WOOF 2010, the sixth generation

Note changes from last year in red...

The first race is Wednesday, May 26 (a respectable 32 days after launch - lots of time to step, tune and become familiar with the boat again).

• We meet at 12:00 noon for a picnic lunch, plan the course, pick the rabbit and leave the dock at 1:00 for the race course (stragglers beware.)
• The rabbit will perform a radio check, on VHF channel 68, on the way out to the starting area. Each participant is expected to acknowledge the call.
• The rabbit will announce both the windward and jibing marks on VHF channel 68 and start the race. Again, each participant is expected to acknowledge the call.
• The first boat back to the starting mark will decide, based on time, fleet positioning and the weather, as to whether or not it’s twice around or once (the clock factor is about 30 minutes.)
• However, in either case, the race isn’t over yet. The last leg is always to #8
• We take our own finish time, so a stop watch started at the starting signal is a handy thing to have (and use).
• After the race we enjoy the camaraderie with some pot luck nibbles. The bar won’t be open until after we depart (in time to beat the traffic.)

We use a dynamic PHRF rating. Dynamic because we recalibrate after every race versus PHRF’s every few years. This quickly puts all boats at a level playing field. Participation helps you keep your handicap relevant, but if you miss a race, or two, don’t fret, your next participation will put you back in sync with the fleet.
WOOF is offering you three challenges for the 2010 season…

• For seasoned racers, go big, go for the “Best of Breed”
• For wannabees, go for effort and determination, go for the prestigious WOOF “Puppy of the Year” award.
• Oh, yes, I did say three challenges. The third is: shake off the overused excuse that “I’m too busy to have fun” and come out and enjoy life before it’s over.

While the general membership wonders where the next generation of sailors is going to come from (hopefully the junior sail program will help here) WOOF knows that there is a constant supply of aging sailors who, when they are ready to accept their new status in life, are welcome to join the “Wednesday Only Old Farts” racing circuit. No race experience required.
If you haven’t already done so, circle your calendar on all the summer Wednesdays from May 26 until September 22.
See you aBout!

The EYC racing course chart is here... Chart.pdf

They called it  WOOF  (Wednesdays, Only Old Farts)

WOOF Race #1, May 26, 2010

It was nice to get away from the onshore heat into a pleasant cool breeze for the first WOOF race of the season. Could not have asked for better conditions on the Bay.
Six boats came for the start and six boats finished. Good average.
Devious, the Rabbit, started on port while the rest of the fleet started on starboard. Devious missed the fact that there initially was a 20 degree wind shift and continued to sail on a header. Devious then compounded her problem when she over stood the layline. Grrrrr. However I’m sure that others also had some early season relearning to do, but none was offered, so none will be reported.
In order of finish… Little Penguin, Expotition, Arome, Skana, Devious, Camaraderie
In corrected order… Expotition, Arome, Skana, Little Penguin, Devious, Camaraderie
So, except for the Penguin, the boats maintained their finishing positions. A good close race (for most of the fleet.)
Next race, next Wednesday, again, we meet at noon.