21-23 September, 2018
What a difference from last year. In 2017 the water was like glass; this year we had 25+ knots. But more on that later.
As usual Tom and Kersten Hubbard and Duane Rubash and Gina Rubatino Rubash went all out to make this rendezvous a smashing success. Friday night was delicious appetizers followed by some folks walking into town and others eating take out in the really nice shelter at the head of the dock.
Arrived by Boat
Jim DePretto & Barb Deaton of Fairview. They also had some friends & family that happened to live near the marina that was able to join the festivities and crew.
John Hilton & his friend Rich of New Shoes
Michael & Ruth Murray of Wings of Gold
Bob and Kris Ridenour of Wanda Mae
Arrived by Car or foot :)
Ray & Debra Valpey of Sloe Tango joined us all three days. Ray crewed on Tiburon
Buzz & Tish Greenman of Prime Meridian joined us for Friday night
Larry & Sue Tughan of Beverly Jane joined us for Saturday
Bill & Jeannine Bramstedt of J Michelle joined us for Saturday. Bill crewed on Tiburon
Ben and Emmilie Stewart of Yikes II joined us for Friday and Saturday
Carol Jones of Brigadoon joined us for Friday
Including some drive ins and guests of Fairview I counted 31 folks.
Ruth and I were almost the last ones to arrive by boat at 5pm on Friday. Wings of Gold departed Bremerton Yacht Club and motor sailed through Rich passage facing a 3kt flood current but had a very pleasant sail the rest of the way to Des Moines. Mostly bright sunshine and steady south west winds let us average about 4-5 kts under jib alone. Have to love days like that.
The very last arrival was our intrepid Fleet Captain John Hilton and his friend Rich docking at 11pm Friday. Duane told John that conditions would be much more favorable Friday night than facing strong southerly winds Saturday. John chuckled when he told me that Duane was watching his every move on AIS, including telling him not to transit Colvos Passage but instead keep Vashon Island to starboard. Things can get confusing at night.
After a continental breakfast Saturday and the pre -ace briefing four boats ventured into the tempest. Salish Mermaid crewed by Duane and Mike, Fairview by Jim and Barb, New Shoes by John and Rich, and Tiburon by Tom and Ray. Once on the starting line John reversed the course which was fine but Fairview did not get the memo. Sooo three boats headed south and Fairview headed north in accordance with the original briefing held but 10 minutes prior. Anyway we got him headed south and the race proceeded apace. Salish Mermaid was in third place catching Tiburon when our jib clew blew out with a bang. Under main alone our pointing ability was nil as was our speed over the ground, 1.3-1.6 kts. Gamely we carried on losing ground but upon turning downwind we saw 5.5 -6 kts. This was fine until we rounded the downwind mark and once again clawed our way to windward at almost 2 kts. My hat is off to Skipper Duane who never got flustered but took everything in stride.
The winner was New Shoes ( he who reversed the course at the starting line) followed by honorary second place Fairview whom you remember as the boat that did not get the course change memo. Third was Tiburon and fourth Salish Mermaid. When still underway John asked if anyone wanted a second race. Hmmm. No.
The remainder of the day was spent socializing, perusing the farmer's market, and preparing the chilis for the evening chili cook off. First place went to Kris Ridenour in the chili with meat cook off. First place in the meatless chili went to Deb Valpey (it also was the only meatless entry). Janine Bramstedt delighted us all (and won a new category, Best Dessert) with a pie made from apples in her yard. Yum Yum.
And again Tom went out of his way to design winners certificates. Thanks much.
Fairview departed very early Sunday and Wings of Gold left at 0910. On a maintenance inspection note back at BYC, since I had run at 2900 rpm for almost three hours I thought I would check the engine dipstick. That was fine but I noticed a bolt in the bilge. Hmmm. Upon a closer look I noted that there was only one bolt of four left in my propeller shaft transmission coupling. And the bolt in the bilge fit perfectly. A quick trip to Tacoma Screw Monday morning produced the right fasteners which I immediately installed. Speaking with Bob Ridenour (who used to commission Hunters) he said that there was a time when Hunter Marine had some issues with that. At any rate my coupling will now get a look each time prior to getting underway.
Tom, Kersten, Duane and Gina thank you again for a terrific time. We look forward to next year. You folks really go all out and it is truly appreciated.
Cheers,
Mike and Ruth Murray