2010 SFYC Fall Classic Regatta
September 11 & 12, 2010, Knox Bouy Race Course
By: Tom Reed Jr. (USA 111)
Posted: September 16, 2010
This past weekend the San Francisco Folkboat Fleet was invited to the sunny side of the bay to compete in the 2010 SFYC Fall Classic Regatta. 12 local boats signed up, 10 found crew, made sandwiches, and hoisted sails. Transoms; (and for most of us I mean transoms), notably missing were those of Eric Kaiser, David Wilson, and Mike Goebel. I was not around the yacht club much, but when I did ask I was told that Eric had twisted his knee, David had something wrong with his shoulder, and I was sure that Mike was jet setting somewhere around the world.
Saturdays’ conditions could not have been any nicer, with a 3.5k flood, 10-15k winds, and tons of sun. The first race showed a split decision amongst our fleet, with Jeal, Herrmann, Keldsen, and Slichter heading to the right after the start; while I, Andersen, Wynn, and de Lappe played the left side of the course looking for a better wind line. The top mark rounding proved little difference between the two, and Jeal rounded well ahead of the fleet, with the rest of us intertwined behind him. Downwind was an un-eventful trek for Jeal and I, but there was a group behind that looked as though it was a drag race. From that point on the race really became follow the leader. We all went right up the course, followed by a line in the middle down. The top three finishers were: Jeal, Reed, and Andersen.
The second race was a little different in respects to decisions. The fleet all decided that the right side of the course was favored, and fought to get there. Once again, Jeal was the first one, and extended the rest of the race. Herrmann showed great speed and good decisions up the course to round 2nd; while Wynn, de Lappe, Keldsen, and I beat each other up behind. The first downwind run was somewhat interesting. Herrmann; quite ahead of us sailed through the start/finish line, while Jeal jibed in to go around the committee boat. I was fighting with Keldsen and Wynn as they sailed through the start/finish line; I headed up and jibed around the pin end of the line. The SI’s were very clear; if you read them, that the start/finish line was restricted. Jeal, de Lappe, Andersen, and I raised our protest flags and continued to race. The second upwind leg was that of a boardroom more then a race course. I sailed right on by de Lappe and Keldsen discussing the protest amongst them; then started a conversation of my own with Wynn. Besides the conversations around the course, nothing really changed until the word of the restriction got out. The top three finishers were: Jeal, Reed, and Cathey. The interesting part was, those who sailed through the start/finish on the second race had also done so in the first. Now, you all know the reasons for the RAF scores in the first 2 races……..
Sunday was just as beautiful as the first day, with the addition of more wind. The flood current was a little lighter, and the stage was set for another great day of sailing. Jeal and I were sitting pretty in the top two spots, only 2 points apart, while Andersen was comfortable in 3rd, 3 points ahead of de Lappe.
Race 3 started off with a long AP because of an YRA HDA race that was sharing our course and marks. It was my game plan to stay close to Jeal and be able to attack if the opportunity arose. Jeal and I started high on the line, next to the boat along with Herrmann. Jeal jumped into the lead just after the start and I was able to stay close behind. Jeal hit a bit of a wind hole, and tried to tack out of it, when I took his stern to continue to the right. To both of our surprise, a large puff rolled through, just as my bow went by his stern. Jeal tacked back onto port and came to a slow crawl. I was able to take the puff and extend from that point on, with the help of better current as well. I was enjoying the luxury of sailing in clear air, not really paying any attention to what was going on behind me, so I do apologize. Jeal had sunk back into the fleet, and at that moment I was curious if he would resurface. On the last leeward rounding, I played it safe and tacked a little later, which put me over stood to the finish line. However, it did give me a great vantage point to watch the finish of the boats behind. Jeal tacked half way between me and the mark, passing two boats in the process. The top three for Race 3 were: Reed, Jeal, and de Lappe.
Now, that tightened up the standings for the regatta; Jeal had 4 points and I had 5. So, race 4 seemed like a no brainer. I was going to stay close to Jeal again. Well, he is a slippery little guy, and I botched my start. He was GONE! Andersen had a great start, boat speed, and played the course perfectly. The second upwind leg, I had worked back up to third, when it was my turn to sail into a hole. I parked, 56 sailed below me, 108 sailed above me, and I ate lunch. Not what I needed at that moment. I was able to pass Slichter downwind, but Herrmann stayed ahead and got the 3rd. The top three were: Jeal, Andersen, and Herrmann.
The weather was perfect, the races were great, and we couldn’t have been with a better group of people. The regatta ended with Jeal in 1st, Reed 2nd, and Andersen 3rd. As much fun as this regatta was, it was even more fun when I went home and did the math for season scores. About the end of June, I had come to the realization that placing in the top three for the season championship was out, and I needed to concentrate on Herrmann for 4th. Between Kaiser and Wilson not racing, and Herrmann withdrawing from 2 races, my realization could be, and I emphasize “Could” be wrong. Jeal has sown up yet another season championship; making it number 6. I moved up from 5th to 2nd, Herrmann went from 4th to 3rd, and on the reverse side; Kaiser went from 2nd to 5th, and Wilson went 3rd to 4th. The reality is that 2nd, 3rd, & 4th could be anyone’s. I am 3 points ahead of 3rd, and 4 ½ points ahead of 4th. There are 2 races left for the season, and the stakes are high, and it is still anyone’s ball game.
I hope all is okay with Kaiser and Wilson; and Goebel, if I’m correct, I hope the sunburn isn’t too bad. See you guys ALL out there on the 25th……………….
CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN PETER / SUSIE ON # 6 !!!!!!!