2023 Spring Stag Race Recap
Eight boats signed up and six came to the start line.
I think the sleet was a deterrent for the racier boats without accommodations. Saturday was overcast with a 12-foot ebb against us and light airs. We chose to go up Queen Charlotte channel and sailed in a light outflow. Halcyon and Rebelle had a good battle going swapping leads several times. The half hour motor rule was called upon and let the fleet compress a little. Rebelle and Halcyon found themselves side by side becalmed not far from the finish. They cry went out – “Got any motoring left?” and both had wisely left some for a moment like this. Alas, Halcyon hadn’t left enough and Rebelle took the win.
Halcyon retired after motoring though, SeaQuill and Shaken Not Stirred also retired so Brinehog took second and Khepri, third.
Socials on the dock we damped by the rain which became a deluge after crews had retired to their boats.
Sunday dawned dry and still. But by start time, a nice inflow had developed for the race home. The fleet kept close enough together that everyone had someone to race against. It was a wonderful sail with some lead changes and close crosses.
Rebelle took the win and the Centennial trophy along with the honour of organizing next years race!
Halcyon was second, Brinehog third, Khepri fourth, SeaQuill fifth and Shaken Not Stirred sixth.
Everyone got back to the dock before the rain started.
Final order: Rebelle, Brinehog, Khepri, Halcyon, SeaQuill, Shaken Not Stirred.
Thanks to Ian Lloyd for organizing this year.
I hope to see everyone out at the Fall Stag Race to Kendrick Island September 23/24. Edward, Halcyon
From Bernie's brother: Tony Yau's assessment:
“Oh what a glorious weekend it hath been,
Sailing on Bernie's Catalina so keen,
From West Vancouver to Gambier we set sail,
With rain pouring down like a watery veil.
But the joy of adventure did not cease,
For the food that we ate was a savory feast,
Sandwiches, Pringles, Kettle chips galore,
Pop to quench our thirst, we wanted no more.
Come dinner time, a sumptuous delight,
Steak, prawns, salmon, and layered potatoes just right,
Yams added a sweetness that made us swoon,
And beer flowed freely under the moon.
On Sunday morn, delicious muffins we ate,
Pop and Kettle chips, and apples, oh so great,
For lunch, more sandwiches and chips to devour,
And our victory in the race added to the power.
The clouds lingered, but rain held at bay,
As we sailed the seas on this glorious day,
Oh what a wondrous weekend it hath been,
Sailing on Bernie's Catalina so keen.”
2022 Spring Stag Race Recap
One of four Club races, the Stag Race was held over the
weekend of April 23rd and 24th, 2022.
Six boats participated, from the diminutive Wraith to the
massive Dobro Dani, all crewed by 2 or 3 sailors.
With the start line between Passage Island and Point
Atkinson and a Pursuit Start the fleet rounded Roger Curtis and went up
Collingwood Channel with frequent position changes and a few wind transitions.
Wraith got her kite up first and led the group into Elliot Bay, followed by a
wing on wing Dobro Dani, Brinehog, Halcyon, then Stingray.
The group enjoyed a barbeque of steak and shrimp prepared by
the kitchen team at WVYC. Lots of comradery and a chance to meet new and old
friends.
For Sunday’s return race we left Bowen Island to starboard,
we had sunshine and enjoyed an initial breeze which soon turned light and
fickle. Dobro Dani had departed for Ladysmith, in the marginal wind conditions
Halcyon and Stingray chose to head for their slips while Brinehog and Wraith
battled to a tie at the finish between Passage Island and Point Atkinson.
Ian Lloyd and
Wraith won the honour of hoisting the BC Centennial Cup aloft and even better,
they get to organize the event again next year!
The next Club Race is the 14th Annual Women’s Race & Cruise to Elliott Bay, May 28-29th, 2022.