More on Cool Change's mechanical issues

I just spoke with Cool Change.  They are still sailing and did not go into Neah Bay.  Their starter has gone out and they are unable to start their engine.  They plan to continue to race and expect to arrive at the finish around 3 am if the wind continues to hold.

Ya Shure off motor and back to sailing

Ya Shure, our only cruising class boat this year called to let us know that they were finally crossing 124 and were south of Sheringham point. They said that they had to motor about 7 hours, but were back sailing in about 10 knots of wind.

The first day out was really rough!

It appears that the first day out on this race was tough on everyone. We lost Katzenjammer due to seasick crew. We just heard from Wy'East that Cool Change was going into Neah Bay with mechanical issues. Both California Girl and Wave Dancer had mechanical issues at the finish and couldn't go directly to customs. Frank told us that the waves were very confused and he wasn't surprised that folks were having both physical and mechanical issues.

Wave Dancer finishes

Wave Dancer finished this afternoon in brilliant sunshine and great wind.  Her finish time was 15:00:56.  They were a bit anxious to finish and the chute started to come down just before they crossed the line.

Recent boats checking in with VTS

Several boats have checked in with VTS this afternoon:
L'Orca at 11:50
Ya Shure at 14:16
Peregrine at 14:22 and
Cool Change at 14:22
It looks like a late night for the finish line.  We will be posting through out the night as boats finish.  We will try to photograph anyone who finishes in daylight.

Report from offshore

I had a great chat with Frank this afternoon. He reports that Wy'East was about 20 miles from Tatoosh Island and within view of Cool Change. There were 2 boats ahead of them (who were not yet getting the wind). Cool Change was inshore of Wy'East and also in the wind. Last night everyone off the Washington coast drifted around with very little wind.

Sanitarium withdraws

Sanitarium called to let us know that she has withdrawn from the race. They said that they started their engine earlier this morning, but had not been able to reach RC to let us know. They were still 10 miles from Tatoosh Island when we spoke. They are going into Neah Bay for additional fuel, then to Pt. Angeles to drop off a crew member and will then come to Victoria.

California Girl finishes

California Girl finished in great style under chute.  She finished at 13:00:18.  Once she finished, she had a bit of a problem with her engine and wasn't able to head directly to the customs dock.  She spent a while sailing back and forth along the breakwater while Timm figured that he had impeller problems. She then headed to the customs dock.

L'Orca checks in

We just heard from L'Orca, she has rounded the corner and is now in the Straits.  They are doing about 8 knots on a broad reach with the chute up in about 13 knots of wind.  They say they are making about 6 knots over the ground bucking a bit of current.

Last night and early this morning, the wind was very low and they had to pick their way up the coast.  It finally filled in and they are doing well now.

Photos from the start

Our thanks to Jeff Duvall who took a couple of photos from his cell phone during the start.  Here the boats are off and racing.

Latest Report from Cal Gal

Victoria Lessley, of California Girl, left us a message at about 8:30 am this morning.

They are flying down the Straits under chute. They were about 4 miles from Sheringham point. Since we just got that message, it is likely that by now they have passed Sheringham headed our way. We expect to hear from them next when they reach Race Rocks.

Wave Dancer checked in with VTS

VTS tells us that Wave Dancer checked in with them this morning at 3:50 am. so they are now heading down the Straits to the finish.

Orizaba has finished

At 2:30:29 Orizaba finished the Oregon Offshore in fine style, moving quickly from the breakwater to the finish.

Cal Gal has turned the corner

We just checked in with Seattle VTS (such nice guys). They told us that California Girl has turned the corner into the Straits at about 1:08 am this morning.

Orizaba just got through Race Rocks

Orizaba has made it through Race Rocks.  They say they are moving well.  Here at the finish, the wind has been picking up all evening and is blowing pretty well.  We expect them at the finish in about an hour.

Rage has finished

Rage finished at 23:19.06 tonight.  She looked great, flying a chute and speeding across the line. 

The next boat expected in is Orizaba, but so far we have not heard that she has reached Race Rocks

Orizaba passes 124

Orizaba just let us know that they have just passed 124 and are heading our way