We're Not Outclassed Yet

February was our month to redeem ourselves after our ignominious Wreckers Race finish in January. And we did. A second place finish for the full race length proved we can still hang in there. The start was a little dicey. The Wreckers Race allows boats to keep the engine on until you cross the starting line, and to use it if you are in unsafe conditions. At the start, we were squeezed between 2 boats on either side, and one behind and kept the engine on just past the starting line. How far past. Ummm, it depends on who you ask, but somewhere between 15 and 30 yards. In our defense, the race is 6 miles, and we finished 4 minutes ahead of the next competitor. First place in our division went to dock-mate, Jose Pagan, on Atlantica. We had teased him about his new sails and light weight sheets, but they did him proud. The other winner from the marina was David on Fair Winds. His crew won an award for most creative. They sailed through the starting line with all hands on the side trailing fishing lines through the water.
 This is Schooner Wharf's photo of the winners.

Key West Sailing in January

 Key West Race Week provides an excuse to day sail. Sadly, the number of boats entering each year has dropped dramatically. There is no longer a maxi class, and only 3 mini maxis participated. The number of boats entered has shrunk from over 300 just 5 years ago to about 140. Still, the races are exciting and beautiful to watch. The winds were perfect and the sun was shining.

Our other day sail in January was the Wreckers Race. With crew members Bert and Gail, Luke and Jan, and Dan and Andy, we tried using our code zero. The winds were light and at a bad angle for the sail. We made a bad decision, which resulted in our last place finish. The winning boat in the race was a holdover winner from the Race Week competition. This was a 54 foot Swan with a 7 foot keel. Watching her scoot out far ahead, heeled over with only a 7 knot wind was impressive. The best part of the day was lunch and companionship on the way back. The second best part was the start, which featured more than the usual number of beautiful schooners.