fleets split. The south course was alive with a light thermal shore breeze. The light breeze was enough for at least six races amongst the Melges 24, sport boats, San Juan 21’s and 24’s that would chase the wind throughout the day. The larger keelboats, including the J/109s, J/105s, Performance 30s, Thunderbirds, J/24s and J/80s, headed further north past Meadow Point enticed by zephyrs of a southwesterly breeze. The conditions would hold until shortly after lunch when the breeze began to build. On the south course the search


for consistent wind pressure was critical. The light and nimble Melges 24, with a fleet of 13 boats, had a day of mixed finishes and close exchanges of course position. Alex Krawarik’s Melges 24 Rogue had an exceptional day maneuvering in the conditions and essentially “owned the light breeze.” For those who could tactically out- maneuver their competition in the light breeze, it was a day of gratification. Marc Vanderschalie’s San Juan 21 Kermit had such tactical prowess that they achieved the best score of the day, straight bullets. Jim Geros, helping out on the south course committee boat, commented that “the south course's close competition kept the race committee on their toes all afternoon.” As the afternoon progressed, the


breeze built stronger and stronger on the north course. In about 15 knots of breeze, the race committee was able to run three challenging races that ultimately set the pace for the remaining two days of the regatta. Aboard Chuck Steven’s J/105 Panic skippered by Lynn Adkins, we knew we had our work cut out for us within a fleet of very savvy competitors. Our first race proved the best of the regatta and we set our goals high for the remaining days, “by having as much fun as possible.” The classic Northwest Thunderbird


had nine boats racing. Gordon Hofman racing his T-Bird Nutter Butter noted how closely matched the T-Bird fleet was as they rounded marks and finished seconds from each other. The J/80 also experienced similar close fleet racing with many boats neck and neck. Dennis Palmer aboard The J/80 Namaste called the boat a mini sports car as it propelled itself about the course. The J/109 Fleet managed to keep only boat lengths between themselves as


see all of Jan's photos at www.flagshipmaritimetraining.com/id7.html


the day progressed. Stuart Burnell’s J/109 Tantivy and Laney Gale’s Blue Martini held position to earn first in their respective classes and straight bullets for the day on the north course. Local knowlegde can be an


important tactical advantage when racing one-design. When you race in an area long enough, you learn the advantages and disadvantages of certain bodies of water, land effect winds,


weather patterns and currents. Christa Basset-Ross aboard Eric Yaremko’s Flying Circus noted that, “The Puget Sound is one of the most challenging waters to call tactics, due to its variable weather patterns and current flows.” Day two was met with a sprinkle


of rain and building excitement as the dinghy, Weta, catamaran and skiff boats prepared for their first day of racing. Saturday morning the wind


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48° NORTH, JUNE 2011 PAGE 65


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