Graeme Esarey’s Farr 1220, “Kotuku,” passing Amphitrite Lighthouse during Leg 9, Ucluelet to Victoria. “Kotuku” took First in Divison 3. Photo by Joshua May.
Coast Guard stood by in support. The eighth leg of the race would be dedicated to the memory of Mark Livingstone from Ucluelet’s Coast Guard Auxillary unit #38. Leg eight, 138.1nm
KOTUKU TAKES 1ST OVERALL FOR VAN ISLE 360 DIV 3
Kotuku’s success at the Van Isle 360 was really based on three things: great crew work, great shore support, and fast sails. UK Sailmakers Northwest supported the program in all three ways. Chris Dudenas was fantastic aboard the boat. He kept us focused on boatspeed, and was extremely effective as a coach and mentor. On the shore support side, our sails were ready when we needed them in spite of really challenging conditions and locations. And finally, our sails were fast. The new Tape-Drive Carbon main dramatically improved the boat’s performance in the light stuff and yet it was still fast when we had to reef down and beat up Johnstone Strait. The Code 0 pulled us out of holes much more effectively than our old light #1, and there were a lot of holes on the back side of the island. Our 1st
place
was a direct result of the help, advice, and great sails that we got from the team at UK Sailmakers Northwest. - Graeme Esarey, Seattle
from Winter Harbor to the surf city of Ucluelet (“Ukee”) would be the hardest race of all. With a long beat south in heavy seas and strong winds, many crews would find themselves overcome with seasickness. Many slept on the rail in the light, but consistent rains throughout the night. I recall starring down into the ocean, in a trance, watching the water color change from coastal green to the deep clear aqua of the open ocean. We headed out as far as 30
Nehwitti Bar and past the rugged, red rocks of Scott Point. Light winds would carry us through the night along the coast to the enchanting fishing village of Winter Harbor. As we approached the Kains Island Lighthouse, we found ourselves unable to reach the finish due to ever shifting winds. Our estimated hour to finish took much longer and proved a fitting end to our first race of determination and shear willpower. All along our journey we were comforted with the fact that the Canadian
miles to catch the stronger south flowing ocean currents. Throughout the race we saw signs
of Humpback Whales and Orca. Makika would end up striking a whale damaging their rudder and returned to Winter Harbor for repairs. As we approached the coast in the twilight hours of the morning we were greeted by a Humpback whale. The splash of a tail and the wave of a fin told us that we were close to salvation. Landing in Ucluelet we would have our first and much needed lay day with rest
Leg 5: A spectular view as they sail from Hardwick Island to Telegraph Cove. Photo by Joshua May.
Owner Graeme Esarey & UKNW's Chris Dudenas
UK Sailmakers NW 1-800-563-7245
www.uksails.ca
FAST that LASTS
48° NORTH, AUGUST 2011 PAGE 48
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