![]() ![]() The United States Coast Guard is very serious about keeping the shipping lanes clear. The racers need to be smart regarding tugs, ferries, and ships. ![]() I consider the commercial traffic a tactical challenge. All three courses are going to have a battle that morning. The Cruiser-Racers simply go to Scatchet Head lighted gong and back. ![]() The Short Course takes sailors to Double Bluff and back. I've done this race before when we short-tacked the western shore and did very well. With a big flood, you might not want to be in the deepest water. Our tradition of switching courses on even and odd years began in 2004 because the committee wanted some variety.Ĭan you please walk us through the course and the tactical challenges that it presents? I understand that the SYC switches between the Smith Island Race (even years) and the Protection Island Race (odd years)-has this always been the case? Also, what's the reason for rotating turning marks? Variety? ![]() Cruiser-Racers really showed up last year! Two classes worth! Also, TP-52 like this race because the distance gives them a good opportunity to stretch their legs and train for Swiftsure and the Van Isle. When Protection Island was the last race in the series, that wasn't possible.Īs far as competition levels and the kind of sailors and boats that it attracts, I'd say we have a class for every keel boat. People like to have time for parties and awards at the conclusion of the series. At one point, Protection Island was last in the series. We dropped Hat in 2000 and added Blake Island in 2001. Over the years, different courses have been included - and in different order: Vashon, Hat Island, Smith Island and Protection Island. SYC has a long history of hosting the Tri-Island series. I checked in with Regan Edwards, regatta co-chair of Seattle Yacht Club's 2023 Protection Island Race, via email, to learn more about this exciting Puget Sound big-boat race.Ī Southern Resident killer whale breaches in Puget Sound - photo © Monika Wieland ShieldsĬan you please give us some history and backstory on the Protection Island Race, its history, competition levels, and the kinds of sailors and boats that it attracts? While it's been a few years, I can personally report that the Long course is one of the area's best races. The Cruiser/Racer Course, meanwhile, runs to Scatchet Head and back home. The Short/Sportboat Course stays in Puget Sound, with teams rounding the Double Bluff Lighted Buoy, off of Whidbey Island's Double Bluff, to port and then usually finishing off of Shilshole. The Long Course exits Puget Sound for the waters of Admiralty Inlet, rounds Protection Island, to port, and then usually finishes by the starting area. The race offers three courses, Long, Short/Sportboat, and Cruiser/Racer, all of which start off of Seattle's Shilshole Bay Marina and head north up Puget Sound before returning home. One classic example is the Seattle Yacht Club's Protection Island Race, which is the first race in the SYC's greater Tri-Island series, and which is set to unfurl from April 29-30. But, given the many great sailors who call the Puget Sound area home, coupled with the challenging racing (wind holes, shipping traffic, logs, and big tides) and the fact that summertime typically delivers high-pressure situations (and because people go cruising), most of the local racing takes place while the local ski areas are still drawing crowds. That holds for the air and the sea water. Not New England-in-the-winter cold, but certainly not warm. Racing big boat on Puget Sound helps one develop character. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |