Shilshole Bay Yacht Club Race Chair, Ben Lobaugh, checks in with a report from last weekend’s Snowbird Series race…

Tough conditions greet racers for conclusion of Shilshole Bay Yacht Club’s Snowbird Series

Saturday was an epic day for racing on Puget Sound! It was one of those days that proves sailors are either incredibly brave, or totally foolhardy: 11.4 foot ebb tide. 25 knot winds at the start. Four foot waves to POUND through!

Only 6 boats came out to battle the conditions, and I saw or heard from crews on the dock who watched from the safety of the marina. I don’t blame you for staying ashore because even aboard the committee boat we were struggling. Three of the crew were seasick.

We tried to do a single start for all the boats, but between the noise of the wind, the struggle to keep the boats going, and the flag holders ripping off the back of the committee boat, it was a bit chaotic. Luckily everyone came close enough to shout to and we started boats from whenever they crossed the start line (you will notice abnormal start times on the results, that is why ).

Everyone came home safely though, which is what we all strive for.

It was the sort of race stories will be told of for years to come.

Race 4 results are posted here.

And the series results are here. 

I would like to thank everyone who participated in this series. In particular, this years committee of seasoned racers helped craft some great courses.

Our next race is the TransPuget on September 12. It is a benefit race for Footloose Sailing Association. A non-profit that gets people with disabilities out on the water. A great group that I encourage you to check out footloosedisabledsailing.org. Hope to see you at that race!