RVYC’s WAVES regatta was held this weekend and with the weatherman’s forecasts of record heat, the fleet was hopeful for some great thermal breezes in English Bay.  Saturday did not disappoint with temperatures in the high 20s (warm for Vancouver) and a breeze that varied from 10 to 20 knots with enough shifts and variable current to make for a great day of Dragon racing.  There was a short, steep chop on top of the three foot rollers which made going upwind a bit of a challenge for the helmspersons and an equal challenge for the spinnaker trimmers downwind.  It was warm with one of the competitors having to miss the last race of the day with possible heat stroke.

Instead of the usual pot luck at one of the racer’s houses, the Fleet decided to have a trailer party (comparable to football’s tailgate parties).  Competitors brought food (baked salmon, freshly popped home mixed and spiced gourmet popcorn, meatballs, etc.) and of course lots of beer which we all enjoyed while gathered around the empty trailers on the dry dock.

At the end of day 1 of the 2 day event, and allowing for a throw out, Jim Burns in Ayrborn led the pack with 4 points followed by Curmudgeon and Black Magic each with 6 points. 

Day 2 started out like Day 1 with a bit less breeze but a degree or two warmer in temperature.  The choppy seas returned to make it more of a challenge and to spread the fleet a bit further.  Race 1 was a good event but the breeze died at the end of the second race.  Everyone finished but that unfortunately was the end of the regatta as the wind defied predictions and completely disappeared.

Jim Burns and his crew of Chuck Ramsay and Glenn Jones won the event convincingly with Black Magic and Curmudgeon in second and third place respectively.  Congratulations to Ayrborn!

Pacific Interport is being held from September 10 - 13 at the Royal Vancouver YC, and it looks like we will have full participation this year - welcome to the RHKYC, RSYS, KYC! NOR will be out shortly. Meanwhile, more info on logistics (where to stay, things to do in the area) is here.