Friday, May 22, 2015

"Drift-sure" Sailing In Oregon Offshore

J/42 VELOCITY sailing Oregon Offshore (Victoria, BC, Canada)- Light winds on the Washington coast for the extent of the race became an exercise in patience, then ultimately disappointment for many racers, as the time limit made the finish line out of reach.  One boat managed to finish the course in the allotted time.  As a result, the RC notified the racers they could complete a “shortened course” to Duntze Rock.  Imagine what the RC at CYC Portland was thinking, gotta give out all those trophies somehow!

In PHRF A, the J/42 VELOCITY sailed by Tom Keffe from Hood River, Oregon showed extreme tenacity, gutting it out to complete the shortened course before the time limit and securing 2nd place in her class and 2nd Overall.  Only one other boat completed the course and all others dropped out and motor-sailed to Victoria, British Columbia.

Every May, the Corinthian Yacht Club of Portland sponsors the Oregon Offshore Yacht Race from Astoria, OR to Victoria, BC. The event has been a classic "feeder" race, taking enthusiastic offshore sailors from the friendly confines of Portland, Oregon up to the Seattle/ Victoria, BC region for some excellent sailing in the summers-- e.g. Vic-Maui, Seattle NOOD, Swiftsure Race and so forth.  The race goes 193 nm race, starting off Astoria, Oregon at the mouth of the famous Columbia River, then head north up around Cape Flattery (the NW tip of the spectacular Olympic Peninsula), then head down ESE through the notorious Straits of Juan de Fuca to the finish line at Victoria, BC, Canada.  That was the plan.  However, this year the race officially became the slowest ever Oregon Offshore on record.  Next up the “Swifter” Race!!  And, next year will be the 40th edition of the Oregon Offshore.  For more Oregon Offshore sailing information