2012 SH Farallones

[bobwalden]

Who's in? Why is the home page not updated to show the skippers meeting coming up next? Where is the signal doohickey?

bw

[Wylieguy]

When I go to the "RACE" page I get the 2011 Richmond-South Beach info, along with mostly other 2011 information.
Pat Broderick

[Critter]

Matt the webmaster has been on vacation, and none of the rest of us knows how to update the site. Sorry.

Registration is open: https://www.jibeset.net/rlogin.php. Bob, which signal doohickey are you referring to?

Max

[K38Bob]

Hi,
BAMA has been having fun with GPS track replay for 3 years now.

Here's the how to guide and our collection of races
http://www.sfbama.org/racing/replay/BAMA%20Race%20Replay.html

As a community service we could probably do SHF if interested as is offered to OYRA http://www.sfbama.org/racing/replay/120414OYRAFarallon.html

cheers
bob

[bobwalden]

Oop-autocorrect. I meant signup doohickey. Thanks Max.

[bobwalden]

uh-oh: this does not look good.
http://www.pressure-drop.us/forums/showthread.php?2476-USCG-canceling-Ocean-Racing-!

[markm]

Are there any notes from the skipper's meeting?
Am not racing but will be out there on a crewed boat w/2 others the same day.
Might be good to know we are out there. Am interested in if there are additional comms plans.

[bobwalden]

From YRA:


Hello Duxship Participants,



Some of you may or may not have heard the rumors making the rounds about the Coast Guard suspending ocean racing. Here is the situation as it now stands:



Late yesterday we were contacted by Captain Cindy Stowe, the US Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Sector San Francisco. She has decided to temporarily suspend all marine event permits for offshore races and has asked US Sailing to come in and perform an independent investigation of the Low Speed Chase accident. She expects the investigation to take approximately a month and it is her hope that offshore racing can resume at the end of May. This means that the Duxship Race scheduled for Saturday will not be able to be held as originally planned.



This news has come as a surprise to us here at the YRA/OYRA, as just this Tuesday we had a long but positive meeting with the Waterways Division of the Coast Guard, the department that oversees our offshore permits, and we left that meeting feeling that there were no problems with the Duxship race this weekend. We expected the race to be held as scheduled.



Given that the OYRA cannot run an ocean race without a USCG issued Marine Event Permit, we are left with two options. Cancel the race completely or keep the race within the COLREGS Line of Demarcation (Mile Rocks). The OYRA Board has been discussing these options since last night when word came out that an Offshore Race was not possible. Rather than cancel outright, the OYRA Board would like to run a modified event that will still leave from the St Francis YC at the regularly scheduled time, head out to Point Bonita and then return to a Yacht Club within the bay where there will be an informal get-together for all the racers and crew. This would be a non-counter event and will just give those of you with crew ready and wanting to sail and opportunity to still get out on the water in an organized event.



Since we didn’t learn of the suspension of ocean racing permits until late yesterday we are still trying to work out details for an in-the-bay event. We will get more information out to everyone as soon as possible.



Laura

And on NorCal Sailing: http://norcalsailing.com

[glythcott]

Who's in? Why is the home page not updated to show the skippers meeting coming up next? Where is the signal doohickey?

bw

I'm in. Need to get more pre-SSS Transpac ocean time...testing new equipment/fixes.

[ronnie simpson]

US 101 is sailing solo around the Farallones on May 12.

[Eyrie]

Eyrie will sail solo to the Farralones on May 12th too. Ronnie, I'll plan on heading out about 5 minutes ahead of you so that I can get some photos of you coming up from behind. After, we can talk about sail trim and stuff. Gotta whip you in shape for the puddle jump to Hanalei. Anyone else that wants to join and get sail trim tips from someone who plays a sailmaker on TV, I'll bring extra rolls of film for my smartphone.

[ronnie simpson]

as someone who nearly died while serving this country, i will be damned when a government agency tells me i can't go offshore sailing. oooh, i'm getting all worked up right now...

thanks eyrie :) i'll take all the pointers i can get from you...

[brianb]

I plan to be out there testing autopilot settings. Happy to snap photos of anyone.

[ronnie simpson]

is it going to ruffle too many feathers if i organize a singlehanded farallones cruise out on May 12, including division splits, trophies, t-shirts, recorded times and organized starts?

[bobwalden]

If you're going to do something that organized, you might wind up with the coast guard in your face. It would count as a marine event requiring a permit.

I am waiting to see what the new date for the sh farallones race is. If they do indeed just move it, then I will do that one--especially if there is also a replacement SSS race in the bay. If no word by May 12, I'll be out there too.

Realize that does not help you Ronnie as you are on a tight schedule.

bw

[Critter]

Seeing as how it's awfully hard to set good race dates even under normal conditions, much less shoehorning them in when the year is well underway, I have a feeling the most likely outcome is that we'll keep our scheduled dates but flip-flop the Farallones with our Sep. 8 race, which was a TBD course in the bay. Unfortunately it can be pretty quiet on the ocean in September.

Since any change is likely to mess with somebody's vacation schedule, not to mention the SHTP entrants who need ocean time in the spring, we may add a second throwout to the season scoring.

Max

[bobwalden]

Seeing as how it's awfully hard to set good race dates even under normal conditions, much less shoehorning them in when the year is well underway, I have a feeling the most likely outcome is that we'll keep our scheduled dates but flip-flop the Farallones with our Sep. 8 race, which was a TBD course in the bay. Unfortunately it can be pretty quiet on the ocean in September.

Since any change is likely to mess with somebody's vacation schedule, not to mention the SHTP entrants who need ocean time in the spring, we may add a second throwout to the season scoring.

Max

Makes sense Max.

[Nathan Bossett]

US 101 is sailing solo around the Farallones on May 12.

I also prefer the ocean to the bay for May 12 (Elise, also #101).

[robtryon]

I will be sailing out to the rockpile on the 12th of May, with Ruben G as crew.

[Alexmehran]

Truth will sail on the 12th as well. If the race is off, let me know what GPS time you want to cross the line

[Harrier]

If the "United States Safety Agency" deems the subject race too risky, how much longer before they zero in on my favorite SSS race?

[ronnie simpson]

The 2012 Singlehanded Farallones race is no longer. The man killed it. After talking with Greg Nelsen, I feel it's appropriate that the 99% rally together and "Occupy" the Farallones.

The Occupy movement is extending offshore on May 12, 2012. In addition, there will be an impromptu rose and wreath laying memorial service for the crew of LSC, as each boat rounds the island.

OCCUPY FARALLONES 2012!!!

[Eyrie]

The Occupy movement is extending offshore on May 12, 2012. In addition, there will be an impromptu rose and wreath laying memorial service for the crew of LSC, as each boat rounds the island.

OCCUPY FARALLONES 2012!!!

Since the system is already in place, can we use the race registration program so that we know who is going and keep a watchful eye over each other?

Perhaps Deathspear can post his GPS coordinates that he has set to keep him off the rock pile when the fog blows in or night falls, and we can all voluntarily add them to our GPS Waypoint list for the day.

There are SHTP entrants that need to practice, so this will just be an organized practice to support our fraternity. Because that's what we are here for, to promote safe shorthanded sailing, not crawl under the bed sheets gripped with fear.

[Now&Zen]

I think that racing organizations are going to have to make proposals to the CG to make the Farallones races safer. Tethers may be part of it. But a 'Restricted Zone' might be called for. There was a really good posting on Sailing Anarchy about staying out of a 10 fathom zone. That shallower than 10 fathoms increases the likelihood of large ways. I was playing around with it and something like this might make sense.

S. Farallones N 37 42.42'N 123 00.31'W
S. Farallones NW 37 42.40'N 123 01.45'W
S. Farallones S 37 41.49'N 123 00.15'W
S. Farallones SW 37 41.47'N 123 01.45'W


Thoughts? Check them out and see if they make sense.
Tony

[Rainbow]

I've registered for SHF. If the race doesn't happen, and conditions permitting, Rainbow will take a solo cruise around the Farallones on May 12, hitting the Gate at about 0700 to catch the ebb.

Cliff Shaw

[BobJ]

Not all will agree with me but I feel compelled to post.

I am also opposed to the CG's actions but I think everyone should give Max and the SSS Board an opportunity to reschedule the SHF. I think this will be the 35th year? The SHF has been called a "Rite of Passage" for solo racers in our area and it holds a lot of significance for many of us.

Moreover, nothing good can come from sailing out there on May 12th in some sort of organized statement or protest. As single-handed racers, we are the group most vulnerable to increased scrutiny and regulation. By posting your intentions on this SSS-sponsored Forum you are using the SSS to plan this activity, and this puts the SSS in a bad light at a time when we could use our good reputation to try to improve the situation. I have no doubt that the powers-that-be read these Forums.

I understand, really I do - but let the Board get the race rescheduled. If you want to get in some practice or start your qualifier on 5/12, more power to you. Just don't organize it here.

Respectfully,
Bob J.

[bobwalden]

+1 to bobJ's comment. I was initially going to sail the course myself on may 12, but then Max said they'd reschedule it, and then others started making may 12 sound like a political rally. I'd rather support Max and the SSS. I'll do the in-the-bay course may 12 and SHF in sept or whenever it gets booked. I sail out to the farallones a couple times a year cruising anyway--not feeling compelled to do it on the 12th.

bw

[dhusselman]

I think that racing organizations are going to have to make proposals to the CG to make the Farallones races safer. Tethers may be part of it. But a 'Restricted Zone' might be called for. There was a really good posting on Sailing Anarchy about staying out of a 10 fathom zone. That shallower than 10 fathoms increases the likelihood of large ways. I was playing around with it and something like this might make sense.

S. Farallones N 37 42.42'N 123 00.31'W
S. Farallones NW 37 42.40'N 123 01.45'W
S. Farallones S 37 41.49'N 123 00.15'W
S. Farallones SW 37 41.47'N 123 01.45'W


Thoughts? Check them out and see if they make sense.
Tony

Didn't check the waypoints but I am definitely in favor of having a restricted zone. It would make a lot of sense if all organizations that organize a Farallones race agree on the same restricted zone and communicate that to the CG.

[SSSForumAdmin]

*Due to recent events, the SSS will use an alternate course for the May 12th race. The Farallon's race will be reschedulted for later in the year. Both races will have singlehanded only entries and an additional season throw-out will be used for overall season scoring.

Two singlehanded races are better than one. Using Point Bonita as a mark for the May 12th race will not require the additional ocean racing equipment. A revised additional sailing instruction for the May 12th alternate race course will be posted soon.

[pogen]

Moreover, nothing good can come from sailing out there on May 12th in some sort of organized statement or protest.

I agree with Bob. As frustrating as the situation is, and of course this group as singlehanders will have a libertarian bias, getting into any kind of head butting with USCG will be very, very counterproductive in the long run. If people want to individually sail somewhere outside the bay that is one thing, they should just do so without any appearance whatsoever of subverting the well established USCG legal authority to regulate any marine 'event'.

I have some indication that the USS committee won't be as bad as some have feared, and we may find the outcome quite acceptable compared to what it could be. We need to stand by, show some patience and maturity. The ocean will still be there.

[algwind]

Lots of good, constructive ideas being posted. Thanks to the Board for steering a winning course by keeping us sailing (in the bay) on schedule and still having the SHF later this year. I agree with those advocating shallow water restrictions around Southeast Farallon; too bad there isn't a convenient bouy in the same vicinity.

In my experience, the SSS has an excellent relationship with the Coast Guard, and I hope we all do everything we can to keep it that way. At this point, as I understand things, there is little threat to the 2012 Singlehanded Transpac. The one thing that could negatively impact the SHTP would be to go "mano a mano" with the Coast Guard now.

Al Germain
Bandicoot

[Culebra]

For me, one of the rewards and challenges of an ocean race, including short, intense races like the Farallones, is to demonstrate and improve upon my seamanship. Describing artificial boundaries like a depth contour or coordinates is to say that inside the boundary is dangerous and outside is safe. What is safe one day, is not the next. It's the mariner's duty to consider the conditions and the risks, and make sound judgments. The SSS promotes education and experiences that nurture both the budding and the competent solo sailor. Learning to exercise good seamanship, good judgment, is an essential part of that learning curve.

Culebra and I raced solo in the OYRA Farallones this past April 14th. I wasn't aware of the tragedy that occurred until I was back in my slip at the end of the day. But as I approached the island, where the wind and seas intensified, I saw a much larger surf zone than usual so I stood off a 1/2 mile all the way around. Which is outside the marks several have proposed. Pretty much all the other boats rounding with me stood off a similar distance as well. Leeway toward shore, from a high sea and high winds, was significant, especially due to my higher angle of heel. The south-setting current also drew me shoreward. And there was the potential to make mistakes, as I often do singlehanding. I considered that a minimum safe distance for me, for those conditions.

I've also been around the Farallones when conditions were balmy and benign... the kind of rare day when you actually get to sail closer to enjoy, and later, savor, the texture and color of the shoreline.

So now we're going to tell the racer what is a safe distance to stand off, for every set of conditions. That's incongruent with our vision as an organization. And it's dangerous. The CG, and especially we all, should know better. Instead let's insist on, and model, good judgment. (And yes, I was tethered.)

Paul/Culebra

[ronnie simpson]

You guys are right. I am an opinionated, passionate young man and I don't always exercise wisdom. Part of me being young and my background, I suppose. I fully intend to sail solo around the Farallones on May 12, as I consider it a very valuable part of my training regimen for Singlehanded Transpac. But I am not going to try to promote, have an organized event, or conduct anything that could be labeled as a political protest. I would never want to do anything that could jeopardize the SSS' reputation and standing with local authorities.

I'm young and get carried away sometimes.

But I am looking forward to sailing around the Farallones on May 12.

[bobwalden]

You guys are right. I am an opinionated, passionate young man and I don't always exercise wisdom. Part of me being young and my background, I suppose. I fully intend to sail solo around the Farallones on May 12, as I consider it a very valuable part of my training regimen for Singlehanded Transpac. But I am not going to try to promote, have an organized event, or conduct anything that could be labeled as a political protest. I would never want to do anything that could jeopardize the SSS' reputation and standing with local authorities.

I'm young and get carried away sometimes.

But I am looking forward to sailing around the Farallones on May 12.

Excellent; go safe, have a float plan filed with someone, take pix!

bw

[pogen]

Have a great training sail Ronnie.

[Alexmehran]

Ditto what Ronnie said - I just want to stick to my planned training schedule for the Solo TP which the SH Farallones was a part of - I think the whole occupy thing was someone's joke.

[K38Bob]

For me, one of the rewards and challenges of an ocean race, including short, intense races like the Farallones, is to demonstrate and improve upon my seamanship. Describing artificial boundaries like a depth contour or coordinates is to say that inside the boundary is dangerous and outside is safe. What is safe one day, is not the next. It's the mariner's duty to consider the conditions and the risks, and make sound judgments. The SSS promotes education and experiences that nurture both the budding and the competent solo sailor. Learning to exercise good seamanship, good judgment, is an essential part of that learning curve.

Culebra and I raced solo in the OYRA Farallones this past April 14th. I wasn't aware of the tragedy that occurred until I was back in my slip at the end of the day. But as I approached the island, where the wind and seas intensified, I saw a much larger surf zone than usual so I stood off a 1/2 mile all the way around. Which is outside the marks several have proposed. Pretty much all the other boats rounding with me stood off a similar distance as well. Leeway toward shore, from a high sea and high winds, was significant, especially due to my higher angle of heel. The south-setting current also drew me shoreward. And there was the potential to make mistakes, as I often do singlehanding. I considered that a minimum safe distance for me, for those conditions.

I've also been around the Farallones when conditions were balmy and benign... the kind of rare day when you actually get to sail closer to enjoy, and later, savor, the texture and color of the shoreline.

So now we're going to tell the racer what is a safe distance to stand off, for every set of conditions. That's incongruent with our vision as an organization. And it's dangerous. The CG, and especially we all, should know better. Instead let's insist on, and model, good judgment. (And yes, I was tethered.)

Paul/Culebra

Here's an idea for an "obstruction" with some plots from recent CF races
http://www.sfbama.org/racing/replay/120414OYRAFarallonzone.JPG
131

zoomed out in google earth
http://www.sfbama.org/racing/replay/120414OYRAFarallon.JPG
132

verified by GPS track or log with photos of other boats or competitor corroboration. (yes they were outside my GPS track shown which complies- this takes care of the sextantarian generation )

You can watch GPS track movie 3 boats in CF
http://www.sfbama.org/racing/replay/120414OYRAFarallon.html

Not a safety zone since safety changes with boat and conditions. (Rule 4)

Also propose that Rule 2 "fair sailing" includes seamanship (and include reference documents such as Chapmans). Penalties to be multiples of the time advantage gained up to and including DSQ and barring from future races. May need to revise SI's to clarify. Could petition to have formal rule change (Hey- we're progressive in educating the world to not sail near rocks). This way only folks cutting corners get penalized.

133
134

Elsewhere also proposed an Offshore Race Council of the clubs that run the 24 offshore races (OYRA only runs 5-8 of the 24 depending when CG counted). Minimally to share info and experiences. Goal to identify best practices and to standardize/implement across the clubs/races. Super goal would be to standardize SI's as much as possible. CHair would rotate amongst the clubs. YRA could administrate.

cheers
bob

[K38Bob]

Press release on panel

http://media.ussailing.org/Latest_News/2012/US_Sailing_to_Conduct_Independent_Study_on_2012_Cr ewed_Farallones_Race.htm

[breezetrees]

Two singlehanded races are better than one. Using Point Bonita as a mark for the May 12th race will not require the additional ocean racing equipment. A revised additional sailing instruction for the May 12th alternate race course will be posted soon.

This is great for the epirb-less like myself. I would like to sign up for this but the registration form requires the PLB info. Is this a mistake or is the beacon required for this race?
-Mike (Firebolt)

[Critter]

I would like to sign up for this but the registration form requires the PLB info. Is this a mistake or is the beacon required for this race?
Mike, that's a leftover from when the registration was set up for the Farallones. The ocean equipment requirements are not in effect for May 12. You also shouldn't need to upload a boat photo. If the system demands it, get in touch with Jackie the Race Info Officer, and she'll change the setup or create a workaround or something computerish like that.

[breezetrees]

Mike, that's a leftover from when the registration was set up for the Farallones. The ocean equipment requirements are not in effect for May 12. You also shouldn't need to upload a boat photo. If the system demands it, get in touch with Jackie the Race Info Officer, and she'll change the setup or create a workaround or something computerish like that.
I entered fake data for now with a comment in the comments section that hopefully will explain. I'll email Jackie too. Looking forward to sailing under the GG bridge solo. Now I have to find a babysitter.
-Mike (Firebolt)

[Philpott]

Please everybody, be patient. As I type Max is finalizing the course for May 12. You're gonna love it. It has all the excitement of an offshore race and none of the fear or loathing. Bridges, buoys, ferries and tankers. These things take time. Can't just set up a fly by night course for members of the SSS. So please, don't enter fake data. Remember, I know who you are and where you live. I know that your children are with a babysitter in your absence. I don't want to give the Coast Guard a phone number for you that will turn out to be a muffler shop. Or worse.

[BobJ]

Wow, I may have to come down river for this one - the marketing alone is impressive. I wonder where Max is getting the ferries and tankers - sounds like AAMCO . . .

[Rainbow]

I'm uplifted to read the tone of posts about supporting Max and SSS plans to run an inside course on the 12th, to re-schedule the Farallons for September, and especially Paul and BobJ's well stated comments. I've seen the offshore break out there and know it is sometimes safe to pass inside the break zone, and sometimes not. Unless conditions are really lousy I'll cruise to the Farallons on the 12th, not to make any statement about current events, but because I want more singlehanded experience before SHTP, and time is short. But I emphasize, I'll go only if conditions permit -- seamanship and safety first, and I understand clearly that SSS has cancelled the sanctioned event.

Cliff Shaw
Rainbow

[glythcott]

I had been planning on sailing the SHF Race as part of my SHTP training. A Bay race just will not do. My plan was to use this race to test boat modifications, my physical conditioning and just because I like off-shore sailing. I have no need to protest nor challenge the Coast Guard. They are my allies. I respect them and the work they do. On May 12th I plan to sail out and round the rock pile and practice. Hell, I have a lot of fast boats and good sailors that I have to "run" with in the SHTP (you know who you are). You didn't think this was going to be easy did you?

George
TAZ!!

[bobwalden]

I had been planning on sailing the SHF Race as part of my SHTP training. A Bay race just will not do. My plan was to use this race to test boat modifications, my physical conditioning and just because I like off-shore sailing. I have no need to protest nor challenge the Coast Guard. They are my allies. I respect them and the work they do. On May 12th I plan to sail out and round the rock pile and practice. Hell, I have a lot of fast boats and good sailors that I have to "run" with in the SHTP (you know who you are). You didn't think this was going to be easy did you?

George
TAZ!!

Have a good training sail George, be safe.

[K38Bob]

Might I make a suggestion? For anyone needing training for SHT that might be going offshore, chose middle farallones or north of fanny shoal just for some real world input? Or perhaps if there is more than one boat that needs training, you could test various methods of standoff distances. We've recently learned/been reminded that there is a 300 ft standoff from the farallones and a 1000 ft for boats over 5 knots. Since we don't have the ability to run different courses as a function of speed/rating it would seem 1000 ft is the minimum standoff legally. http://www.pressure-drop.us/forums/showthread.php?2476-USCG-canceling-Ocean-Racing-!&p=23319&viewfull=1#post23319

Its also suggested that 500 yards might be easier to implement and OYRA seems to have moved in that direction.
http://www.pressure-drop.us/forums/showthread.php?2476-USCG-canceling-Ocean-Racing-!&p=23338&viewfull=1#post23338

What do you think, experiment with some new ideas?
Thanks!

[Now&Zen]

Well Said Bob!


Not all will agree with me but I feel compelled to post.

I am also opposed to the CG's actions but I think everyone should give Max and the SSS Board an opportunity to reschedule the SHF. I think this will be the 35th year? The SHF has been called a "Rite of Passage" for solo racers in our area and it holds a lot of significance for many of us.

Moreover, nothing good can come from sailing out there on May 12th in some sort of organized statement or protest. As single-handed racers, we are the group most vulnerable to increased scrutiny and regulation. By posting your intentions on this SSS-sponsored Forum you are using the SSS to plan this activity, and this puts the SSS in a bad light at a time when we could use our good reputation to try to improve the situation. I have no doubt that the powers-that-be read these Forums.

I understand, really I do - but let the Board get the race rescheduled. If you want to get in some practice or start your qualifier on 5/12, more power to you. Just don't organize it here.

Respectfully,
Bob J.

[Now&Zen]

Hey Paul,
I totally respect your point of view. But I would argue that an organized race is different than sailing outside the parameters of an event. The race makes all kinds of rules that you have to follow. Safety gear, checking in and out, number of folks you have on board. We also have several restricted zones already defined for either homeland security or safety reasons. For instance we could remove the requirement to go outside Anita Rock Buoy and let people make their own decisions about whether or not to take that risk. Same with Colorado Reef Buoy on the way to HMB.
The Volvo Ocean Race and others make artificial gates to get the racers out of ice zones in the Southern Ocean. These skippers have a lot more ocean experience than you and I are likely to ever have and they would take the risk to stay in southern latitudes if race organizers didn't make northerly gates for them to go around.
So personally I don't have a problem with a race organization finding ways to help keep races safer. Even if it takes some of the judgement away from me. If I want to go practice rounding the Farallones more closely there is no reason I can't do that on my own time.
Does it mean it will always be safe? Of course not. Will it in general make it safer? I think so.
Respectfully,
Tony B.

For me, one of the rewards and challenges of an ocean race, including short, intense races like the Farallones, is to demonstrate and improve upon my seamanship. Describing artificial boundaries like a depth contour or coordinates is to say that inside the boundary is dangerous and outside is safe. What is safe one day, is not the next. It's the mariner's duty to consider the conditions and the risks, and make sound judgments. The SSS promotes education and experiences that nurture both the budding and the competent solo sailor. Learning to exercise good seamanship, good judgment, is an essential part of that learning curve.

Culebra and I raced solo in the OYRA Farallones this past April 14th. I wasn't aware of the tragedy that occurred until I was back in my slip at the end of the day. But as I approached the island, where the wind and seas intensified, I saw a much larger surf zone than usual so I stood off a 1/2 mile all the way around. Which is outside the marks several have proposed. Pretty much all the other boats rounding with me stood off a similar distance as well. Leeway toward shore, from a high sea and high winds, was significant, especially due to my higher angle of heel. The south-setting current also drew me shoreward. And there was the potential to make mistakes, as I often do singlehanding. I considered that a minimum safe distance for me, for those conditions.

I've also been around the Farallones when conditions were balmy and benign... the kind of rare day when you actually get to sail closer to enjoy, and later, savor, the texture and color of the shoreline.

So now we're going to tell the racer what is a safe distance to stand off, for every set of conditions. That's incongruent with our vision as an organization. And it's dangerous. The CG, and especially we all, should know better. Instead let's insist on, and model, good judgment. (And yes, I was tethered.)

Paul/Culebra

[ronnie simpson]

I won't be sailing this weekend. I am right in the middle of preparing for my qualifier and making good progress, so looking at the big picture, I need to take the weekend and continue working on my boat.

Have fun and be safe out there guys! (and girls)

[Critter]

It's confirmed: The Singlehanded Farallones race will be on August 4. We'll hold off on the SIs until we see what comes out of the Low Speed Chase investigation.

[Aussie]

Register and see who is going here: http://www.jibeset.net/JACKY000.php?RG=T005599269