2008 West Coast Offshore Mini Race

[Mr Hollywood]

The starting gun went off at 1:00 p.m. PST this afternoon for the 2008 West Coast Mini Race, following a delay of several days waiting for a more favorable weather window.  Veteran Mini skipper Andy Able is co-skippering Adrian Blunt's brand new Zero "Antidote" (CAN 726), while Craig Horsfield, another experienced Mini driver who crewed for Andy on the MiniFastnet Race in 2007, is at the helm of his Zero "Skyweb Express" (USA 655).  Sean McGinn, skipper of Zero "Daisy Cutter" (USA 530) did not start the race for reasons that are not yet known.

Conditions at the start saw a westerly breeze of 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots.  Coupled with a strong ebb current it will make for a bumpy upwind ride out to the entrance of the Juan de Fuca Strait.  Outside the Strait competitors should encounter perfect downwind sailing conditions, with winds in the 15 to 25 knot range from the northwest.  Our extended forecast for the coast all the way to San Francisco shows fairly consistent breeze and sea state the entire way.

Due to the starting delay, the Race Committee and skippers have agreed that the race will be limited to the one leg from Victoria to San Francisco.  While we are disappointed not to be finishing in San Diego and being able to enjoy the hospitality of the San Diego YC, we believe that this is the best choice given the time and resource constraints on the competitors.  Looking ahead to 2009 we will very likely consider doing a San Francisco to San Diego event, perhaps in conjunction with the Encinal YC "Coastal Cup Race", which ends in Santa Barabara, CA.

You can keep track of the race progress on the iBoat Track site:  http://charthorizon.com/m/cz/map?vessels=_ALL_VESSELS&history=Latest_position&v_scope=2008_WC_Mini

We are also posting over at Sailing Anarchy:  http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=75062&st=0  You can find pictures there already though I'll try to get some posted over here as well.

Regards.   

[Mr Hollywood]

As of 4:20 a.m PST this morning, the two competitors in the 2008 West Coast Race were neck-and-neck exiting the Juan de Fuca Strait into the Pacific Ocean.  Conditions appeared to lighten overnight as both boats were making speeds of about 4 knots upwind.  Once they turn the corner they should expect 10-20 knots of breeze from the northwest and 1-3 foot seas, making for superb downwind sailing.  Sat Phone calls from the skippers are scheduled for later this morning and I will post updates based on those conversations.

[Mr Hollywood]

Just got off the phone speaking with Tom and Craig, aboard "Skyweb Express". As we suspected, conditions went light during the night as they passed Clallam Bay and it was slow going the rest of the way to the entrance of the Strait. A couple of minor issues cropped up which were quickly and successfully resolved. They are currently sailing course 190 magnetic under full main and gennaker, with light winds from the southeast and sloppy seas. They plan to head southwest and get a few more miles offshore, where conditions are expected to be perfect - 10 to 20 knots from the northwest, 1-3 foot seas. Tom and Craig place Andy and Adrian, in "Antidote", about 4 miles to the north and west of "Skyweb Express'" location and sailing in the same conditions. I expect a call from "Antidote" shortly.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

I just got off the phone with Andy Able and Adrian Blunt, aboard "Antidote" (USA 726). Problems with their charger delayed their Sat Phone call-in but both report that they are doing very well, though frustrated by the light air they've be sailing in since about 2:00 a.m. this morning. According to Andy, the toughest part of the race, so far, was simply getting through Race Rocks. Even with multiple reefs in main and jib, Andy reports that they were flogging the main most of the time. However, once past the Rocks conditions mellowed and they were able to make 6.0 to 6.2 knots VMG until the wind eventually died off at the end of the Strait.

Earlier this morning "Antidote" was within site of "Skyweb Express" when Craig and Tom were able to set their gennaker and pull away. Problems with the furler on "Antidote's" gennaker delayed their hoist and by the time the sail was set "Skyweb" was already out of sight. At present, "Antidote" was at 48.19.5N and 124.51.5W drifting slowly in 0-2 knots of breeze from the SSE, on calm, glassy seas. Course is 270 (M) and they are gradually clawing their way to the new pressure filling in from the northwest.

Andy sends greetings to Valerie and Andy speaks highly of the curry-flavored freeze-dried stew which, he says, "Did it's job." Now that their battery issues are resolved, they will be calling in at the regular morning report time.

More updates as they become available.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

Here are some photos from yesterday's start...

[Mr Hollywood]

During this morning's Sat Phone check I received the following update from Craig and Tom aboard "Skyweb Express" (Zero USA 655):

As of 08:50 PST this morning "Skyweb Express" is at 46.14.97N / 126.25.55W, sailing in approximately 20 knots of breeze with boat speed ranging from 8 to 14 knots.  They have one reef in the main and are flying their reaching kite.  Conditions are excellent as they travel south, about 20 miles or so outside the rhumbline course to San Francisco.  They report minor wear-and-tear but nothing of concern and no problems overnight.

They send their regards to their friends and supporters at Skyweb Express, whose greetings I passed on to them during the call this morning.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

I received the morning Sat Phone report from Andy Able and Adrian Blunt, aboard "Antidote" (Zero CAN 726) at 09:00 PST.

According to Adrian, "Antidote" finally got to the new northwest breeze at approximately 15:00 PST yesterday, after making very little headway in the light breeze just outside the Juan de Fuca Strait.  Since then they have been averaging 7.5 knots with the breeze consistent in the 15-25 knot range.  Their position at the report was:  46.31.395N and 125.48.232W and they are sailing course 176 (M) at 7.5 knots (6.3 knots SOG).  They are sailing under single-reefed main with the small jib and "Code 0" in 15-25 knots northwest breeze (estimated due to malfunctioning wind instruments).

Adrian indicates that he is still no fan of freeze dried food and that so far this has been a completely novel experience for him.  Andy, he reports, is comfortably in his element and having a great time.

More updates as they are received.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

Still waiting on the morning Sat Phone check-in but here's a visual position update from 0617 PST this morning, courtesy of iBoat Track and Google Earth (via Photoshop).

[Mr Hollywood]

Anyone who has been around yacht racing for any length of time understands that organizing any kind of race is a complicated, time-consuming and resource-intensive. Typically even the smallest event requires hours and hours of work, mostly by volunteers who give their time out of their love for the sport. The Mini class has exemplified this spirit throughout its 30 years, and it has certainly been the case for the 2008 West Coast Race.

At the same time, the Mini class could not have achieved such an amazing level of success without the generous contribution of numerous sponsors, both for the races themselves and also for individual sailors and their programs. In this regard the West Coast Race has benefited from the support of several key sponsors, without whom putting on the race would have been much more difficult. On behalf of the Race Committee and the competitors we'd like to express our sincere thanks to:

UK Halsey Sails (Victoria, BC) - Provided loan of survival suits, "kit bags" filled with goodies for the crews, the committee boat for Saturday's Prologue Race and a 50' Beneteau (thanks, Sandy!) for the start boat, which also hosted a crowd of spectators.

Victoria Harbor Authority - Moorage for all the competitors in Victoria, BC.

North American Mini Transat - Served up a yummy "Welcome BBQ" for competitors and their friends and family. Also sponsors of Adrian Blunt's Mini program.

Svendsen's Marine - Moorage and hosting in San Francisco, courtesy of Sean Svendsen.

Skyweb Express - Sponsors of Craig Horsfield's Mini program.

We'd also like to thank the Golden Gate YC, San Diego YC and Jeff Zarwell at RegattaPRO for their enthusiastic support of the West Coast Race.

When the race has concluded we'll be sure to send a shout out to all the volunteers who spent the past two years putting this event together. You know who you are but soon so will everyone else.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

Welcome to the morning race update for July 13, 2008.  We're in the 4th day of the 2008 West Coast Race and have just received Sat Nav check-ins from the competitors.

Craig and Tom reported in at 0855 PST describing a bumpy night during which they were eventually forced to take their pedal off the metal to recover from some "crash-and-burn" wipe outs, which apparently resulted in a problem with a spinnaker halyard that has since been rectified.  Tom indicated other damage but nothing of consequence and did not provide details.   The boys decided to back off for about 4 hours last night to clean house and get some rest.   Their current heading is 160 (M) which explains their convergence with "Antidote" since yesterday.  They have been shifting gears between 1 and 2 reefs in the main, solent and gennaker, in 6 foot seas with wind chop.  They are contemplating gybing to go back further offshore, with their current position being 43.49.8N and 127.57.8W.

Andy and Adrian reported in a short time later at 0902 PST.  They have been sailing under main and jib since their Code "0" went crazy overnight and they decided to take it down as the furler was not functioning.  Andy indicated that things have calmed down considerably since yesterday when they were sailing in big rollers, some of which were cresting.  Their course was 200 (M) and they were contemplating throwing in a gybe and putting up the medium kite.  Their average speed is about 7 knots (SOG) and they report no breakages or any other problems with the boat.  Current position is 44.01.3N and 127.47.6W.

Both skippers expressed some concerns about Monday's forecast, With some models showing winds building to 35 knots from the north, with gusts to 45 knots, extending from Cape Blanco, Oregon to Pt. St. George, California., and seas building to 8-11 feet.  These conditions are forecast to prevail through midnight Monday, with both wind and seas subsiding on Tuesday to 15-25 knots and 7-10 foot seas.  Consensus is that it is better to remain further offshore beyond 60NM, which both boats are currently.  On the other hand, U.S. NOAA forecasts for the same are show top wind speeds at 25 knots and only 7 to 9 foot seas.  Given the unpredictability of this stretch of coastline we are not surprised by the variance.  Past Cape Mendocino competitors can expect to encounter lighter breezes in the 10-20 knot range.

Since my earlier iBoat Track report it appears that "Antidote" has closed the gap to "Skyweb Express" and trails now by only 39 miles.  It sounds as if the skippers will be crossing gybes this morning, with "Antidote" coming back inshore a bit and "Skyweb Express" heading back out.  Only about 5 miles separate the two in terms of distance to the coast, with Andy and Adrian approximately 168 miles out, and Craig and Tom about 173 miles from Oregon.  Being out beyond the 60 mile forecast will most likely be a good call and we can probably expect the racers to continue to swap gybes all the way to the finish.

More information at tomorrow morning's race update.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

A quick look at the latest iBoat Track position reports for our two West Coast Race competitors reveals some of what we were expecting. "Antidote" and "Skyweb Express" have crossed gybes with Andy and Adrian moving further offshore to about 197 miles, and Craig and Tom heading in to about 150 miles off the Oregon coast, as of 1215 PST this afternoon. The next update will show us whether they swap back again.

The inshore move seems to have paid off as "Skyweb Express" has extended her lead back to about 60 miles, after "Antidote" had closed to within 39 miles at this morning's roll call. Or it may simply be the case that Craig and Tom have decided to put the hammer down again and are giving their medium kite some air time. "Antidote" reported taking their Code "0" down during the night but Andy indicated that they were planning to give it another go this morning. Tom told me during his call in that "Skyweb Express" was shooting for a 200 mile day Saturday but perhaps today is the day they'll hit that goal.

I have not raced a Mini in the big following seas that the WCR competitors are dealing with, but my experience racing other boats in similar conditions tells me that it has to be a big challenge driving the 21-foot speedsters downwind with such large changes in apparent wind, as the boat accelerates down the front of the big swells. Even the most finely-tuned autopilots have a tough time keeping the boat under control with the kite up, while steering manually in such conditions is exhausting work. Certainly the next couple of days are going to be a real test of physical and mental toughness for the racers.

By my calculations, "Skyweb Express" is approximately 443 miles from the finish line, while "Antidote" is looking at about 503 miles to go. Of course, that's as the crow flies - the actual distance will be greater as the boats continue to gybe down the rhumbline to the finish line out front of the Golden Gate Yacht Club in San Francisco Bay.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

Good morning, West Coast Race enthusiasts!  Here is the latest update from the competitors as phoned in to me this morning.

Craig Horsfield and Tom Alexander, on "Skyweb Express", phoned in at 0830 PST with their daily report.  Sailing was terrific overnight, with sustained speeds of 10-16 knots for several hours.  However, cloud cover gradually came in rendering visibility "pitch black" and after a near collision with a pod of whales, necessitating drastic avoidance maneuvers, the boys decided to throttle back to white sail reaching for the remainder of the night.  Craig also shed light on the issue with the spinnaker halyard reported a couple days ago.  Craig had to go up the rig to mount an external block to re-feed the repaired halyard after the feeder line was lost through the mast.  He indicated that having his weight aloft was not fast.  "Skyweb Express" reported her position as 40.42.15N / 126.46.6W  off Cape Mendocino, steering course 130 (M) on port gybe in 15 knots of breeze from the north.  Craig believes they can hold this line all the way to the entrance to San Francisco Bay. 

Adrian Blunt and Andy Able, aboard "Antidote", called in at 0905 PST to report on their progress.  They had a wet and wooly night with wind in the 20's and big seas.  The fog moved in reducing visibility considerably.  Adrian indicated that he and Andy have sustained "damaged backsides" and that a certain blue bucket is no longer functioning to its original design specifications.  They are currently sailing in about 22 knots of northerly breeze, in moderate conditions and sea state.  The ride is wet under double-reefed main and jib and they are steering course 120 (M) on port gybe with 6 knots (SOG) of boat speed.  Their position at the time of the call-in was 41.44.576N and 127.57.260W.  Other than the above, they report no damage to the boat which has been performing perfectly.  Adrian also told me that this has been the experience of a lifetime for him but that he might seek a sunnier event next time around.

I have advised both competitors to phone in as they make their approach to San Francisco, within approximately 50 miles or so, should this not correspond with a regularly scheduled scheduled report.  Conditions are forecast to become more moderate south of Pt. Mendocino, with wind strength diminishing to 5-15 knots from 25-35 knots of the previous evening.  As "Skyweb Express" reaches the lighter air we should expect to see compression between the two boats.  But we'll have to wait and see if there's enough race track left for "Antidote" to make a move.

More information as it becomes available.

Regards.

[Mr Hollywood]

Today is the day we've been waiting for, West Coast Race fans! Craig and Tom ("Skyweb Express" US 655) are now just a little over 60 miles from the finish and going hell bent for leather. Craig reported throwing caution to the wind overnight and driving hard with the kites, going from one wipe out to the next before exhaustion set in and they backed off a bit. They reported a top speed of 16 knots in big breeze and waves. After drifting for nearly a day, the new pressure arrived from the north at about 1700 PST and carried "Skyweb Express" quickly past Pt. Arena and Bodega Bay. At their current pace, we expect Craig and Tom to cross the finish line sometime between 1700 and 2200 PST tonight. Their position at 0900 PST was 38.12.89N and 123.49.07W, and they were proceeding at 7-8 knots toward the entrance to San Francisco Bay.

Meanwhile, things were rough overnight for Andy and Adrian, aboard "Antidote" (CAN 726), as the boys battled 30+ knot winds and steep, breaking waves in complete darkness. Adrian reported that conditions overwhelmed the pilot and that Andy had been driving for nearly 10 straight hours, under multi-reefed main and multi-reefed jib, with boat speed still averaging 10+ knots. Fortunately nothing broke on the boat but it was clear that both sailors are utterly exhausted and hoping for relief as they continue heading south to Pt. Reyes. Their current position, as of 0915 PST, was 38.45.732N and 124.14.982W, and they are sailing course 125 (M) at 7+ knots. This should put them across the finish line late tonight or very early Thursday morning.

We have recommended to both skippers that they tie up at the Golden Gate YC guest dock after they finish, to allow themselves a much deserved break before moving over to their moorage at Svendsen's Marine. Anyone who is local is invited to come down to the GGYC and greet the boats as they arrive.

Regards.

[Leov]

Good reports,

what kind of pilot onboard Antidote?

[CAN415]

This just in from our on the spot Ground Crew, we have VHF contact with Craig and Tom, approx 60 mins outside the Gate under main alone. They are under main alone due to an"incident" an hour ago while under autopilot giving an update via cell phone. It sounds as though the autopilot decided not to cooperate at which point the boat wiped out and some "gill netting" took place with the spinnaker. They got the mess straightened out but have decided to take it easy and cruise in to the finish line. They will be met by the West Coast Race road crew at the dock and they will be looked after.....Fantastic Job Craig & Tom.

Andy & Adrian Just called in reporting they were still North of Point Reyes sailing in 30 knts with an unpleasant sea state and poor visibilty.

DJG