Congratulations to Larry Spencer & Todd Downey on another great win on Blue Star. Blue Stars team pulled off the near impossible with seven bullets for the entire regatta. In second place was Andy Macfie on Hoot, Third went to Jason Adamson on White Lightning, Fourth to John Scarborough on Hot Betty and in Fifth was Michael Hartung on Run Wild.
Friday saw a late start allowing for the sea breeze to fill and providing for some spectacular sailing. With winds in the mid teens and gusts to 20 the class had some active battles for podium finishes. Blue Star walked away with two bullets while Hoot and White Lightning battled out for second and third. Being from San Francisco I think Hoot had a real advantage with the wind and waves, I know they sure looked like they enjoyed it. After two great races the fleet met back at ABYC’s dock to enjoy some pizza and beer, provided by the class and ordered by Mr. Downey, and got to exchange stories from the day. We also saw some carnage with Hoot repairing a torn out turning block and Run Wild with a torn kite.
Saturday brought more great weather with 3 races planned the fleet started in 8-10kts which slowly built the rest of the afternoon until for the last race we were seeing upper teen’s and gusts past 20kts. Also with good surf the fleet got to enjoy some exilerating downwind runs. Again we saw Blue Star run away with 3 bullets for the day. Again Hoot and White Lightning battled it out for 2nd and 3rd place. Even Hot Betty was putting the gauntlet down and was showing these two that not all was secure in the top spots just yet.
Sunday began with what looked like might be a lighter day, but soon showed us that Long Beach would provide yet another wild and wet day. With 2 races planned the fleet began in lighter breeze that by the end of race one was building to the low to mid teen’s. The last race of the regatta provided the best conditions from the entire weekend. R/C called a 3 lap course, the longest we’d seen, and everyone was amp’d to go. Some boats went with a #1 headsail, some a #2 and even some a #3. By the end of the race it was #3 weather with gust to 20 and downwind rides that included some great surfing. Everyone had a great time and were all smiles back at the dock.
I would like to thank ABYC for accomodating us, LBYC for trophies and parties, and the LBRW crew for the great venue, fantastic R/C’s and all around awesome event. For full results you can go to http://www.lbrw.org/2012_Results/LBRW_Overall.htm and for any other info check out http://www.lbrw.org/index.html. Ask any of boats how great this event was. I hope more of you can make it out for next years Nationals being again held during Long Beach Race Week 2013.
Jason Adamson
2012/2013 Olson Class President