The smell of hot dogs wafted through the cockpit from the grill on our boat’s stern, and laughter rang out from friends sitting on the side deck and perched on the cabin top after a sappy joke. We were making way, but the sails were working hard just to stay filled in the light southerly breeze.

Sailing slowly westward across Puget Sound on a pleasant October afternoon, we weren’t just out for an average day sail with friends. We were racing our house against other liveaboards, and the entertainment on each boat seemed to be equally festive. One house blared music and appeared to be throwing a dance party. Two other boats sailed in tandem, and threw cookies and cold beverages back and forth as we all neared a turning mark off Bainbridge Island’s Point Monroe.

After finally inching our way around the mark, the once fickle wind began to build, causing the racing sailor in me to perk up. I called for our asymmetrical spinnaker to be hoisted, and we sailed on a tight reach back across the Sound, towards Meadow Point, and then through the finish line off of Shilshole Bay Marina. With high fives from the crew, we celebrated and talked about what place we thought we came in. It didn’t really matter. Bragging rights are nice, but that’s not the point. It was another fun Race Your House put on by the Sloop Tavern Yacht Club, and we celebrated accordingly that evening with our fellow racers.

A few weeks later, I was back on the race course again, this time sailing around the San Juan Islands in the infamous Round the County race. As part of the crew on a well-sailed J/145, we were pushing hard to windward in a building breeze after starting in Rosario Strait. Salt spray soaked the crew on the rail and, at my position trimming the mainsheet, my hood wasn’t doing much to keep the rain from finding its way in. In quiet contemplation and focus, there was very little talking going on and certainly no laughter. We were doing well against the competition and I could sense that everyone was keen on grabbing a victory on day one. Well, that, and the reward of hot showers and cold beers at Roche Harbor.

The second day of this counterclockwise contest around the islands was completely different. Light, shifty breezes and contrary currents made it difficult for everyone. Yet, it was fun to figure out the puzzle, the weather was sunny, and the mood had more of a bounce to it and less intensity. With the bottom end of Lopez Island behind us, we snuck by a few boats near Watmough Bay, and then played the Decatur and Blakely Island side to make a strong finish. We didn’t win overall, but we made the podium and had a lot of fun doing it.

Race Your House and Round the County are two of my favorite events in the Salish Sea, and what I love is how vastly different the experiences are. That’s part of what makes sailboat racing—or just being on the water—in the Pacific Northwest so special. There are as many ways to enjoy it as there are friendly folks to share it with. Where else can you race your house one weekend, and then another weekend do an epicly demanding and competitive distance race around an amazing island chain—all with some of your best friends? So racers, remember how special those moments are when you get out there this fall, because they’re certainly priceless.

Fair winds,

Andy

Feature image courtesy of Jan Anderson. 

Andy Cross Editor's letter