Friday Night Races

By John Noteboom

The last Friday Night Race was held September 8, with a good turnout for the races, dinner, and the trophy presentation. The official title of these races is the Friday Night Regatta but it is better known as the “Beer Can Series”. Some of us seem to have taken the races too seriously, forgetting that they are supposed to be fun races.

Having been asked to comment on the races I thought it would be of interest to describe a “typical” race as seen from the cockpit of Tension II by George Berticevich and myself.

First, George and I meet at the bar for a beer and observe the wind, weather, and the currents before deciding to launch the C-20 and race.

Once out on the water we try to focus on how to start and get out of the Belvedere Cove, as we have observed that the first one out of the cove has the best chance of winning. By observing the earlier starters and how they fare we make a guess as to the preferred start and course. More often than not by our start time conditions have changed and we have to play it by ear (I find that my ears sense the wind better than the telltales).

On the windward leg we continually watch the boats ahead of us (our scouts) for wind and current conditions to set our course. Sometimes we tend to forget a basic rule to watch our competition and cover.

After rounding the windward mark the reach/run is somewhat routine except for current changes and wind shifts. Sometime we get lucky when the wind and chop conditions are right for surfing (which makes our day). Conversely sometimes the light air and ebb tide at Knox mark can ruin your day.

Crossing Raccoon Strait and rounding Y mark by Elephant Rock is never routine with changing winds and currents. The tide/current tables don’t give a clue to the complex current conditions. Nevertheless it provides one more chance to gain (or lose) ground on the competition.

Then it is on to the finish and the Pelican Grill (and beer).

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