First Race With CYC Edmonds

First race on Andiamo today. It was a very light air race and was actually good conditions for learning. The fleet was small with a Hotfoot, Laser 28, a J37 and a San Juan 7.7 (I think). The crew included Sarah, Steve, Lisa, Amber and Will. All pretty new to the sailing scene but eager to learn and compete. Sarah had the helm for the start and most of the race and did a great job. Despite being out of practice and sailing a new boat we got a good start and stayed in touch with the fleet although a bit behind.

We rounded the upwind mark in second to last, but did well on the initial downwind leg picking the right spots and finding wind which allowed us to pass a couple boats (Laser 28, J37). Soon enough the wind died and we gave it all back. I was yearning for a spinnaker, or at least a lighter headsail... but it will come with time.

We finished second to last just behind the Laser and instead of waiting in the lack of wind for a second race we took off to spend the rest of the day looking for wind.

We powered toward Point No Point (already a habit by now) looking for wind while chatting. seal spotting and snacking on the remnants of lunch we started just before finishing the race. Sarah and I are blessed with great friends. Its always so fun to share this part of our lives with them and they are always seem to bring joy to our lives when sailing with us.

Soon enough we were starting to find wind and I was desperate to scratch my spinnaker itch. I started pulling out the gear and Steve and Will helped me rig it. In no time at all I was enlisting Lisa and Amber as foredeck crew talking them through the basics of the pole and a jibe, while Steve and Will were busy attending to the pit and guy. After a quick how to about the hoist we had the spinnaker up a pulling. It looked huge and beautiful - and powerful. Despite light air, we soon saw the log picking up steadily.

Sarah started off at the helm, but soon Steve took over and did a great job learning the basics of steering by reading the sail cues. Steve had a marathon helm session that saw us sail from Point No Point to Richmond Beach in a building breeze. We threw in a few jibes just for practice. As we approached Richmond Beach, I was getting bit nervous as the breeze had built and chances of spin out were a bit higher. So we took the spinnaker down and readied the boat for a nice beat home.

Lisa took the helm to start and did another wonderful job - must run in the family. She was excited to the see the boat so powered up in the breeze and wanted to get the rail in the water - which we did. After awhile, Lisa handed off the helm to Amber to take us home. The is was a second time for Amber and it was evident she remembered much of the first time on the boat.

Amber drove the heck out the boat as the breeze built a bit more. After a few tack in which I acted as Will's drill sergeant of grinding, we were back in Edmonds.

We swiftly put up the boat and headed off for pizza at Pagliacci's.

A totally awesome day!!!.