After more than 15 hours of upwind racing, Rage appears to have finally overtaken Time Bandit! Only one other boat remains ahead of Rage: Kinetic V.
Tight Racing in A2 & B Fleets!
Raindrop and Blade Runner appear to be fighting a close race as they head offshore to look for breeze......these two boats have sailed a great race so far, and appear to be pushing each other up the course. It looks like a real light air dogfight on the water tonight with Raindrop maintaining a close lead!
Anam Cara & Panama Red appear to be very close heading WNW on starboard tack. These will be two close matches to watch throughout the night!
Anam Cara & Panama Red appear to be very close heading WNW on starboard tack. These will be two close matches to watch throughout the night!
The Beach Party Is Over for the Leaders - Rocks Ahead!
As night approaches, and the coastline changes to a more rocky contour, most of the lead boats will consider tacking offshore to avoid the known hazards; Sonora Reef, Flat Rock, Split Rock, Willoughby Rock, Sea Lion Rock, Kalaloch Rocks and the infamous Destruction Island are just a few of the obstacles the fleet will reckon with tonight. It would be a great night to be sitting at the Kalaloch Lodge watching the race under the stars!
Destruction Island photo by Leise Wease Photography
Destruction Island photo by Leise Wease Photography
2100 PDT Weather Update - Cape Elizabeth, Washington
| Wind Direction (WDIR): | NW ( 310 deg true ) | |
 | Wind Speed (WSPD): | 7.8 kts |
| Wind Gust (GST): | 7.8 kts |
| Wave Height (WVHT): | 3.6 ft |
| Dominant Wave Period (DPD): | 15 sec |
| Average Period (APD): | 6.7 sec |
| Mean Wave Direction (MWD): | SSW ( 210 deg true ) |
| Atmospheric Pressure (PRES): | 30.04 in |
| Pressure Tendency (PTDY): | -0.02 in ( Falling ) |
| Air Temperature (ATMP): | 53.6 °F |
| Water Temperature (WTMP): | 54.7 °F |
| Wind Chill (CHILL): | 50.9 °F |
| Wind Speed at 10 meters (WSPD10M): | 7.8 kts |
| Wind Speed at 20 meters (WSPD20M): | 7.8 kts |
| Combined plot of Wind Speed, Gust, and Air Pressure | |
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Anam Cara Gambles Close to Shore!
The entire fleet has been hugging the coast much of this race, but Anam Cara is sailing in some really shallow waters just south of Copalis Beach, trying to get the advantage on Panama Red and Time Bandit. Watch that depth sounder!
Blade Runner Makes a Move!
Blade Runner, the Santa Cruz 27, is making her move on the inside of Rain Drop, just north of the Gray's Harbor entrance. No stranger to the Oregon Offshore, and one of the most nimble coastal racing small yachts, the SC 27 Blade Runner could be a force to reckon with when all the time adjustments are made. Keep en eye on her tonight! The race tracker shows these two boats fighting a close race, although positions are estimated on race tracker and subject to change. We'll try to point out any inconsistencies if they occur.
No Sign of Slowing Down, Kinetic V Powers off the Beach
Reaching out to sea at speeds exceeding 8 knots, Kinetic V is making it hard for Rage to close the approximate 10 mile gap between the two boats. As night sets in, the winds aren't yet showing any sign of abating for Kinetic V as she heads out to sea, with one hour remaining before sunset. The fleet has stayed on port tack as much as possible during the day, and close to shore.....night strategies could change.
2016 CYC Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race 12 Hour Position Updates
Well, they've been at it for just over 12 hours now. The day has been hampered by light winds on the nose, making forward progress slow and tedious.
At 7 pm, approximate positions (boat for boat) are as follows - based on northernmost position:
1) Kinetic V
2) Time Bandit
3) Rage (tied)
4) Panama Red (tied)
5) Anam Cara
6) Night Runner
7) Rain Drop
8) Blade Runner
9) Free Bowl of Soup
10) Hana Mari
11) Bum's Rush
12) Canard
13) Turnagain
14) Wy'East
15) Passepartout
16) Thirsty
17) Cool Change
18) Yahtzee
19) Makai
20) Aja
21) Cantata
22) Souffle
23) Lady Eileen
24) Blue Martini
It looks like Kinetic V has got a safe lead over Rage right now in Fleet A1.
Time Bandit appears to be safely leading in Fleet A2.
Rain Drop is leading in Fleet B.
Wy'East is leading C Fleet North.
Souffle is cooking in the Cruising Fleet.
At 7 pm, approximate positions (boat for boat) are as follows - based on northernmost position:
1) Kinetic V
2) Time Bandit
3) Rage (tied)
4) Panama Red (tied)
5) Anam Cara
6) Night Runner
7) Rain Drop
8) Blade Runner
9) Free Bowl of Soup
10) Hana Mari
11) Bum's Rush
12) Canard
13) Turnagain
14) Wy'East
15) Passepartout
16) Thirsty
17) Cool Change
18) Yahtzee
19) Makai
20) Aja
21) Cantata
22) Souffle
23) Lady Eileen
24) Blue Martini
It looks like Kinetic V has got a safe lead over Rage right now in Fleet A1.
Time Bandit appears to be safely leading in Fleet A2.
Rain Drop is leading in Fleet B.
Wy'East is leading C Fleet North.
Souffle is cooking in the Cruising Fleet.
1800 PDT Weather Update - Ocean City, Washington
Wind: WSW @ 13 mph
Sunny, 57 degrees
Sunny, 57 degrees
Props to Time Bandit
We will do a more in-depth position update of all of the boats in the fleet at 1900 hours PDT. In the mean time, credit goes out to Time Bandit, which - 12 hours into the race - is still boat for boat ahead of Rage.
Rage is about to likely steamroll past Time Bandit this hour as they cross the mouth of Gray's Harbor, but the race so far has been well sailed by the crew of Time Bandit. There is still a lot of race course left; we'll see what happens...
Rage is about to likely steamroll past Time Bandit this hour as they cross the mouth of Gray's Harbor, but the race so far has been well sailed by the crew of Time Bandit. There is still a lot of race course left; we'll see what happens...
Rage Picks Off Panama Red & Anam Cara
After a slow start to the 2016 CYC Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race, Rage is clawing her way through the last few lead boats; she just passed astern of Anam Cara but is now clear ahead, and now on her way to passing Panama Red. The fleet seems to like to tuck under the lee of the south jetty at Westport, probably for smoother water and some current relief, but there's definitely a corner to turn here and crew work will be key. Everyone is starting to get a little bit tired about now; it's maybe not the best time to initiate a tacking duel!
Time to Tack, Time Bandit!
Time Bandit and Panama Red are following close in the footsteps of Kinetic V, sailing just under the south Jetty near Westport, then tacking out to sea, and crossing the mouth of Gray's Harbor mid channel. There are plenty of water and calm seas today. The boats are progressing north as much as possible; starboard tack is really a bad angle.
Starboard!
10 hours into the race, and Anam Cara is tacking onto starboard, clear ahead of Rage. This might be the last time that happens. Enjoy it while you can!
First to FINISH!
The ferry "Coho" crosses the line!
The RC is on station and ready to finish boats.
4:20 Update - Kinetic V is Smoking Up the Coast
Stretching her lead out considerably, Kinetic V is steaming straight towards Westport.
Panama Red, Time Bandit and Anam Cara are following close behind.
Rage is making up lost time and distance fast on the outside.
Panama Red, Time Bandit and Anam Cara are following close behind.
Rage is making up lost time and distance fast on the outside.
Weather Update - Westport, Washington
As of 3:30 pm 5/12/2016 at Westport, Washington (Gray's Harbor):
Winds- WNW @ 12 mph
Air Temp: 57 degrees, sunny
https://weather.com/weather/today/l/46.89,-124.10
Winds- WNW @ 12 mph
Air Temp: 57 degrees, sunny
https://weather.com/weather/today/l/46.89,-124.10
Rage Kicking It Into High Gear!
Rage is now clocking some of her best speeds of the day - 6.2 knots - which, as anyone who knows this boat knows, is still pretty slow. With a theoretical upwind hull speed of close to 11 knots, this boat can definitely kick out some higher boat speeds. We can't help wonder if Rage has had some early mechanical problems, or just couldn't dial into any wind early in the race. It's been an unusual day so far where the coastal breezes may be stronger than the predominant sea breeze. But as the inland heats up, watch for a good showing this afternoon and evening for the boats further offshore. Tonight however, the coastal winds could re-form and continue to be advantageous. We'll see.
Passing Willapa Bay & Cape Shoalwater, Kinetic V Is In the Lead!
This is not a very inviting place for racing sailboats; a good number of the lead boats are sailing close by the entrance of Willapa Bay, known to have breaking waves in and around the mouth. It looks as if the lead boats are making good time; Kinetic is reporting speeds of 7.8 knots. Time to move off the coast a little bit for a little comfort...the strengthening flood tide is not something to mess with if the breeze shuts down....
The Great Circle Route vs. Rhumb Line... What Does Rage Know? Answer: A Lot!
The shortest distance between two points, especially when sailing, isn't always a straight line. That being said, it's easy to "chase the wind" and find yourself far off track from your intended destination, but still finish first or in top position in a long distance race.
As the Oregon Offshore fleet closes in on the mouth of Willapa Bay, two thoughts come to mind. First, this fleet of racers is getting a very unique perspective of a stretch of coastline not seen by many, especially this close-up. Usually the fleet doesn't sail "inside of rhumb" this early in the race. Second, by staying offshore and sticking to a known "big picture" strategy, Rage seems to be in good position to make up its lost lead as the afternoon breeze (hopefully) freshens. Even if the winds stay light, Rage has avoided sailing the extra distance deep into the coast, which should start paying off over the next few hours... We'll see.
As the Oregon Offshore fleet closes in on the mouth of Willapa Bay, two thoughts come to mind. First, this fleet of racers is getting a very unique perspective of a stretch of coastline not seen by many, especially this close-up. Usually the fleet doesn't sail "inside of rhumb" this early in the race. Second, by staying offshore and sticking to a known "big picture" strategy, Rage seems to be in good position to make up its lost lead as the afternoon breeze (hopefully) freshens. Even if the winds stay light, Rage has avoided sailing the extra distance deep into the coast, which should start paying off over the next few hours... We'll see.
Kinetic V is Gaining Energy
Moving along just outside of the lead pack, Kinetic V is starting to dial up the mo-mo and put it in the passing lane. They just recorded one of their fastest speeds of the day at 7.5 knots, and they've got a lot of horsepower in reserve once the sea breeze kicks in... It's just a matter of time (and wind) before this Class A boat passes the early leaders, but certainly not without a fight first from Panama Red, Night Runner, Rain Drop, and Time Bandit.