Dee Smith Yacht Racing

2.4 Open Worlds, Rauma Finland

2015-08-18T08:14:00.002-07:00

102 Boats

7th Overall

4th Para Country

5th Para Sailor

1st Grand Master

1st Rookie

Half of the starting line

Most of the World’s best Para Sailors were in Rauma. The regatta was fairly light, smooth water and shifty. The starting lines were not easy, which meant it was challenging to have a good overall finish. Racing against this fleet I was able to learn a lot of new things necessary for me to be able to keep successfully competing. It was a very good building block for me to reach my goal, to compete and medal in Rio next September of 2016. I have continued my task of learning as much as possible over the last 6 months against the top five 2.4 sailors in the World. They are experienced and well established. Their Olympic programs and teams are all well in place. Their tech part of boat building is very strong. I would currently rate myself just behind this group and I feel in my heart that I am starting to challenge them. In Rauma, I had better boat speed and my handling skills also hugely improved. I was competitive.

It was a wonderful to be able to finally sail my own boat, the Kanaloa, built at Charger in Finland. With their expertise, I believe I was able to successfully modify her, and feel confident that these changes worked. My 2.4 fits my style of sailing, and Kanaloa did not disappoint.

I was so impressed to see that 5 out of the top 7 finishers were Paralympic sailors. They are soooooo good. It was a great experience for me to be racing with them in Rauma.

Bjomar Erikstad, Norway, 1st Para Sailor, 2nd Overall,.

This guy is unbelievable, Bjomar has no arms, just hands coming out of his shoulders.

He trims with his teeth!!

Note : Dacron Sails

Practice Race

A 7 leg race on a course, in an area that we did not sail on again.

I had a very good start, on the line, many were over and none were called, including the eventual winner who started 4 boat lengths ahead of me on my wind. This showed what I was up against with the RC. Do I take the chance they won’t see me and pull the trigger? Or keep it safe and try to battle back.. I chose the latter. No letters in my scores… This was one of my goals.

I sailed around in 2nd to 4th the whole race. The RC said the finish would be above the top mark. Halfway up the last beat, after I moved to the left of the fleet, they dropped the finish 20 degrees to the right. I was way over stood and ended up 6th, my top 3 finish was gone.

First Day

Light, holes and shifty. First race good start, good race, 3rd finish.. Gave me confidence to start that way.

Second race, fouled on both sides at the start!, got off the line 63rd. Rounded 41st top mark and finished 24th. A keeper in this fleet, great recovery, good speed.

Third race, my best of the Regatta. Very light, ok start, light and patchy. Played the fleet on the first leg rounded around 7-10, held position on the run, but on the next beat, passed all but one boat, the eventual series winner, by the top mark. I gybed set into 1st place, and held this position to the bottom mark. I ended up playing the right side on the final leg and loosing at the finish line but I was very happy with a 2nd.

Last mark, last race of day one, I am leading, third around Stellan Berlin, winner of the last 3 worlds.

The light and tricky day fit me well. Conditions that I would expect in Rio. Boat speed was good and my sailing matched.

Second Race Day

This was a day of top 5 starts but not finishes. I was not fast with a little more wind 8-12 knots. I started just to leeward of the good guys and could not hold my height. This did not feel good. Still a consistent day with 11,11,13. My sailing was good with shifts and puffs. Passed boats ok. But I just didn’t have it.

Rounded just behind the current gold medalist, Helena Lucas, GBR, 3 Para, 5th Overall

It was a pleasure to work with Jay Kehoe for the first time as my coach. He did a great job seeing things that I can’t see from a small boat so close to the water. Great support on and off the water.

On the Lay Day, we went over the rig tune and made some changes. New boat, new rigging and it settled in, and was now stretched. We re-tuned the rig, and the next day of racing the boat came alive. Best speed I had, which if I had that tune the day before, I think I would have had all top 5 finishes. I know that is hind sight but just learning here. I can always let the rig off but never make it tighter…while racing.

Third Race Day, Moving day

Not the right direction of moving.. Went from 4th to eighth. Two bad races and one ok race, or even very good race. I did not get off the line at all. The fleet just fouls and pushes the line. The RC lets them go.. Even on a Black flag. The 2nd race of the day I was headed for the pin start, and was going to be forced over in a black flag situation. I bailed out with 5 secs to go and gybed around and started on port. Some how, after taking more transoms that I can count, I got clear and started to play the shifts. There were many and, it was amazing! I was 3rd at the top mark.. Go figure. Made the mistake of trying the right side of the course on the next two beats, and dropped to 7th.

What the day taught me was , just stay cool, work the course from where you are and good things will happen.. How many times have I learned this?

Heiko Kroger, GER, 2nd Para, 3rd Overall

Last Race Day, 2 races, last chance.

With no real bad races, I could go for it. Went and won the pin, sailed a good race in different conditions, very shifty, left favored. Top 7 at the top mark, passed boats on the run to round 3rd and finished there after holding off with good speed and shifts on the final 3 legs the top 3 boats in the series.. Felt good again with everything.

Last Race,

For the first time in the regatta I picked the wrong end of the line. Sailed ok, but finished poorly for a throw out. Wish I finished stronger, but the 3rd was good enough to move me up one place.

What Did I Learn

So many things!

Sailing: I have learned enough to be competitive right now, but not enough to win. These conditions should be very similar to Rio. The start with 100 boats was hard. In Rio there will only be 16 boats, and the starts will be more civil. Seventy of the boats here did not care what they did and you could not count on them to sail to the rules. I am ok with starting in normal size fleets. I can trust my starting to be consistent.

Instruments: My compass did not work well. A last minute change on Lay day to use the Pro Start’s COG saved the day. No more funny numbers when the heel changed. I am going to have to figure out how do handle the situation. The compass is important in a tidal area like Rio. I really want the COG with the Pro Start and the compass to see the current set… I need to re-think my compass.

Rig: I learned a lot about tension, and spreader sweep. I spent time observing the winning boats and their systems. I now have a plan to improve in this area, which will make a difference.

Boat: There are many things that I was really happy with on my boat. More improvements still to be made though once I get her back to the US. It was not possible to do this in Finland and compete.

Sails: All of the competitive teams have excellent sail programs. This is nothing different than I am used to in the big boats. I am very fortunate to be currently using standard sails from Quantum and North. Now that I have the experience I am looking forward to developing my sails for my boat and rig that will suit for Rio conditions.

Rauma was key in my development toward Rio. Sailing against the best, and having just enough experience to be able to see the differences in speed and programs, will help me build on.

After this regatta, I now have the confidence that with hard work, good team management, great coaching and sufficient funding we should be able to medal in Rio.

My success in Rio, will all come down to raising more money for this program. My competition is all funded by their countries, they are Pro Para Sailors. To this point, I have been lucky to have support from the Windmark Olympic Foundation, St. Francis Sailing Foundation, USALCO, Quantum and North Sails, Gill, Velocitek, and Kaenon. The months are ticking by now and with only a short time left to continue my quest. I am only 25% there with my funding. The next 4 months are crucial in my boat and sail development.

Event web site:

http://www.rauma24worlds.com

Results: http://www.rauma24worlds.com/@Bin/338391/Results+for+International+2.4+mR+Class+World+Championship+8.-15.8_FINAL_complete.pdf

TransPac 2015

2015-07-30T12:01:00.001-07:00

We had a really good race on the good ship Wizard. It was a strange race not the normal weather. To start with, we started in a South Easterly!!, Had Spinnakers up by Catalina. The forecast was for little to no wind, be we made it out well, leading our class and at one point 100 miles into the race was ahead of 2 out 3 100 footers.

We had a near miss with a very large Blue Whale, I would say 1 meter. He came up from the port side, surfaced on the starboard side. One of the crew thought the tail slapped the boat...

The hard problem for this race was boats were so different in speed they took different routes.. Ragamuffin took the way north course, getting up to San Francisco's latitude. We were 200 miles south of them looking to connect to the high and good wind. We did, and took off and look very good in the race, till the wind died on us the last 36 hrs and the little boats were able to sail directly to the mark with wind...

Raggs sailed 2576 miles
Rio sailed 2441 miles
Wizard sailed 2472
and the Race winner GI sailed 2315

You can re-live the race at http://yb.tl/transpac2015

Such is Ocean Racing...

We had a great trip, we all could have sailed another 2000 miles.

Next week on the to Finland to sail the 2.4 open worlds with 108 other boat!!
First time in my new boat

TransPac start today for Wizard and crew

2015-07-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

Wizard winning the Barn Door in 2013

Today we tack off for Hawaii. Most of the time it is a very nice fast race in the trade winds. But not today. There is ex hurricane making a mess of the trades. You might think we should get south and hit it hard, but it is not moving toward HI, it is going to fizzle out and kill the trades. In fact, we might have rain around the start. The first 300 miles will be the hardest with light winds from everywhere.

Follow the race at http://yb.tl/transpac2015

There has been two starts already, the classes that started first are in good normal winds and will most likely win the race. Lending Club, decided not to start the race today and went off on a record run leaving on Wednesday and they are over 1/2 way and will break the record for the crossing. The boats that started Thursday, are in little wind and are stuck...

Here you have our routing, finish is around 8 days. Wizard when it was Bella Mente has the non power mono hull record of 6 days 19 hrs.. No chance for that this year.

Busy week.

2015-07-14T09:24:00.002-07:00

After finishing up the Clagett regatta, I had a chance to sail 2.4 against Paul Tingley, gold medalist in the 2008. Paul was very helpful and we had about 3 hrs on the water in Newport. What came out of the last two weeks is I am getting used to the boat and can sail it much better and more consistently. Confidence is going up. I now can trust my speed and can turn my attention to the race course.

On the way to JFK, we were able to stop by and see our friends at Oakcliff Sailing Center. http://www.oakcliffsailing.org/ This is a fantastic place to get out on the water. They are helping all sorts of people get better at sailing. First class. I was talked into sailing on the Thursday night classic regatta with founder Hunt Lawrence. We had a nice light air battle with some of these beautiful boats around the bay.

The Windmark Olympic Sailing Foundation is supporting my Road to Rio campaign. It is a 501(3)c tax deductible foundation. The foundation is supporting the USA sailing team. Please help.

I was able to spend the fourth of July in Kokkola, Finland. Where my new 2.4 is being built. Charger builds about 50-60 boats a year and does a very good job. The boat builders are very good there. Yards like Swan and Baltic do a big business there. The 2.4 has just as much going on as a big boat, but just takes less time to put it together.

They had a boat ready for me most of it done, but after seeing all the little changes I wanted to make we took the next boat out of the mold. I was then able to place everything where I wanted.

This is the table where all the lines go, so many cleats

I have a few ideas that I am bringing from the big boats to the 2.4. I will see how they work, next month when I pick up the boat in Rauma, Finland. The 2.4 open worlds are there 8/8-15. They expect more that 110 boats... Both able and disable bodies. A very big challenge, to sail against the best in the world in these boats in an area that I have not seen.

Deck right out of the mold

My boat with foam and bulkheads going in.

Coming back to Newport from Finland, we worked on Ted Green's 2.4 to make some of the rigging changes I put into my new boat. After a day and half of work we got sailing with a supper spar in. This was my first try with this type of rig and a new learning curve started. Felt pretty good and matched my new sails well from both Quantum and North. In the Newport Regatta out of Sail Newport, I used each set on one day of racing. Both set of sails did well, winning all the races I finished. Had a small break down and lost my back stay in one race.

All in all, ready to go back to Finland to race the worlds, just after I sail to Hawaii on Wizard one more time....

Clagett Regatta Report

2015-06-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

It was perfect conditions over the 4 days of sailing here in Newport. The regatta had 11 races in which I was lucky enough to win them all. Not as easy as it might seem. But the time sailing in Europe really help here. I was able to concentrate on sailing fast and consistent. I felt much more at home in the boat and therefore was able to read the course and start well. All came together for a really good result. I feel now, when I go back to Europe to sail against the best I will be more on par with them and be able to race the boat well. I know there is still much to prefect to get to the Euro level, but feel I am on track.

Many thanks to my Clagett Regatta Sponsor USALCO. Also continue support from Windmark Sailing Foundation. In Kind support from Velocitek, Gill, Kaenon, North Sails.

Special Thanks go the Ted & Ted Green, both without the use of their boats, I would not been able to sail.

Here is the report from the race:

C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta
That's a wrap for the thirteenth Clagett Regatta

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 28, 2015) – After a day of a coaching clinic and three days of racing on Narragansett Bay the 13th C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta finished up today. Overnight the forecasted winds and rain made for a wet and grey start to the day for the 25 Clagett boats, docked at the Sail Newport Alofsin Pier in Fort Adams State Park.

After a meeting this morning of the Clagett Race Committee and officials, it was decided to take the three fleets out and get racing underway. A race course was set off of Goat Island with a Northerly wind direction at 15 knots and the first fleet to hear the starters gun were the Sonar class.

"Today turned out to be a very reasonable race day after the extended delay to let the squall line through which was left over from the storm last night," said Clagett Principal Race Officer, Ron Hopkins (Bristol, RI).

In the eight boat Sonar fleet it came down to the last day of racing to decide who would take home the top prize. The Canadian team skippered by Paul Tingley (Toronto, Canada) and crewed by Scott Lutes (Nova Scotia, Canada) and Logan Campbell (Saskatchewan, Canada) managed to take the gun in all four races today. The US Sailing Team Sperry crew of Rick Doerr (Clifton, NJ) and his team of Hugh Fruend (South Freeport, ME) and Brad Kendell (Clearwater, FL) who have been the lead boat for the first two days have finished the regatta in second place after a third and forth finishes today.

Paul Tingley, the winning Sonar skipper commented, "We got the boat dialed in today to the right settings and found our boat speed and it showed in the results today. We have qualified for Rio so our regatta schedule going forward will include the Open Sonar Worlds in September and then heading down to Melbourne for the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Worlds in November."

Clagett first time participants, the sailors in the Warrior Sailing Program, finished a respective forth and fifth in the Sonar class. The team skippered by Preston Scholfield (Tampa, FL), were taking part in their first competitive sailing regatta and finished in forth behind the two US Sailing Team Sperry teams and the Canadian Sailing Team Sonar.

"We're really pleased in our joint mission with The Clagett to get new sailors into adaptive sailing. We at the Warrior Sailing Program look forward to attending many more Clagett events in the future with even more Warrior Sailing Program teams attending," said Warrior Sailing Program Director, Ben Poucher (Tampa, FL).

One point separated the first and second place in the SKUD 18 class. Ryan Porteous (San Diego, CA) and Maureen McKinnon (Marblehead, MA) took the gold spot with Sarah Everhart-Skeels (Tiverton, RI) and Cindy Walker (Middletown, RI) right on their heels in silver. These two teams are both on the US Sailing Team Sperry Paralympic team. Wrapping up the bronze position was Tracy Schmitt (Toronto, Canada) who sailed with Kay Van Valkenburgh. In 2014 Tracy sailed a 2.4mR at the Clagett and this year wanted to see how the purpose designed SKUD 18 would be to sail.

"It was great having the two other boats out there with the class. It raised the level of competition and both teams are new to the boat. It was great to have them on the start line and pushing us over the three days. We are doing the Newport Regatta next and will be at the ISAF Worlds in Melbourne, Australia in November," said Porteous after racing.

The 2.4mR 's had another two races today to complete an 11 race series. Overnight leader, Dee Smith (Annapolis, MD) held on to his position in first to take the win in the 13 boat class. This is Smith's first Clagett regatta. Peter Wood (Ottawa, Canada), a six time Clagett participant, kept the second place and Tim Ripley (Randolph, NJ) rounded out the podium for the 2.4mR's.

"This is an incredibly run regatta, one of the best I have been to. From the Race Committee to the docks and volunteers and the hospitality. I'd like to thank both Ted Green II and Ted Green III for loaning me boats and for the opportunity to sail in The Clagett," remarked Smith after winning the 2.4mR class today and the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Trophy for 2015.

"I'd like to give a huge thank you to so many people. Without the team we have working, on the race committee, jury, sponsors, Sail Newport and Fort Adams State Park staff, local Newport Yacht Clubs and many others this event would not happen. We've had another great year and look forward to seeing many of you back again next year and some new faces joining the ranks. We can confirm that the dates for 2016 are June 22 for registration, June 23 for the clinic with racing on June 24-26. We will give free entry in 2016 for the first registration once the Notice of Race is published," said Clagett co-founder and President Judy McLennan (Portsmouth, RI).

Final Results for Clagett 2015

2015 C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta
Final Results

Sonar
1	CAN 835	Paul Tingley	3	2	2	1	1	3	1	3	2	1	1	1	1	1	[3]	20.0
2	USA 1	Rick Doerr	1	1	1	3	2	2	2	1	1	2	3	2	4	2	[4]	23.0
3	USA 810	Andrew & Melissa Fisher	2	3	3	2	3	1	3	2	3	3	2	3	3	4	[4]	33.0
4	10	Preston Schofield	7	5	5	4	5	5	5	4	7	6	5	6	2	5	[7]	64.0
5	682	Sammy Lugo	6	4	4	5	6	8	4	8	6	5	7	4	7	3	[8]	69.0
6	ISV 3	Antonio F. Sanpere	4	6	9/DNS	6	4	7	6	5	4	4	6	7	5	7	[9]	71.0
7	USA 806	Gary Pierce	5	8	7	8	8	4	7	6	5	7	4	5	6	6	[8]	78.0
8	USA 671	Richard Ramos	8	7	6	9/SCP	7	6	8	7	9/DNS	9/DNS	9/DNS	9/DNS	9/DNS	9/DNS	[9]	103.0

2.4mR
1	USA 7	Dee Smith	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1				[1]	10.0
2	CAN 14	Peter Wood	2	3	4	2	2	7	2	4	2	3	2				[7]	26.0
3	USA 118	Tim Ripley	9	6	5	8	7	5	4	9	5	2	3				[9]	54.0
4	USA 145	Theodore Green	12	14/DNS	3	5	12	4	3	3	3	5	5				[14]	55.0
5	CAN 12	Christine Lavallee	6	7	7	10	8	6	5	6	8	6	6				[10]	65.0
6	CAN 22	Peter Eagar	13	5	13	12	4	2	7	2	4	4	14/DNF				[14]	66.0
7	USA 142	Charles Rosenfield	3	2	2	4	3	9	14/DNS	14/DNS	14/DNS	14/DSQ	4				[14]	69.0
8	CAN 1	Alain Dubuc	5	4	9	7	5	12	8	10	6	14/DNS	14/DNS				[14]	80.0
9	CAN 18	Audrey Kobayashi	7	11	8	11	6	13	6	7	14/RET	8	8				[14]	85.0
10	160	Kevin Holmberg	8	14/DNS	11	6	11	3	12	11	10	7	7				[14]	86.0
11	CAN 88	Aaron Wong-Sing	4	10	6	9	9	11	11	8	7	14/DNS	14/DNS				[14]	89.0
12	USA 24	Zak Kordik	11	9	12	3	10	8	9	5	11	14/DNS	14/DNS				[14]	92.0
13	CAN 723	Erick Poirier	10	8	10	13	13	10	10	12	9	14/DNS	14/DNS				[14]	109.0

Skud 18
1	USA 071	Ryan Porteous	1	1	5/RET	4	1	1	3	1	1	2	2	1			[5]	18.0
2	USA 074	Sarah Everhart Skeels	2	2	1	2	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	5/DNS			[5]	19.0
3	51	Tracy Schmitt	5/DNF	5/RET	4	1	3	3	1	4	3	3	4	3			[5]	34.0
4	07	Craig Wilson	3	3	3	3	4	4	4	3	4	4	3	2			[4]	36.0

Larry Gadsby Trophy - (Most improved sailor) - Preston Scholfield - Warrior Sailing Program Skipper

Robie Pierce and Gene Hinkley Seamanship Award - Sarah Everhart Skeels - SKUD 18 class

Susan Johnson Sportsmanship Award - Tim Ripley (2.4mR class)/Gray Benson (Volunteer)

Nick Scandone Trophy - (For dedication and perseverance ) - Tim Ripley (2.4mR class)

C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Trophy - Dee Smith (2.4mR class)

First Day Clagett Regatt Newport

2015-06-27T05:30:00.001-07:00

First day of racing yesterday, we had 4 races in perfect conditions. It was very good time spent for me to work on speed and racing in an area that feels more like home. Let me concentrate on developing consistent speed and starts. Results were four firsts by large margins. Won each start and pick a few shifts with good speed. Wind ranged at the start around 15 can going down to around 7-8. Today will be light and maybe a blow out tomorrow. I have only used the old sails because I was to save the new ones for the worlds.

I still have a lot work to do to get to the speed of the Euros. One step at a time and moving forward. Very happy with the first day of sailing.

Dee

Thanks to my sponsors:
Windmark Sailing Foundation, USALCO, North Sails, Quantum Sails, Gill, Velocitek, Kaenon

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sam Crichton sam@samcrichton.com phone + 1 401 787 2250

C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta
Plenty of breeze for day one of racing at The Clagett

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 26, 2015) – For the three fleets racing at the 13th C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta in Newport RI, the race committee set a northerly course between Rose and Goat Islands, for the five races held today.

"We had an a' typical Northerly all day. We never got the thermal warm up as the cloud cover stayed around for most of the day. We had 15kts of breeze that eased off over the five races today," said Principal Race Officer, Ron Hopkins (Bristol, RI).

The eight boat Sonar class has 2014 Clagett Sonar class winner, Rick Doerr (Clifton, NJ) and his crew Hugh Fruend (Freeport, ME) and Brad Kendell (Tampa, FL) in first, finishing one point in front of the Canadian team skippered by Paul Tingley (Toronto, Canada) and his team Ken Dool (Kingston, Ontario) and Logan Campbell (Saskatuan, Canada).

"Today was a lot windier than we thought but we were well set up for the conditions and have been practicing for them. Brad has been back in the boat with Hugh and I since October last year and we started sailing in Miami in December in preparation for this year's events," commented Doerr dockside.

In the 2.4mR class Dee Smith (Annapolis, MD), who is sailing in his forth regatta in the 2.4mR, had a picket fence of results, finishing all four races in first place. Clagett stalwart Peter Wood (Ottawa, Canada) is placed in second on a count-back from Charlie Rosenfield (Woodstock,CT).

"It was a picture perfect day of racing in Newport. It's great to be back here in Newport racing and I managed even managed to stay afloat today, no sinking this time," remarked Smith after racing. ( At the Delta Lloyd regatta earlier this year Smith managed to swamp his 2.4mR and loose his position in the fleet)

The SKUD 18 class has the only all female team of Sarah Everhart Skeels (Tiverton, RI) and Cindy Walker (Middletown, RI) competing in this years Clagett. After the four races today, Ryan Porteous (San Diego, CA) and Maureen McKinnon (Marblehead, MA) are in first with Everhart Skeels and Walker one point behind in second.

"We had a great day of racing today with three good races. We retired from the fourth after hitting the mark with our boom and not doing our penalty turn soon enough," said Porteous.

Head Clagett coach Betsy Alison (Newport, RI), who has recently been appointed the Chairman of the Disabled Sailing Committee for ISAF, commented, " The sailors rose to the challenge of the conditions today. The breeze was slightly higher than we anticipated but it resulted in a fantastic day of sailing."

Racing continues tomorrow with a forecast for a Northerly breeze shifting to a South- South/West later in the day.

Results Day 1 (Provisional)

2015 C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta
Preliminary Cumulative Results
2.4mR
1.    USA 92    Dee Smith    2.4    Dee Smith    1    1    1    1        4.0
2.    CAN 14    Small Expectations    2.4mR    Peter Wood    2    3    4    2        11.0
3.    USA 142    None    2.4mR    Charles Rosenfield    3    2    2    4        11.0
4.    CAN 1    No mother no father    2.4mR    Alain Dubuc    5    4    9    7        25.0
5.    USA 118    Spiring    2.4mR    Tim Ripley    9    6    5    8        28.0
6.    CAN 88    Inspiration    2.4mR    Aaron Wong-Sing    4    10    6    9        29.0
7.    CAN 12    CAN 12    2.4mR    Christine Lavallee    6    7    7    10        30.0
8.    USA 145    Magic Bus    2.4mR    Theodore Green    12    14/DNS    3    5        34.0
9.    USA 24    2.4Mr    2.4mR    Zak Kordik    11    9    12    3        35.0
10.    CAN 18    CAN18    2.4mR    Audrey Kobayashi    7    11    8    11        37.0
11.    160    160    2.4mR    Kevin Holmberg    8    14/DNS    11    6        39.0
12.    CAN 723    Toy Boy    2.4mR    Erick Poirier    10    8    10    13        41.0
13.    CAN 22    CAN 22    2.4mR    Peter Eagar    13    5    13    12        43.0

Sonar
1.    USA 1    Valiant    Sonar    Rick Doerr    1    1    1    3    2    8.0
2.    CAN 835    CAN 835    Sonar    Paul Tingley    3    2    2    1    1    9.0
3.    USA 810    Bandit    sonar    Andrew & Melissa Fisher    2    3    3    2    3    13.0
4.    682    Warrior Sailing    Sonar    Sammy Lugo    6    4    4    5    6    25.0
5.    10    Warrior Sailing    Sonar    Preston Schofield    7    5    5    4    5    26.0
6.    ISV 3    ISV3    Sonar    Antonio F. Sanpere    4    6    9/DNS    6    4    29.0
7.    USA 806    Sonar    Sonar    Gary Pierce    5    8    7    8    8    36.0
8.    USA 671    Polaris    Sonar    Richard Ramos    8    7    6    9/SCP    7    37.0

Skud 18
1.    USA 074    Soren    Skud 18    Sarah Everhart Skeels    2    2    1    2        7.0
2.    USA 071    USA 071    Skud 18    Ryan Porteous    1    1    5/RET    4        11.0
3.    07    N a    Skud -18    Craig Wilson    3    3    3    3        12.0
4.    51    Team Paradise    skud    Tracy Schmitt    5/DNF    5/RET    4    1        15.0

For more information about The Clagett visit : www.clagettregatta.org or follow the Clagett on Instagram @clagett_regatta or on Facebook Clagett Regatta.

About the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta: Founded in 2003, the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta honors the late Tom Clagett (1916-2001), a U.S. Navy World War II veteran who learned to sail on Chesapeake Bay. As a youngster he suffered temporary paralysis as the result of a bout of meningitis; an experience that left him with a deep respect for the accomplishments of people with disabilities. The Clagett’s stated mission is "to assist sailors in realizing their potential on the water by providing them both the knowledge and tools to improve their skills and the opportunity to use these skills in competition". Tom Clagett's motto was "Reach for Success", which resonates with every Clagett participant. The event includes all three boats that have been chosen as the equipment of the Paralympic classes: the three-person Sonar, the two-person SKUD-18 and the singlehanded 2.4 Metre. Clagett competitors have seen medal success at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games. Competitors often comment that, The Clagett, has improved their quality of life as they apply what is achieved on the water to everyday situations.

C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta 2015 sponsors: The Clagett organization would like to thank the following 2015 sponsors - Fiduciary Trust International and Three Golden Apples at the Platinum level; American International Group, Inc. (AIG) at the Gold level; The Horance A. Kimball & S. Ella Kimball Foundation at the Silver level; 7D Ranch, BNY Mellon, Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty, Innovative Construction Inc., John MacGowan Studio & Gallery and The Rhode Island Sailing Events Commission at the Bronze level.

2015 Performance Clinic Brings Talented Kids and Coaches to StFYC

2015-06-18T13:34:00.002-07:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to coach the Youth Olympic Training Session at StFYC last weekend.

The bay gave the kids some great opportunity to perfect heavy air sailing. Winds 18-35 over 4 days kept the kids and coaches on their toes.. Check it out. Olympic team for 2020...

Dee

From the StFYC

2015 Performance Clinic Brings Talented Kids and Coaches to StFYC

This past weekend, dozens of the country's most promising young sailors gathered at StFYC for the 2015 Performance Clinic organized by US Sailing in conjunction with the St. Francis Sailing Foundation. Throughout a rigorous four days of on- and off-water training, these aspiring Olympians learned about fitness, tactics, sports psychology, weather and how to compete like Olympic champions. The list of coaches and presenters included prestigious names such as Paul Cayard, Zach Railey, Anna Tunnicliffe and Dee Smith. The Club was bursting at the seams with talented sailors who shared in an excitement and a dedication for the future of the sport.

In the end, the kids came away better sailors, better athletes and better prepared to take on the road to the Olympics.

Our own Chris Ray was there to capture the on-water talent. Check out his photos HERE or a video slideshow HERE.

2.4 Paralympic campaign, ROAD TO RIO, 2016

2015-05-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have kept this a bit quiet, but I have to let it out of the bag.. That is correct, I am doing a Paralympic campaign in the 2.4 for the Paralympics in Rio next year. The first question I am sure you are asking, How the hell can Dee to this? Well, between my cancer and a bike accident in San Francisco during the Cup 2 years ago, left my spine pretty solid, full of metal. My buddy Fuzz Spanhake suggested I look into it and after some research, I was certified disable enough to sail. I was a bit surprised as I never would have thought. I have sailed the boat a little bit so far and learning very fast. I have done all the bad things you can do and some good things.

The Europeans are good. They are fast and smart. They have also been in the class for a long time. I need to catch up. I sailed in Hyeres last month to finish 10th. And now sailing in Medemblik against the best and not doing well at all. But I have learned a lot. This little video tells the whole story in a short time.

First, I sailed average starting with a 5,11 the first day. I was not fast enough. Then, the second day, I started too early, but my video has me behind the starting line, OCS. On the third day the bilge pump would not work, DNF, and today the worst, another DNF. The problem was the OCS was a 4th, the first DNF was also a 4th and the last one today in big breeze was a 2nd. So, I am getting there, speed anyway.

The Good, the not so Bad and the Ugly

The class is now calling me Diver Dee!! Too much. Started first, lead most of the beat. On the run, a nice 25-30 knot puff hit me and I sailed under. Now I have experienced everything, I hope.

The video was so good that I had to put it up asap..

Special thanks go to my sponsors, North Sails, Gill, Velocitek.

The Gill Dry suit saved me today

More later

Follow the Wizard in the SoCal 300

2015-05-22T07:12:00.003-07:00

Just a quick note as we start in a few hours. You can follow the race here:

RACE TRACKING: http://yb.tl/sb2sd15
The SoCal 300 will use Yellowbrick Race Tracking to watch our
progress during the race. Share the link with friends and family.

More later

Dee

Sharon Green photo

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2014-12-23T10:37:00.001-08:00

Reflecting back over 2014, Joc and I have had another eventful year. “Another “ being a good thing!

With the America’s Cup behind me, I was able to start my sailing season by traveling down to Northern Patagonia to race Soto 40’s on Jaime Charad’s Apolonia, around the islands, in Chile’s biggest regatta, the Chiloe. Sailing against 6 meter tides and against a very competitive fleet, we were still able to pull out a win on the last beat of the last race. Check!

Unfortunately my health decided to take a turn for the worst. Long story short, don’t get hit by a car while riding a bicycle to work. Thanks to my team of doctor’s at Johns Hopkins, surgery, fusing my spine, and 10 months of intense physical therapy, one could say my back is solid again. John and Deneen Demourkas put me back into a boat, coach one, but a boat for the BBS in SF.   I was on my way again. Thank you Groovers. Finally, I was able to wrap up my sailing year with a last minute call from the Waimer brothers in Dubai, and Joc and I headed off to Phuket and the King’s Cup in late November. Hannes and Max chartered a very, fast Mills 40. It was a light and shifty series of 10 races and Team Premiere ended up on the top of it’s class with a day to spare. Check!

On a more personal note, Joc and I survived another house move, twice in one year, not to be recommended! Thanks once again to all our friends who helped in that transition. This year, I also caught another fish. This time on the Chesapeake, my first Rockfish. Thank you Dr. Frank Frassica. My lovely Mum turned 90, which was a great excuse for us to head back to CA and have a family reunion. Another highlight of our year was meeting up with the Sims family to visit Madeleine, who is currently a Parisian college student, and ultimately surprising a very good friend and his family for Thanksgiving in Paris. Delicious Matt & Cat. Thank you Steve and Heidi for making that all possible. Tom and Anne, I hope you have fully recovered from our very well, sauced dinner, and subsequent apres dinner drinks at an Irish pub in Paris.   Check!

Joc and I are both looking forward to a more peaceful year in 2015, settling into our new home on Windwhisper Lane, and making it a place where family and friends are always welcome.

I am also grateful to know that I have some good work lined up in Malaysia, Chile and Brazil, Mexico and Hawaii on my sailing horizon. I have decided sailing around palm trees is the way to go.

So, we are wishing you all your share of palm tree sailing, good health and much happiness in 2015. Check!

Dee, Joc ,and of course Sully   (woof)

R.I.P. Buddha Bob

PS, WE ALL COUNT!

Chiloe 2014

2014-02-02T08:55:00.002-08:00

Chiloe 2014

This regatta is not know well in the northern hemisphere. The area of the Island of Chiloe is at the top of the Patagonia trial. We started at Puerto Montt, which is on the mainland. From there , it is an 8 day race to different islands and ports. As you can imagine it is very beautiful area. Very green. Snow capped Volcanos in the back round. The courses through the islands add many wind shifts and a lot of current. Of course the currents shifts at every corner.

You put 11 identical Soto 40’s on the line and the racing is fantastic. Not everyone has sail here much so there is little local knowledge. The quest is to read the wind and current better than the others. Of course, it is best to be able to start ahead. Saying that, there has been many lead changes and each race is only over when it is over.

The last couple of days we saw the biggest tides, 6 meters. Not easy to read as sometimes the current went 180 degrees from where it was supposed to come. Go figure, not much info for a place like this

I am sailing on Apolonia, We started the first day with 2 fourths. Followed with a 7, caught some kelp and had to back down.. As many of the boats at one time or other. Each race went to a different port. We had a good mother boat that we slept and lived on.

As the races went along, we stayed consistent in the upper end of the fleet. Next race was a fifth and we followed with 3 thirds. We just tried to stay clear of trouble as there were no throw-outs.

This put us in a close second. Going into the last race we were 3 points behind a very well sailed PiscoSour. In a very short race, 35 minutes, we gained 6 points with our 4th and Pisco’s 10th. Always fun to win a very competitive regatta on the last race.

Fresh fish of the area, biggest mussels I have seen

Now I know where all that Salmon comes from in Chile

Regatta site Go to http://www.cno.cl

2013 was a great year

2013-12-30T06:28:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year

All the best in 2014

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2013-12-23T08:26:00.004-08:00

Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year!!

It has been a very busy year for us. We had big some big wins and one that got away. I just hope in the next year, we all can have as much fun as we did this year. Looking back into 2013, there were a lot of jobs and very different venues. From fun sailing with friends to the biggest prize that got away. The people I was able to sail with and work with this year were a pleasure to be with. Thanks to them all, it was a year to remember, maybe my best experience.

Going back, guess we have to start with Key West on the new Bella Mente. After winning the Mini Maxi worlds the year before, it was hard to take a second. But second we took in a light air series with Shockwave getting the best of us.

Then is was to Antigua for my first Caribbean 600 on Bella. This was a great race. Reaching at speed for 600 miles. The boat was on fire. Again second overall by only 10 minutes. This was the first one that we should have had for the year. We fell into a hole under one of the island for 5 hrs, or it would have been a very big win.

Staying in the south, next race was the HPR regatta in Miami. We had 4 good boats, again second to a very good Spookie. This one was way too close. If we were a second faster in one race we would have won the series in the tie break. We took a new crew and had a great race. Team Premier, Farr 400 is a good boat and we sailed well.

A week later, still in March, off to Southern California to do the Newport to Cabo race with Wizard. What a great crew and fun boat to sail on the West Coast. Dave and Peter Askew put a very good program together and this was the tune up for the Trans-Pac in July. The boat was fast, the wind was not, but we did in fact win the race on elapse time, which was the goal.

The next trip was a long one but fun. Joc, Sully and I drove across the country to settle back into San Francisco for the America's Cup. We took some time were able to see things we have not. We arrived in Tiburon and I flew out the next day to Barcelona for the TP 52 Supper Series. There I sailed on Rio for the first time. We did not have too good of a regatta, but it was great to get back on the boats and see a lot of people I have not seen for a while. Sails were old, but we worked on the sailing of the boat and learned as we went. The next event was to be Copa Del Rey for me with the Rio.

After Barcelona, it was right back to San Francisco to start up with Emirates Team New Zealand. What a experience. I would have to say, this was the most rewarding experience of my career. I learned so much and work with the best people, in the best team atmosphere, ever!! My job was to be local knowledge. Work with the weather team and very closely with Ray Davies, Clouds and Sunshine. The team, Ray and Dean over the first month or so, learned the bay very well. I learned, working with Clouds, why I did things on the bay, but never knew what caused the situation. All I can say was wow. The early summer went so well. Never a let up to get better.

Just as the racing was to get started I sent off across the Pacific on Wizard with my mates. We did what we wanted, we won the Barn Door for first to finish. The weather was not so helpful as there was a cut off low that came across us near the finish. It slowed us down enough not to set the record. But the trip was fun and fast enough... For Wizard, two out of two was very good and everyone happy.

After short holiday in Kauai, it was off to Palma for Copa. Back on Rio with some better sails and a strange weather pattern on the bay. We did have a over the top regatta. We sailed very well to take a fourth. I know, a fourth, you say? The top three boats are almost unbeatable, with the time and crew they have. We won class B, which is made up of good boats that were always beating Rio in the past. So we felt it was a good regatta for the boat.

Back to San Francisco for real AC racing or was suppose to be. At this point, I came in on Race days to help the plan of the day with the tides and wind. Before and between races I would talk to Clouds and Ray to work out the best way to look into the race. After, debrief and work on the next day. It was great. I would sit up on my perch on the west side of the course.

Clouds would watch the east end of the course. Together, we did not miss much. Ray applied everything and sailed very well. I was very proud of the way we sailed. The LV went well and we were ready for the AC.

Though the ups and only one big down, everyone held their head high. Never quit, never a hard word to anyone on the team, only encouragement for each other. This was the best and worst second I have ever been involved with. I hate taking second. You all know what happened.

The day after we lost the cup, the BBS started. I think it was a good thing as it took a lot off my mind. Not bad to have the experience of the AC to be tuned up for the BBS. It went well and we won our class pretty easily. I sailed with an old friend, Tad Lacy, who I never sailed with before. We come from the same era, he sailed on Imp and other great IOR boats of the Bay and I sailed on other IOR boats, like Scarlet and Bravura, from the other side of the bay... We had fun. Just what the Dr ordered.

Ok, after a busy season, so many days of work, Joc and I took a fishing trip. Our first!! We went up to Oregon, and meet up with Mike Howard (member of the Wizard Crew), Erin his wife and John and Deneen Demourkas to drift down the Rouge River. Best thing was our guide was my cousin Greg Smith. Greg is a river Rat. Spent 4 years on the US white water team and has so much experience with White Water and fishing. What a fun trip, 4 days, no phones..... And we got to eat some very fresh fish...

After the holiday on the river is was the big drive back across the country. And a bit of a slow down. Tad then asked if I would like to go back to the Bay and help him with the Leukemia Cup. I knew his son had his bout with the disease and I wanted to support him. I have done the last three years but thought I could not get the time to do one this year. So, I took him up on it. one day home and a quick flight back to SF. Tad and family did a great job raising money. I put my two cents in on the late date and together we were the highest team in the country.... The regatta pulled in more than $800,000. All good. You know if you did not donate you still can at:http://www.leukemiacup.org/pages/gba/sf13/dsmith

One last trip back to Dubai to do sea trials on a new Carkeek 47. PCT has come a long way in their marine division. It has been great to be involved. The boats are coming out great and at a very good value. Check out PCT at http://www.pct.ae/marine_composites.php. Next year we will be sailing this boat in Europe.

ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR

Leukemia Cup San Francisco YC Oct 19-20, please help

2013-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It has been a very busy summer. Just driving home from San Francisco and working with Emirates TNZL in the America's Cup. We were so close. Also sailed the Trans-Pac on Wizard, the Barn Door winner.

Now I have been asked to join Team Lacey and sail the SFYC Leukemia Cup this weekend. This one is the most important regatta of the year. Our turn to give it up to cancer research. As you know I have been involve the last few years after getting Stage 4 Lung cancer. This is my way of paying it back. It is because of this kind of research that I am alive now. LLS gives over 90% of what they get in to the research. Which is amazing!!

Tad Lacey is an old friend. He is also the commodore of the STYC. I had the pleasure of sailing with him and the Mirthmaker crew to win our class in this year's BBS. During this series, I learned that their son Britt came down with Stage 4 Lymphoma. Check out the Lacey story here http://www.marinij.com/sports/ci_24316733/sailing-marin-leukemia-cup-regatta-hits-home-san?IADID=Search-www.marinij.com-www.marinij.com. When Tad asked me to come back to SF to help, I quickly accepted. This is important, please look up the site and make a donation at : http://www.leukemiacup.org/pages/gba/sf13/dsmith

If the site doesn't work for you, you can also send checks to the address below and I will forward them on.

Thanks for your help

Cheers
Dee

AC Emirates Team NZL Job

2013-08-23T09:47:00.001-07:00

Most of you know I have been working with ETNZL for a while now. Here is a little interview held on site while working before a race. It has been a lot of fun working with the afterguard and weather team. I have learned a lot and I feel the boys are ready to sail very well and they have been.

Check it out:
http://www.sailingworld.com/blogs/racing/americas-cup/doesnt-have-to-be-high-tech-to-be-good-tech

Wizard is off to Hawaii today

2013-07-13T07:39:00.001-07:00

Ok we are off to HI today. Just a quick one to let you know how to find out about and follow the race. It looks to be fast, might even have a chance to break the record.

I did an interview with Dobbs Davis yesterday and you can see it here:

To follow the race check these sites:
Transpac Website: http://www.transpacyc.com

Boat Tracking App: http://yb.tl/transpac2013

Here is the routing from this am.
Black is the Rags, 100 footer gets in at 5d 21 hr
Green is Maserati, V 70 gets in at 6d .5 hr
Red is Wizard, gets in at 6d 14.5 hrs
Maroon is a Sled gets in at 9d 19.5 hrs
Blue is a TP 52 going way south at 8d 6hr

All good here, can't wait to get off shore,

Cheers
Dee

The new job Emirates Team New Zealand

2013-06-14T13:08:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have been here in San Francisco for a few weeks now. Getting used to being home and seeing family and friends. But I did come to work and it has been a treat. I know most of you have know that I have been here but I just had a bit of time to say a few words. Of course I can say too much or I would have to kill you.. but it has been a lot of fun.

My job is to help the Kiwi's learn the venue, tides and wind of San Francisco. The currents rip, the wind shifts and the course is small. The boat is way cool, I am very lucky to be involved. Finally after 2 weeks of watching from the rib I had a chance to ride the beast. Yes it is a beast but I have to say the way the boat rides, it is just very fast and much smoother than I expected. I guess it is more like flying than sailing. Those Moth guys are into it. Just a new way of sailing.

If you watch this video, toward the end you will be able to see the boat foil gybe. When this part was filmed, I was riding. The only time it was hard to hold on was when we did a G turn at the bottom mark.. Everything else was very smooth.

Check it out: go to :http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74ksMbwxhovHD48vrufvvA0fcX7PCBPy

There are many videos that show the boat sailing around the bay. This video is the day that I was on board. Great gybes....

America's Cup: Code 0's on Oracle Team USA and Emirates Team New Zealand, June 11 2013

DS

Big trip across the states

2013-06-03T14:13:00.002-07:00

It has been a while. Been very busy packing up the house in Annapolis and did the big drive out to SF bay 3 weeks ago. It was suppose to be a slow tour but we got a later start so not as much time to look around. Joc, Sully and I fit into the car and drove 3100 miles in 29 hrs over 5 days. It was a good trip. Virgina and Tennessee were very nice to drive through, green and hilly, with a good amount of water and rivers. Nashville was the highlight of the trip, we spent 8 hrs there bar hoping and listening to some great music. Once we hit the Mississippi, it was all over and we just wanted to drive.

best driver

We did stop in Santa Fe for a few hrs. Very cool town with mountains and desert. Trails go though it. Great Architecture and big history. Then across the Colorado River, into CA for good.

Sully swimming across the Colorado

The best part of the trip was when we got to the coast for the last day slow trip up from Paso Robles. Along the Big Sur Coast on a perfect day.

Can't get much better than this!!

We took a doggie pit stop on the best dog beach, Carmel. No leech law and such a great place.

Sully was wondering where his golf clubs were

Next stop was Santa Cruz for lunch with the Larson's. So nice in Capitola. Great day. Then on up to SF. We are living in Tiburon for the next few months. More on that later..

Dee

Wizard, Newport to Cabo race, one slow race south

2013-04-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Wizard sailed the Newport to Cabo race as a tune up to this year's assault on the Trans-Pac Barn Door race. Wizard, as Bella Mente, already owns the elapse time record for the TP in the last race. Now with a new crew headed up by Dave and Peter Askew, the boat is at it again. Wizard is perfect for the Pacific races, long, light with lots of sail area and stability. There is not much to do to the boat. Main work is in the crew and sail program. We used this Cabo race to try some ideas out.

Best wind of the first day was at the start. Stacked and sailing through the boats that started before us. Fully powered up with the R2.

I think I will explain what we did with the sail program after the TP. The race was slow but it was a good practice. We all got along well and got plenty of rest. First day was very light, almost no wind on the water. Still we made good progress and was leading the fleet. This day of light air made it sure it was to be a little boat race as the handicap was time on time and every time we stopped the clock did not. We would have done well on handicap if we did the race 24 hrs less. But that is the way it is, still second in class was a good finish, over course added to the first to finish, which is what we are after...

Crew:

Dave Askew Skipper and watch Captain

Peter Askew Co Skipper

Dee Smith Co Navigator/Tactician

Ian Moore Co Navigator/Weather guy

Trevor Baylis Watch Captain

Sean "Doogie" Couvreux Bow guy

Ted Haaland Bow Guy

Arnis Baltins Big guy

Mike Howard another Big guy

Bill Jenkins Trimmer/Pit

Matt Smith Pit/food guy

Dave Culver Boat Captain

Matt Beck Trimmer/ Driver

Grant "Fuzz" Spanhake Trimmer/sailmaker

One should mention that everyone did everything really. It was great to work with people that had no problem doing anything at any time. Everyone worked hard and kept the boat in good working order. We did not break anything and was able to sail fast 100% of the time.

All good!!

Dee

Final day at the HPR Midwinter Chsmpoinships

2013-03-10T08:56:00.002-07:00

Team Premier was 4 points behind fellow Farr 400, Chessie Racing and Spookie, the Carkeek 40 sailed by Steve Benjamin, with his wife Heidi calling tactics. It was a big ask to get the 4 points in four races, but we decided if we sailed well and won all three we still needed some help from our friends in the other boats. The conditions were perfect, 10-18 knots from 25 to 66 degrees. Big sheers in the wind both in direction and pressure. We got 3 good starts. But we were in faze with the shifts all day. Don't think we missed one. Spookie would get away with their speed but we kept cutting into their lead with a better shift that went our way.

We did get our three wins on the last day. Good starts and called some great shifts. Boat was going well and it was a lot of fun to get the boats up down wind over 15 knots in 17 knots of wind.

In the end after looking over the results for the series, a painful fact came up. Int he first race we lost 3 place by one second. If we had that third we would have won the regatta on a count back. Very close I would say. Of course you can look at the last race and see we won the race by 4 seconds.... Karma?

Results: http://www.transpac52.org/news/year-2013/Results-Gaastra-52-World-Championship.html

How do we like the HPR rule? Very much. It was the talk on the dock that the boat that sailed best won the race. It was great to see the Farr 400's win 6 out of 8 races. This happened because in most part, we got good starts and shifts. The Carkeek's match races a bit and slowed each other down. We would cut the corner. Nobody said a boat won because they rated better... I think this is the first time I have heard this on the dock durning a series...

Here is a site with more info: http://www.hprsailing.org/hpr-media/press-releases.

more pictures from Rick Tomlinson:

HPR Midwinter's second day

2013-03-08T04:23:00.001-08:00

Racing started on time but the wind did not stand up. So after 2 legs the race was abandoned and we were sent in. The Farr 400 had a good first leg in the shifty very light conditions against the Carkeek. We were first to the windward mark for the second race in a row. Hopefully we can do that in the next race that counts. Web site for HPR http://www.hprsailing.org. Here are some great shots from Rick Tomlinson:

HPR Midwinter Championship, Miami

2013-03-07T05:26:00.001-08:00

all photos from Rick Tomlinsom

The HPR Midwinters started off with great sailing conditions yesterday. This regatta is being run along side the TP 52 world's. Wind was a fantastic 15-23 knots yesterday out of the 265-315 as there was a small cold front that passed through durning the races. This brought some good shifts along with good puffs to ride. I was sailing on Team Premier with a crew of very good sailors. It was the first time we got together and we had a few issues in the first race, but in the second we sailed very well.

The fleet consists of 2 Carkeek 40's, Spookie and Decision. Along with 2 Farr 400's Chessie Racing and Team Premier. Not a lot of boats but all sailed very well. First race saw Decision over early. Chessie and Spookie sailed off to the left while we after a good start tried the right. Left won. It was close. Both Farr 400's lost some time because with the big breeze the spin halyard slipped through the stopper.. Took a while to sort it out and get going. So our runs were not so good. Spookie won, with Chessie second, followed by Decision and us.

The second race, we very interesting. We can see the clearing coming over the course from the north west. We really wanted the right and to get there as fast as possible. We decided if we could start on port at the committee boat it might be the race winner. With the small fleet, so it was a small risk we could not get through and after seeing how the other set up we went for it. Ducking the three others and clearing the committee boat by a boat length, we were off. This saved us the tack in big breeze and made us the right hand boat. Sure enough, the 15-20 degree shift came in when we were very close to the layline and we rounded first. Chessie who was the right boat at the start on starboard, tack on our hip and followed us. Spookie and Decision match raced out to the left and got hammered.

With the big right shift we gybed set. 3 minutes later Spookie sailed over us going faster, they give us 4 minutes an hr. The rest of the race was holding position with no screw up. We won and Chessie was second, Spookie third. Decision had some problems with their spinnaker....

Points Spookie 1,3 =4

Cheesie 2,2=4

Team Premier 4,1=5

Decision 3,4=7

As you can see, very close racing. Times are very close and the best sailed boat corrects out.

Finished the Caribbean 600

2013-02-23T09:35:00.003-08:00

48 hrs and 11 minutes to do 600 miles around a lot of islands and marks was not easy but it was a very rewarding race and a new experience for the crew of Bella Mente. The boat preformed very well in all conditions. We had a very tight race with a very well sailed Cookson 50, the Canted keel Privateer. The canted keels gives a very large advantage sailing in this type of racing as it is mostly power reaching, and they have the added advantage of more RMC given with the keel out over 40 degrees.

here you have a Tim Wright shot of the start, and Bella has the jump on the fleet.

The course of 600 miles starts off English Harbor, Antigua. We rounded Antigua after a short beat and then reach off to the North Sails Mark just off the island of Barbuda. Leopard, the 100' canted keel fastest boat in the fleet, took the lead of around 2 miles as we gybed around and headed to Nevis on a fast run in 16-22 knots of wind. The sailing was really perfect as this video shows. In the video you can hear Bella screaming, in over 12 knots of boat speed, the keel hums, at over 20 knots, it is quite loud. But we get used to it and it help keep the boat moving at speed.

The sun was going down as we rounded St Kitts. In darkness we then rounded Saba, St Barths, St Marteen and again St Barths to head south east to Guadeloupe. We were leading the race for a few minutes over Privateer as we got near the large Island of Guadeloupe. We had a plan and it was not so go. We ran ran right into Leopard and stopped for 3 hrs. Boats behind could watch our travels and head in around us toward the shore. Many did not stop at all. We continued to sail hard and make large gains back. Only to lose to Privateer by about 20 minutes.

look Ma, no hands

But we did set an elapse time record for mono haul, non powered or non-moveable ballast boats. We also won our class and was first out of all non powered and non moveable ballast boats. We could have won the whole thing but our stop under Guadeloupe was too long.

Bella sailed very fast and hard the whole way. The crew kept it moving fast but in a very safe way. only problems we had was some batten problems on a couple of jibs. 600 miles about 110 miles of beating and we averaged over 12.5 knots. pretty fast including our 3 hr tour...

I really enjoyed the race. So much fun sailing in strong trades, warm water...

Check out the website: http://caribbean600.rorc.org

Bella Mente does Caribbean 600

2013-02-18T03:41:00.000-08:00

I arrived here in Antigua a few days ago to get ready for the 600 mile race on Bella Mente. The wind has bee in the 15-23 knot range, water and temps in the 75-82 degrees, which is pretty nice for February. There are around 50 boats in the race from over 200 feet to 30 feet. It has been a while since I have visited Antigua and the big surprise is the mega yachts that are here now. Many huge sail and power. I have counted 3 J class boats. Old classics and others that just get your mind spinning on how big they are.

The race starts in a few hrs. Our routing has us finishing in around 1 day 20 hrs which is pretty fast. We hope to get through the holes under the islands well and keep moving. Most of the race is reaching which Bella really does well.

You can follow the race and read news at this site:

http://caribbean600.rorc.org

Tracker:

http://caribbean600.rorc.org/race-information/tracking/2013-fleet-tracking.html

A good Cause

2013-02-13T16:10:00.003-08:00

You all know I have tried my best to support cancer research over the last few years. Mostly from working with the Leukemia Society, we have been able to raise some really good money. This year I would like to put my efforts, though a bit late into the decease that I went down with, Lung Cancer. Some of you might know that Lung Cancer is the biggest killer but because most people think it is a self inflicting it does not get much funding as other forms of cancer. Some of you know my late friend Rob Moore. He, like myself was a non smoker and he lost his battle over a year ago after a very well fought 2 year battle. We have a chance to support Lung Cancer in Rob's name. Check this out:

The Rob Moore Memorial Regatta Auction is now Open!

Live Event

Sat Feb 16, 2013
5PM - 8PM PST

Corinthian Yacht Club

Make Your Bid to Support Lung Cancer Research and Awareness!

Rob died just over one year ago from lung cancer-- an otherwise very healthy 58 year-old guy who never smoked.

Help us raise money for the #1 cancer killer -- lung cancer by bidding on some amazing items donate by Rob's friends and associates. This online auction is part of the fundraising efforts of the 1st Rob Moore Memorial Regatta, being held on February 16, 2013 in conjunction with the CYC Midwinter Regatta. Jointly organized by the Corinthian Yacht Club and the Bay Area Racing Federation, all proceeds from this auction will go directly to the National Lung Cancer Partnership to support lung cancer research and awareness.

The NLCP's mission is to decrease deaths due to lung cancer and to help patients live longer and better through research, awareness and advocacy. They are a 501 (c) (3) organization with a four-star Charity Navigator rating.

Web sites to check out:

http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=robmoore
http://www.bayarearacingfederation.org

Please feel free to look over the sites and give if you can. There is a big regatta at Corinthian YC this weekend in San Francisco in Rob's name. They have around 140 boats and there will be big parties going on. I just wish I could be there.

Thanks for your support

Cheers

Dee