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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/05/2003 : 22:59:35

I've just had the pleasure of spending a week on the mighty Columbia River racing with Gary B (one of Nature's Gentlemen). It's been an interesting experience, learning to deal with tide and current for the first time.
I arrived on Thurs 24th. and the next day we retuned Gary's C25SRSK (not as loose as mine, but sufficient unto the day...) That eve we had a Beer Can over about 6 miles and we corrected over everyone but a Melges 24 (I think he was on his 3rd beer by the time we crossed the line!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>)
Saturday we started the Six-Pac proper. Nailed the start in moderate winds on a down current flow. We were in a 7 boat fleet and our main competition was a Ranger 24 sailed by an overweight female attorney...although we were rated the slowest boat in the fleet and she the second slowest. After the wind built to 15+ she outran us (with 5 over 200lb crew onboard...) but we finished 2nd.
Race 2 started in honking winds of 20+. We ran a reefed 130 and a reefed main but had problems pointing. The Ranger got at least a mile ahead of us. Slowly the wind died to 10 - 12 and we shook out the reefs and began to boogie. The Ranger made a slow sail change and we caught her coming back on port and tacked right in front - Gary timed it perfectly! This pushed her back onto starboard which we had noticed was her slowest tack - we were not challenged by her again and beat her by at least a mile (in a 26 mile race). Now we are tied at 3 points each.
Race 3 started outside Astoria (only 12 miles from the infamous Columbia Bar) in decent wind. We had a 3 mile windward leg down river and then a 25 mile downwind leg to the finish. Unfortunately we were a minute behind the fleet (thanks to a horrible spinnaker hoist) and when we got downwind of the 5-mile bridge sailed into a huge hole and watched the fleet disappear...the wind kept building but we kept up the asymmetric and kept trucking! (We had to finish no worse than 4th to remain in 2nd place). We gradually overhauled the back runners and then had a horrendous wrap on the chute.The wind now was at least 20k+. By the time we got that sorted out, a Columbia 34 ketch had passed us and was 100 yds ahead with less than a mile to go. We had a wonderful match race with them (we had to beat them to finish 4th) and then they made a mistake and we slid under them and beat them by a boat length.
We DID finish 2nd (but that darned attorney won...<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle>
I had a wonderful time and learned a lot - now I'm ready for our club's Moonlight Regatta this Sat night back on Canyon Lake!
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2003 : 11:14:24

Thanks for all the advice and help, Derek. I had a blast, and hope you will have fond memories of this event, aside from the bad news about your sis-in-law upon our return. My best wishes for her recovery. You can come back to Washington anytime, maybe for a cruise around the San Juans next time.

My brother took us up in a light plane and we flew over some of the islands while Derek was visiting. Great time.

Good luck in the Moonlight Regatta this weekend. I will give you a report on our One Design regatta on Sat. and Sun.

Gary B.
Encore! #685 SK/SR

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2003 : 18:47:17

Here's the best pic of the trip! Gary B. after a hard day at the helm...
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d629b3127cce8c00955301780000001510" border=0>
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2003 : 11:46:42

Hardy-har-har. So where are the photos of the spinnaker reach in 20 knots??? Were you a little busy, Derek??? What? No time for photos????? ; )

Gary B.
Encore! #685 SK/SR

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2003 : 12:24:42

Just be happy that I didn't post the other one of you...<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.