The Spring and Summer sailing events are in full swing here in the Sound, in addition to all of our local racing and cruising opportunities, there are a also a lot of long course and very exciting events that are accessible to anyone who is looking for some serious fun and excitement.
The long course races are a real treat for any sailor interested in the adventure of sailing. Although most are filled with events that send cold and fear through to the bones of the rail riders and screams of agony from the skipper’s wallet, it is precisely these wild and tumultuous events that let you know that you are alive, experiencing the world in ways most can only dream of. Southern Straits Vancouver BC’s premiere long course race and Smith Island, the first of SYC’s Tri Island Series are over, however Seattle Vashon, and Swiftsure are just around the corner, so ready or not its time to get going.
Of course long course big boat races are not the only place to find excitement, the local buoy and dinghy races are here as well. If you think dinghies are tame, speak with one Member, whose name I shall not mention here, about his Sunday sail in a Laser with 35 to 40 knots of fresh breeze.
As I said earlier, ready or not its time to go. I feel that I must say however, that the best way to ensure that you remember those adventures in a happy sort of light is to prepare, prepare, prepare. One role I see for SSSS, and why I volunteer, is to provide a gateway for as many of us as possible to become aware of and be able to participate in the world of sailing in all the venues available dinghy sailing, one design, PHRF racing, cruising, ocean cruising etc., it is all out there and it is all open to each one of us.
For information on events around the Sound, start by surfing to some of the Yacht Club web sites, where you can find sites, for information on race instructions, and lodging, or if you are looking for a ride or if you need to Shanghai just one more movable bit of ballast to achieve optimum heel. And do not forget our web site’s Crew Sheet for finding crew members or boats. At every meeting I meet at least 3 people who are looking for a local boat to sail with or are looking for crew.
Lets go sailing.
I would like to create a presentation all about us and our racing and other events, soooo... if anyone has some great slides or photos that can be made into slides, or if you have stories to tell, experiences to share or lessons learned that you are just dying to share, then contact me. Then I can start to create a SSSS show all about us that will blow your socks off.
Thanks
Dan Decker