Commodore - Gibson Race/Cruise

The Commodore Race started off Meadow Point with light breeze from the NE that carried to somewhat past Apple Cove Point. At this point the breeze died, but the favorable current continued, encouraging the more die-hard sailors to keep trying to sail. But when the tide turned at around 1500, all but Ripple, Outlaw, and Velella motored onward. By 1600 it seemed pretty hopeless, and the remaining sailors became powerboats. Of course, after Point No Point, a huge breeze came in from the North, providing a great reach into Port Ludlow for those with enough energy to put their sails back up. No race, though.

For the Gibson race, Sunday brought light Northerly breeze with a strong ebb tide, but there were reports of stronger SE breezes past Pt. No Point. So the start was moved to Pt. No Point, where the race commenced at 1200. Jonathan and Libby McKee, with scratch boat Ripple, provided excellent Committee boat services, and started the racers just NW of Pt. No Point. By staying near shore most of the racers managed to get around the point and to make steady progress toward home. Somewhat south of the point most of the fleet elected to go out across the sound into the adverse current as well as into a stronger breeze veering to the SW away from the shore. Those who short tacked the West shore (short handed) did not do any better than those taking the easy road.