StFYC 25-30 Mile Ocean Race - Saturday, April 6, 2002
The StFYC Ocean race was held on a beautiful Saturday under sunny skies in a 3.4 ebb tide. The 24 boat J105 fleet got off to a clean start in 8-12 knots of SW breeze at TI and split going up to the gate. Larrikin escaped to lead the fleet north of Alcatraz while Wianno and eventual winner Blackhawk went up the city front and got better tide. When the fleet met under the bridge, Wianno and Blackhawk led the fleet. A wicked back eddy reordered the remaining fleet and set up the line out to the Lightship Bucket as winds picked up to 20 Knots NW in 1-3 ft swells at 14 seconds. Bella Rosa rounded first followed by Blackhawk and Wianno followed closely by Good Timin, Zuni Bear and Tiburon. The ride in was a really cool surf in a tight reach as the winds increased to 25 - 30 Knots just outside the gate. Most boats did a gybe set at the mark. The few that bore away, however, got to come back on a hotter line that helped exploit the surf in and provided one of the few passing lanes. Boats reported hitting speeds of 17 - 18 knots on extended wave rides!! The normal havoc played around the south tower and Blackhawk managed to scoot past Bella Rosa to grab first, followed by Bella Rosa, Good Timin, Zuni Bear, Tiburon and Wianno. Sails Call, last year's season runner up, made a surprise showing and placed seventh followed by Larrikin in eighth. Advantage 3 and Just Foolin' Around rounded out the top ten. No damage was reported and all had a great run home. As a result of this race, Bella Rosa now grabs the season lead at 9 points (7 races, 2 throwouts) followed by Good Timin 10 points and Blackhawk 11 points.