By Fred Hoeppner
Sailing columnist
With two sailing events in one week, the Friday Harbor Sailing Club outdid itself.
June 10, their regular monthly meeting was held on the grounds of Howard and Mary Lewis off Mitchell Bay with a potluck barbecue. Kari Koski of Soundwatch gave a very informative talk about their work and the reasons for giving the orcas plenty of sea room.
As a warm-up, five members raced their boats in the waters off Mitchell Bay and Mosquito Pass that afternoon. Long-time resident Howard Lewis in Victory, a Newport 27, used local knowledge to place first. Lloyd Bacon in Got T’ Run, a Cal 20, and Bill VanSkyhawk in Scarlett de Haro, a C&C 25, used skill to tie for second. This writer, in Mariana, a CT 41, and Dennis Pratt in Levi, a Cal 20, scored fourth and fifth respectively.
On Saturday, Fleet Captain Paul Barger and Vice Commodore Bob Querry manned the committee boat to run six races with nine boats in Griffin Bay and North Bay for the club’s annual Rudi Regatta, an event honoring Rudi Grigoleit.
Rudi, now deceased, and his wife Ilse-Maria were ocean-cruising sailors for many years and stalwart supporters of FHSC. Ilse-Maria continues to sail in their boat, Donna Rose, and crewed their boat to second place in the Cruising Class on Saturday.
Force 2 winds (4-7 knots) did not favor the heavier boats, and tricky currents in the large flood current governed many position changes during the races.
A great day was had by all, with top honors in the Racing Class going to Bacon and Got T’ Run. Lewis and Victory placed second; Robert Anderson in Diva, third; this writer in Mariana, fourth; Pratt in Levi, fifth; and John Manning in Alishoni, sixth.
The Friday Harbor Sailing Club’s purpose is “To organize, promote and encourage amateur sailing, racing and powerboat activities.”
As to sailors, it is truthfully said, “To learn how to really sail, one must race.” A strictly cruising sailor is probably getting only 75 percent on the speed potential of his or her boat.
If you are interested in joining the FHSC, call Commodore Susan Eberhard at 378-3608, e-mail eberhard@rockisland.com; or Vice Commodore Bob Querry, 378-7043, e-mail bobq@rockisland.com.
— Fred Hoeppner is a retired Navy captain and active competitive sailor.
