SSSS was represented at the Memorial Day Regatta in Eugene.
We had seven Pelicans, winds reportedly 20 mph with gusts to 35. Makes for lively sailing and frightening runs.
The new rules say to avoid collisions. Well, we got nailed by an out of control boat at the jibing mark. Not much damage, though their bobstay did saw through our nice canvas deck.
A Prindle Cat tacked, darted ahead, and straddled a Pelican. Came as a surprise to all concerned. The P-Cat skipper said the boat never came out of a tack so fast before. Guess he had never had so much wind before!!! Again no substantial damage.
One Laser lost a mast step, which wipes out a formerly nice deck. A Santana 20 lost an upper chainplate and the mast went cleanly at the spreaders. Bob Smithson, one fine San Juan 21 sailor, capsized his Pelican, much to everyone’s surprise.
Only 102 boats this year. We recall when they had to draw the line at 300. But it made for a pleasant regatta. Good wind and nice weather helped.
If you can make it to the Vancouver Lake bash, you should try. They say it is a good regatta. It is too soon after Eugene for us this year.
If any small boat sailors want to go somewhere in the fall, Eugene has a harvest regatta too, and the Lightning sailors say it is nicer than spring.
Good sailing
Jean Gosse