J/Fest San Francisco, April 12-13 2008
The Saint Francis Yacht Club once again hosted the 2008 San Francisco J/Fest Regatta. The weather was absolutely stunning, with highs in the mid 80s and perfect visibility. Foul weather gear, a staple in this part of the world year round, was put away in favor of t-shirts, shorts, and lots of sunscreen.

For those familiar with San Francisco, however, the price for the beautiful weather was found in the uncharacteristically light winds. Saturday racing was delayed 3 hours and saw maximum winds of 15 kts. But the Sunday racing faired much better, starting nearly on time, with winds topping out at 20 kts. The lack of wind caused two of the three scheduled races for Saturday to be canceled, so the five-race series became a three-race series. Still, it was hard to complain, as racers could easily imagine, with eyes closed, that they were in some tropical paradise rather than in San Francisco. The generous sponsors hosted a wonderful dinner party on Saturday, with free beer, wine, food, music, and gifts for all, and a scenic sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge completed a perfect day.

Turnout for the J/109 fleet was disappointing. We fielded a fleet of four boats for last year’s Great Pumpkin Regatta, five boats at this January and February's Corinthian Midwinter Race weekends, and four boats at the Big Daddy regatta in March. Hopes were high that we’d have five boats racing at J/Fest, but two usual racers were unable to attend. On the plus side, at least all of us who did join – Crazy Diamond, Joyride, and Zephyr – received a prize!

Next up on the Fleet 14 racing calendar is the Yacht Racing Association’s Season Opener race to Vallejo on Saturday, May 3, followed by a party at the Vallejo Yacht Club and a race back on Sunday. This race is traditionally draws one of largest fleets of boats all year, and so far about 200 boats are signed up for this year’s race.

Happy Sailing!

| 23 April 2008 |