunday Dingy Program: Brian White/Dana Gage/Chuck Queen Dinghys are stored in a dry warm place. There are still 2 boats on the dock for usage Commodore s Report: Steve Ryan Billy Carter, Paul Case and I attended the T-town meeting, going to make improvements. Old Business--None New Business Rate increase at Tyee Marina. RC Model Sailboats Gary Sandwick wants to get together to discuss them. Announce Birthdays as printed in the Mainsheet. 10 MINUTE BREAK Raffle Prizes: Chocolate Red Wine-Don Kimball Chardonnay Chuck Welter White Zinfandel Aubre Nelson Pinot Grigio Gary Ballentine International Code Flags Soo Carter Waterproof Carrying Case Steve Ryan LED Flashlight Rich Morales Control Labels for Lines Soo Carter Merlot Chuck Welter White Wine Chris Wendroth Jack Daniels Becky Flannigan Vice Commodore to introduce Guest Speaker Denny and Becky Flannigan Motion to Adjourn Meeting by Greg Sandwick and Seconded by Billy Carter. Gardyloo Consulting LLC Eric Nelson - Manager gardyconsult@gmail.com Residential and Commercial New and Renovation Work Construction Management and Estimating, Constructability Reviews, Site Planning, Work Scope Development Erosion and Sediment Control Design, Review, and Monitoring 16 MAINSHEET

17 The View From the Rear (Musings of a Casual Racer) Putting On Airs I don t like light air racing. I like the wind to blow. Once I m away from the dock, 20 knots is just fine with me and I don t even have to down half a dozen Alaskan Ambers to get my courage up. Alas, this is the Northwest and we take what we get and what we don t get. Last Saturday was one of those days where we didn t get it wind that is. Tramp Harbor is the second in the Harbor Series. Two weeks earlier the Quartermaster Harbor race had started with a respectable 15 or so knots of wind and ended with a faint zephyr. The wind this past Saturday could have been countered with a cough. Still, the lovely and gracious Mrs. St. John and I showed up to race. We considered doing other things. All of our crew did. They chose to take skiing lessons, clean their ovens or gasp work. But I d paid for the entire series and dang it, we were racing. We quickly divvied up duties. I would handle the sails. She would take the helm. I would call out maneuvers and tactics. She would question them. With that decided, we packed on the speed and hit the start line seconds after the horn doing a good one knot or more. Race time 00:00:10. And we sat. We talked about strategy and agreed that moving would be a good strategy. I put my lard to leeward, but even I don t have enough lard to heel 16,000 plus pounds all by myself. And though the L&G Mrs. S and I were agreeing for the moment, our wind vanes were not. The windex was pointing one way and the anemometer another. Neither indicated downwind but I put out the pole anyway. I was antsy and the jib looks so sad hanging there limp and lifeless. Race time It didn t take long to realize that the pole was not helping and I took it down and stowed it. Race time Photo by Matt Thomas The morning was crisp so I brought up the thermos of coffee and a hand warmer. Matt Thomas on Maria Christina drifted close and we chatted and posed for photos. Race time A few boats were starting to move, mostly due to tide rips and all. We were not one of them. There was a lot of debris in the water. I secretly harbored the hope that I would have to shove a log off with the boat hook and in doing so, I could propel the boat forward a few feet. I have to pee. Race time With the wind a bit behind, we try wing on wing. Race time We argue about which side the boom should be on and why did I put it there? I put it on the starboard side and pour another cup of coffee. Race time The wind has definitely shifted. I move the boom back and we trim for a beam reach. The pack is separating and we are falling behind. Race time I turn on the stereo. I have to pee. Race time We are drifting by Dash Point. I wonder what s going on on Facebook. It s almost noon. I pull out the leftover chicken and ribs that we d brought and The L&G Mrs. S pulls the cork on a bottle of wine. I crack open a Pepsi. Race time We realize that the water pump is not shutting off. I g below to investigate. I can t believe it. I left the dock with two empty water tanks. Maria Christina drifts near but we pretend that we don t notice because we don t have enough food to share. I have to pee. Race time The fleet is now all over the water. Some are headed towards Vashon, some towards Des Moines and some are going straight up the middle. Mrs. S. drops a piece of bread over the side for the sea gulls. Race time The piece of bread is five feet from the boat. Over against Vashon we can see the first of the PHRF boats headed home after the finish. I wonder what they ll do with the rest of their day. Race time Wind speed zero. Boat speed zero. We drift in a 360. I consider calling the race boat to see if I can bank the 360 against a future infraction but don t. I have to pee. Race time We are headed into Dumas Bay. Running out of room in front of us we are forced to tack and head across the sound. Matt on Mariah Christina does not see us go. Race time A GBF car carrier is coming around Robinson Point. It feels as if we are in the middle but after considerable discussion and review of the GPS, we decide that we are far out of the southbound lane. Dulcinea, far ahead, has reached a different conclusion and is trying to hail the be- Continued on page MAINSHEET

18 hemoth on the VHF. Relieved I pour some more coffee. Race time We are in the northbound shipping lane inching toward the separation zone when a second GBF car carrier rounds Browns Point headed North. I check the GPS and see that the point of the arrow indicating our position is on the edge of the zone. I begin to feel relieved until I realize that at the arrow is about 100 yards long at this scale. Thank goodness we see the port side of the ship and realize that it will pass behind us. I have to pee. Race time Lots of boats are finishing now. We watch them in the binoculars. Lucia calls in asking how to round the mark. Didn t they do that last race? I think Matt has anchored over in Dumas Bay. He hasn t moved. Race Time Now a tug towing a barge rounds Robinson Point and this time we are squarely in the southbound lane. This is like Frogger on valium. We watch him carefully trying to determine who will hit who and when. Luckily the wind slacks from the steady two knots it had been blowing and the tug passes harmlessly in front of us. The port side stereo speaker comes to life and I make a mental note to find that short and fix it. Matt is still camped out in Dumas Bay. Race time We are finally close enough to Vashon that we need to tack. We actually talk the maneuver through. At the breakneck speed at which we are travelling, I can hand the working sheet to Mrs. S., walk the jib around the mast, get back to the cockpit, haul in the sheet and adjust the traveler without missing a beat. Good thing since we are going to be doing this over and over if we are ever going to finish. Race time It s down to us, Dulcinea and Maria Christina. That is if Matt hasn t gone home. I am beginning to root in earnest for Pat and crew on Dulcinea. They are the last PHRF boat and I know that the race committee won t horn us on course until they finish. We tack the boat. Race time Distance is distorted in the binoculars, but it appears that Dulcinea has finished and they are taking in their sails. I keep a close eye on the bow of the race boat but see no activity at the anchor. Mrs. S curses. Maria Christina is coming on strong. Race time We tack the boat. Dulcinea is putting her jib up. I am confused. Maria Christina is getting closer. Mrs. S is steering as fast as she can. Race time A faint sound comes across the water. A horn! Mrs. S. declares. They Finished! Race time It takes the race crew a few minutes to break free a well dug in anchor. Matt and Maria are still on the move but we know now that he can t touch us. Discovery motors by and horns us. Smiles on the race boat. Smiles on the Naughty boat. In short order I have the engine running and the sails down. I put my little heater on the sole of the cockpit and finally pour myself a glass of wine. We set the autopilot and motor towards Browns Point with the current at a crisp eight knots. The sky is turning pink and orange and the mountain is glowing. A pair of Dall s Porpoises break again and again off of our stern. I ve just spent a wonderful, crisp day in the out of doors with my best friend. I love light air racing. I have to pee. Ken St. John S/V Naughty By Nature 18 MAINSHEET