NORPAC Race Days

“You F-ing Sea Cow!!!

This (and many other unprintable things), is what Skipper Jeff yells during tense moments at our beloved boat – named “Heron” – because she’s a big girl, after all, hefty and beamy.  While she’s a lovely cruising cutter, 52,000 pounds of teak (before carrying water and fuel, and a dinghy, and two sea kayaks, and two folding camp chairs, plus five weeks of provisions and the first-mate’s herb garden), a sleek racing rig she is NOT. 

So gorgeous it's worth it!!!

This we learned over four days of racing in Barkley Sound’s Broken Group Islands – a spectacular way to see this part of B.C.'s Pacific Rim National Park -- if your fingernails can handle the stress.

Short-tacking Heron is a little like trying to race a Cadillac around a dirt-bike course.  On Race Day 2, the two of us actually tack Heron (by now feeling more like a schooner), TWENTY TWO TIMES!  

Our reward for all this hard work?  We do manage to find her sweet spot on several terrific long reaches (when the soft breeze fills in with 18-23 knots). On Race Day 3, we hit 10 knots boat speed, have a great ride with Heron barreling along like a runaway freight train, and even roll over a few of the more agile boats. “Now we’re shakin’ and bakin’!” Skipper Jeff hollers as we blow by, cheering up considerably. 

Skipper J, Shakin' and Bakin'

We place 3^rd in our class, a miracle, and in four days of racing learn a ton.  Mostly, what a privilege to be able to explore this part of the world in the company of such accomplished sailors – while making some great new friends!

Unbelievable! Third Place Caps!!

And post-race gold...