1 - 9 posts
Singlehanded Racing -
Good morning All,
It appears that everything singlehanded is located up north around SF. Is there anything located in the Southern California area? I'm a long time single hander sailor, and would love to start participating in races, but down here, it's either with a crew and or double handed. Don't have anyone else wanting to sail shorthanded. Thanks.
Mr Hedgehog
yes, there is! - you should check out PSSA aka the Pacific Singlehanded Sailing Association.
http://www.pssala.com/
Best,
DH
N/M 45 Tiger Beetle
I raced several PSSA events as crew for my Dad on his boats. The rabbit starts are a lot of fun, particularly when you are the rabbit; having the entire fleet out in front of you then gives you something to aim for. A good group, we did the Dan Byrne series (Dan was a founding member of the PSSA, did the 1980 Singlehanded TransPac, and the 1982 BOC race). Count on the wind to die at night...Originally Posted by DaveH
I'd recommend the PSSA if racing out of Santa Monica Bay works for you.
- rob
cat whisperer
A "rabbit start" is a fun alternative way to start a race, used exclusively here for Santa Cruz Wed, night races with a fleet of diverse size and speed. No RC necessary
A boat volunteers ahead of time to be the Rabbit, usually one of mid-fleet speed, not too fast or slow. Flying a distinguishing flag from the backstay is a good designation for the Rabbit.
A warning horn is sounded by the Rabbit 5, or 3 minutes, before the Rabbit starts its run. Another horn is sounded at the start when the Rabbit starts its "run," close-hauled, on port tack. You then have 5, or 3 minutes to start by crossing behind the Rabbit on starboard tack. In effect, this is a moving gate. When all have started, the Rabbit is "released", tacks to starboard, and the race is underway to the first (windward) mark.
The 505 Class uses the Rabbit start for all their races, even in the big fleets of their Worlds Championship.
One local variation is for the Rabbit to tow a rubber duckie 1-2 lengths astern. This helps prevent close encounters between any anxious starters and the vulnerable Rabbit. Another variation is for the Rabbit to start its run on starboard tack, and the starters cross astern on port tack.
Recommend giving it a try. Works even when 2 boats are "playing" together. Wouldn't work if starting classes at different times is desired.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7_MrijLSuE
Last edited by sleddog; 07-19-2019 at 07:42 PM.
100 - 199 posts
Is there any disadvantage for Rabbit start? I wonder why this start is not more popular? More conflict between boats?
Todd
N/M 45 Tiger Beetle
There is a limitation to the rabbit start - it works when there is one and only one start for the fleet - e.g., all boats start astern of the rabbit and everyone is out onto the race course. If your fleet has two starts (or more) then the rabbit won't work.
- rob
Desert Ratfox
Drivn: I feel your pain. I was a longtime SSS member, but when I retired I moved to Borrego Springs and moved my boat to Oceanside, chosen because it's the shortest drive from home. I joined PSSA, but I didn't manage to make any of their races last year and got to exactly one this year, thanks largely to a series of engine problems. And once, too much wind - can you believe it?
It's something like 70 miles from Oceanside to Marina del Rey where PSSA operates, so it takes a certain amount of dedication and time to get to their races. And their summer races are so short - 15 to 20 miles - that I won't even bother.
Where are you located? I've talked with a couple of other racers in Oceanside who are interested in singlehanding. Maybe we should all try to cook something up together. I've even thought of contacting the PSSA board to see if they would be willing to have a Southern Division under their auspices.
Max
200+ posts, OMG
Why not a Southern Division under the auspices of the SSS? Just out of San Diego itself there are three of us from the 2018 SHTP, plus other locals with several SHTP's in their wakes.
Lee
s/v Morning Star
Valiant 32
1 - 9 posts
On Saturday, August 3, there is a singlehanded/doublehanded pursuit race in San Diego. Don't need your own PHRF certificate to enter, a PHRF rating for a sister ship will suffice (or maybe a friendly note to the RC). This helps keep the cost low for the infrequent racer.
http://www.regattanetwork.com/event/17876#_home
Last year 13 boats entered. Would be great to have more participation.
Last edited by DLC99; 07-14-2019 at 07:18 PM.
David
S/V PASSAGES
Olson 30
Desert Ratfox
Hey, that's right. I knew about that one, but I didn't pay a lot of attention because there's a charity regatta in Oceanside that weekend. Maybe I'll scoot down to SD instead.
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