December 8 was the day of the second in the Snowbird Series races for 2018-2019. The day fell between frontal systems, and although it was brisk outside, in the lower 40s, the wind was on the light side, and the rain stayed away. Thirty seven boats are registered for the race, and all but six showed up on the starting line.

 

Shilshole Bay Yacht Club boats include Corvo105, skippered by Tom Kerr, and Billabong, skippered by Ben Lobaugh. As many of you know, Last Tango is for sale, as our own Jim Geros says he plans to do a little more land cruising.

 

We have the boats broken into five classes, including a “one design” class for the eight J-105s. This time I divided the bulk of the boats into classes based more on their sail area to displacement ratio, rather than just their PHRF rating. Although this makes for a bigger spread in ratings, the “sport boats” tend to race against similar boats, and the heavier boats race against similar designs. So far I believe this is working out well.

Lots of boats heading for the Meadow Point Buoy after rounding the first mark at West Point.

 

Everyone had finished by mid-afternoon, and many of the skippers and crew attended the after race party at Ray’s Boat House.

Next Race will be held on January 12, followed by the last two races in the series on February 9 and March 16.

Hope to see more of our SBYC boats out there in the next few races.

Tom Madden, Race Cair.