Friday, September 24, 2021

On the Harbor: fall events on the horizon





                                                                         By LEN BOSE

Before we all concede that fall has arrived, and we are headed towards winter, let’s slip a few more events under the door.

This weekend is the 24th Harbor 20 Fleet 1 Championships. That’s right, this is when all the chips get pushed into the middle of the table while saying, “I’m all in.” Most of the fleet has broken out the “freshies” which are our newest sails. We have requested our bottom cleaner to do an extra special job cleaning the bottom of our boats. All the empty beverage containers, jackets, tool kits and spare parts have been taken off the boats, while crew members are kindly asked to leave their bags on the docks. I am sure everyone will be leaving their red protest flags aboard just in case they have a rules question for the protest committee.

The weather forecast is 75 degrees with 6-11 knots of breeze out of the west. Racing will take place in the Five Points area of the harbor between 1 and 4 p.m. At the time of this writing, we have seven boats signed up for B Fleet which is always extremely competitive. In last weekend’s two warm-up regattas, Teams Haynes, Kimball, Noring and Cheadle/Schupak were all playing slot cars going down the last straight away. As always, whoever makes the fewest mistakes and stays in the top four in all the races will win. Duh! With the light wind forecast, I would have to place my money on Cheadle/Schupak assuming they will sign up for the regatta. Jennifer and I will be cheering for our good friends Debra & Peter Haynes. Let’s just hope that didn’t throw bad juju on them.

Even with 11 teams signed up for A fleet this year, it’s easier to pick the favorites in this division. Last year’s champs, Team Wiese has to be the favorite, although it will come down to the last race with Team Thompson/Conzelman. The Thompson/Conzelman team has been the most consistent this year and has the edge to be crowned 2021 Fleet Champions. Yet, Team Campbell has been the bridesmaid, three out of the four previous years. I am sure this team will be showing up with their game faces on. Campbell has been sniffing out left-hand shifts all summer, and is due to take home the big pickle dish. The two teams looking to pull out the upset will be Team Macdonald along with Team Deermount/Menninger. Jennifer and I will not be out there just to get more sun this year, as our goal is always finishing in the top half of the fleet. Hopefully, we will not hear Team Allen/Helias telling me that I am working my way back into the fleet with me informing them they have seaweed on their rudder. Always good times while becoming more cherished with each passing year.

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Everyone should mark their calendars for the upcoming Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach on October 1-3. If you have never gone out to the show by boat you have to give it a try – at least once in your life. The awestruck moments when you feel an overwhelming pride for your country is truly memorable. Hanging out with your friends while enjoying the warm weather and sparkling blue Pacific waters is a perfect end to summer. As a skipper of a boat, you must stay in game day-mode all day and be fully aware. Santa Ana winds or fog can make your day more challenging than anticipated – noting boaters who have never anchored before, or have a difficult time maneuvering while intoxicated. I have to assume this season will bring in more novice boats than ever before. Which is a good thing, but just bring two patience pills and plenty of water. On Friday, Oct. 1, the “World Speed Record Ocean Cup Race” around Catalina will be starting at 7 a.m. and should be done by 8:30 before you push off the dock. I would assume these world-renowned teams will be using the boat launch ramps in Long Beach, Huntington Harbour and Newport Beach, where you might get the best look at these beasts while they are being placed back on their trailers.

• • •

One last note: The yacht Horizon has been selected to receive the U.S. Sailing Hanson Rescue Medal. The full story of the rescue can be viewed at http://lenboseyachts.blogspot.com/2021/06/l-r-back-row-kenneth-sherb-chris.html. The Hanson Rescue Medal is an award given to skippers of pleasure boats or race support vessels who effect rescues of victims from the water. The award is made for rescues in U.S. waters, or those which occur in races originating or terminating in a U.S. port. The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club has graciously agreed to have the award presented during their annual awards presentation on November 13. This is very good news, and I must give a big thank you to all the board members and Commodore Ronda Tolar of BCYC. Also, the Yachtsman Luncheon group has asked me to speak about the rescue on October 20, and then on November 3 to talk about all the hoops and hurdles you need to make to participate in a Transpac race.

Sea ya.

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Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for Stu News Newport.

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