Race Marks Up Mast

Tom Scott had prepared the day before by inflating race marks that we borrowed from West Marine, courtesy of the Charlotte Harbor Community Sailing Center. He secured them aboard his old Morgan 30 in a creative way.

CJ Helms Wily Conch

I managed to bring in a ringer to sail the Wily Conch for me – Charlie Jones, who was passing through the area on the Meridian 25 Tehani and decided to stay for the Sun Cat Nationals.

Tom Officiating

By the time we sailed out to the race area, Tom already had all the marks out. In this picture, he’s gesticulating with his notepad and giving some kind of official instructions. We could see the course marks, and given the relatively short course and the strong wind, we knew we would be doing two lap races, so we did not really care that we could not hear all of what Tom said. We were just having fun sailing around in the starting area!

Sunday Cat

I was glad to see the white Sunday Cat out at the starting line. It looked like we would not have a Sunday Cat at the Nationals this year, but when I contacted Com-Pac Yachts to ask about participation in the event, I heard back from Gerry Hutchins that his son and daughter in law would be able to bring a Sunday Cat! They had one prepared for a demo ride for a dealership, but that was canceled due to weather. No reason to let the preparation go to waste!

Sun Cat BlueCat

Also prowling the starting area, I got this picture of the Sun Cat BlueCat. The lazy jacks with stack-pack sail cover and the decision to race with the Bimini top up made Dick’s boat easy to pick out from a distance.

Sun Cat Catnip

I caught Butch plowing up a nice bow wave as he reached along in Catnip prior to the start of racing.

Sun Cat Racing Fleet

Sonja took this picture of the Sun Cat racing fleet just prior to the start of race one. Notably absent from the picture is Wily Conch. We were nowhere near the start line when the race began because I had used one of the horn signals to carefully calculate that my watch was “about two minutes” slow by GPS time. Charlie got us across the line with good speed right when I told him to, which was about one minute late.

Sun Cat Racers Sailing Upwind

Despite our late start, were in a mid-fleet position by the time this photo was taken. The fleet was on our first starboard tack toward the upwind mark, and from left to right are BlueCat, Indy Anna, Sunday Cat, Odd Duck, Suitsus, Wily Conch, and Frisky. Foreshortening in the photograph makes it hard to tell actual positions in the race, but we were pointing high and closing on the fleet. Hey, bringing in a ringer was a good idea!

Frisky Takes Our Bow

As we were preparing to tack toward the windward mark, Frisky came splashing across our bow.

Suitsus Ahead

Scott was also ahead of us on the way to the windward mark, but he had a little trouble with the sailing instructions. We did not know when to start, he did not know which way to go around.

Rounding First Mark

By the time Suitsus backtracked and went around the mark in the correct direction, the Wily Conch had slipped by to round ahead. In the background, Odd Duck is making it around and in the distance on the left are the Sunday Cat and Horizon Cat Class leader Good Juju.

Sun Cat Fleet

Still trying to get the whole fleet in one picture! I could not get Frisky in this one, as they were out in the lead, nor could I get Suitsus, who was busily plotting to steal our wind. From left to right are BlueCat, Catnip, Good Juju, Sunday Cat, Indy Anna and Odd Duck.

First Reaching Leg

This picture was taken at about the same moment from the mark boat. Frisky is far enough ahead to be out of the shot, but Suitsus is chasing Wily Conch as Odd Duck enters the frame.

Suitsus Steals Our Wind

Note the smug look on Scott’s face as Suitsus passed by us upwind, momentarily blanketing our sail. Charlie and I discussed pushing him upwind all the way to the bridge, but decided it was not the kind of thing one does at the Sun Cat Nationals. Besides, it would have helped the rest of the fleet more than it helped us!

He managed to pass us before the reach mark, but not far enough before it to prevent us from squeezing around ahead. There may have been a little “room at the mark” confusion, but in keeping with Sun Cat Class rules and tradition, no boats were scratched. We’re hoping the Horizon Cat Class adopts this tradition, but more on that later…

Suitsus Passing Again

Here he goes again, and with that same smug look. Maybe he just smiles like that when he sails? Nah, he was enjoying going by us!

Baggy Reefs

Sonja captured the scene from a distance as Scott went by us. He may be a bit faster with his larger sail, but I think it’s pretty obvious who was winning the “ugly bag of cloth hanging out of a reefed sail” competition. At least until Catboat Willy showed up, but let’s not skip ahead…

Approaching Leeward Mark

Frisky had rounded the leeward mark and was beating back upwind as Suitsus and Wily Conch approached the mark.

Catboat Willy Arrives

One of the duties of the jib trimmer on a Sun Cat is to perform the function of “snacktician” during races. For non-racers, this is a person who is always first to the best snacks aboard, and who occasionally makes comments regarding tactics and sail trim to those actually paying attention and sailing the boat. In that capacity, I suggested that our best approach for the second lap of the race would be to take a long starboard tack out until we could lay the windward mark in a single tack. Coincidentally, this strategic choice was also the least work. Charlie agreed.

Our plan took us out toward the Port Charlotte Beach Park, where we encountered Catboat Willy coming out in his Sanderling to join the fun. It was immediately clear that the “baggy stuff hanging from reefed sails” competition was over. We had the same general technique, but he had us beat on square footage.

Leaders Beating Upwind

Sonja caught some good shots of the rest of the fleet beating upwind. This one shows Scott hiking out and burying the rail on Suitsusu in an effort to catch Frisky. In the background is Odd Duck.

Odd Duck Beating Upwind

A better shot of Odd Duck sailing to windward, this one showing a good profile view of the custom stainless railing Dennis put on the boat.

First Race Near Finish

This picture of the catboat fleet making their way upwind to the finish line shows Frisky beating Suitsus over the line. (They had been paying attention, and knew there was no second lap to this race.) If I had noticed them crossing the finish line, I would have thought nothing of it. Tom Scott had told us that the start/finish line would be an open gate, meaning we could cross it during the race if we wanted. I did not notice them finishing and we were too far away to hear anything.

After the Finish

This picture was taken a few minutes later, and shows Whimsy and the red start/finish line buoy, Wily Conch still sailing a non-existent second lap of the race in company with Sea Bird, Suitsus sailing over to clue us in, and Frisky heading back around to the catboat parking area to await the next race.

Scott Tells Us To Go Finish

Meanwhile, over on the left side of the course, Charlie and I were enjoying our second lap of the race and having a nice time sailing along with Catboat Willy. I looked up and noticed that Suitsus was not pointing all that high, and appeared barely able to cross our bow, though moving along very well. Right about then Scott ruined our second lap of the race entirely by yelling, “Hey! You guys need to go finish!”

That might not be an exact quote, but the message was clear. We had sailed past the finish line because I thought it was a two lap race. I remembered Tom saying something the night before about doing two lap races if we had enough wind and a short course. Actually checking the designated course on the race committee boat prior to the race would have been a good idea. We ducked back down to go around the finish buoy, managing to take 4th place. I think Charlie would have done better in that race if he had been unencumbered by my assistance. Starting a minute late and missing the finish line are not known to be his style of racing.

Just for the record, Don in Frisky had the correct reaction to my error: let it continue! If someone is doing something stupid, let it go on as long as it is not dangerous. This is especially true if I am the one doing something stupid, because then I don’t have to check with anyone before writing about it. While I thank Scott for preventing further embarrassment, it would have been funnier if he had let us sail all the way to the upwind mark before realizing that everyone else had finished.

Good Juju Racing with Fender

Sonja caught a picture of Good Juju heading for a victory in the Horizon Cat Class. Something to do with Horizon Cat Class traditions makes it prudent for racers to sail with fenders deployed.

Mark Boat Anchored

I got no pictures from the first race from Charlie and Isy because they had left the camera at the welcoming party the night before and did not arrive in time to get it prior to the first race. They got it from Sonja and took this “dueling photographers” shot between race one and race two.

Sun Cat with Jib

Pulling our Sun Cat across the US 41 bridge to launch over at the Port Charlotte Beach Complex for a downwind run to Punta Gorda Isles, I spotted a familiar orange triangle flying in the Laishley Park Marina basin. Catboat hijinks were already under way, and Don was test-flying his nylon jib on Frisky. I did not know at the time that he was showing off for Isy while Charlie took pictures.

Morris 29 sailing Punta Gorda Isles channel

Coming into the PGI canal system, we encountered the Morris 29 named Grace sailing out the channel. I have hundreds of pictures of this boat, but always feel compelled to take another. A few days later, I offered to share some of my pictures with the owner, but he politely declined, explaining that he already has thousands of them.

Sun Cat Hull Number 8

Meanwhile, other participants were rolling into town. Mike showed up with his friend Randy’s boat, which is Sun Cat hull number 8. It was great to see a classic Sun Cat make an appearance at the Nationals, and fun to see Mike’s pictures of the original prototype built by Clark Mills.

Sun Cat Suitsus and Camper Van

Scott also showed up in his camper van with the future National Champion Sun Cat Suitsus in tow.

Welcoming Party Tent

We set up the Welcoming Party/Skipper’s Meeting under the big party tent and guest house, and as daylight started to fade the rest of the regatta participants began to show up.

Charlie and Scott

Specifically, Charlie and Isy showed up, and revelry ensued…

Isy and Mike

…and more revelry ensued!

Sun Cat History

After a while, Mike brought out some material on the history of Sun Cats and an effort by the Pinellas County Historical Society and Clearwater Yacht Club to construct a boatbuilding museum. The museum will feature the original Sun Cat built by Clark Mills along with one of his most famous boats, the Optimist Prams. Mike had pictures of the prototype Sun Cat under sail as well as 1960s drawings by Clark Mills that were done when he adapted the design for the first run of fiberglass production boats. We learned all kinds of interesting facts about the history of Sun Cats, much of which Mike witnessed firsthand.

Sun Cat Design Drawing

Here is one of the drawings Mike brought, showing the Sun Cat as it was designed back when hull number 8 was made. Notable differences from the modern Com-Pac version: the original carries 165 square feet of sail, 15 sq ft more than our modern boats, and it has no shoal keel with centerboard. It has bilge boards and a round bottom.

Skippers Race Briefing

After our lesson on the storied history of the Sun Cat Class, Race Committee Chairman Tom Scott held a brief skippers’ meeting, explaining the likely courses to be used, the starting sequence, etc. As the picture showed, I politely pretended to pay attention. As the first race the next day showed, I was not really paying attention, but let’s not get ahead…

Yet More Revelry

I’m pretty sure some more revelry ensued after the race briefing. I found this picture of Charlie and Mike looking slightly intoxicated, and I have a dim memory of ordering a bunch of chicken wings.

Race Two

Race Three

Final Standings

The winner in all three races of the Horizon Cat Nationals was the sole participant, Skipper Charlie M with jib trimmer Isy in Good Juju. I’m not sure how to report the Sanderling Class results, since I am not a jib trimmer for that class of boats, but special thanks to Catboat Willy for making an appearance in Sea Bird!

The biggest thanks of all go to Race Committee Chairman Tom Scott in Whimsy and Head Mark Puller Sonja in Flying Shingle, which actually says Sea Ya on the sides, but we don’t care for that name and it’s a flying shingle.

My apologies to Larry and Cathy of the Sun Cat Indy Anna, who were somehow left off the previous roster! We also got a late entry from the Com Pac factory: Tyler Hutchins is bringing a Sunday Cat to race!

Dennis M asked whether there is a group dinner plan for Friday night, but we do not have one. Dinner will occur spontaneously. This is what happens when a catboat jib trimmer is in charge of planning. I’m pretty sure the drinks are taken care of.

We will have 9 Sun Cats competing in the regatta, along with one participant in the Horizon Cat Nationals and a distinguished Sun Cat Class veteran sailing a Com-Pac 25. This is gonna be FUN!

Racing in the Sun Cat Class:

Dennis M (2 people)
Michael J (2)
Scott W (1)
Steve J (2)
Butch E (2)
Craig D (2)
Don N (1)
Dick K (2)
Jib T (1)

Honored Sun Cat Class Alumni Auditing the Race:

Paul S (1)
Charlie M (2)

We look forward to seeing you all this weekend! That makes 15 people racing on 8 boats in the Sun Cat Class, since Steve J is not bringing his boat this year and plans to trim the jib for someone instead. I am working to round up another Sun Cat or two by this weekend, but we are already one of the largest racing classes on Charlotte Harbor, so the Regatta is already achieving the primary goal of amusing me!

Notice of Race
Sun Cat National Championship Regatta

November 5-6, 2011

On Charlotte Harbor

Sponsored By: Com-Pac Yachts, Gulf Island Sails, and Tropical Boating

This is a competition to decide the National Champion in the Sun Cat Class. As Head Jib Trimmer In Charge, I have decided that the Sun Cat Class will be an unlimited development class – you just have to have a hull that is arguably a Sun Cat hull to qualify. Choice of rig, sails and number of crew is entirely up to each skipper.

Rules: The 2011 SCNC Regatta will be governed by the current Racing Rules of Sailing as best the participants can remember them, as altered by future Sailing Instructions to be made up before (and possibly during) the races. The only really important rule is: do NOT hit Whimsy under any circumstances.

Fees: The Regatta fee is $20 per adult participant, and includes a steak dinner to be cooked by Scott, this time using both arms.

Sailing Instructions: Have fun! There will be others, but that’s the prime directive for now.

Regatta Site: On Charlotte Harbor wherever Tom anchors Whimsy.

Skipper’s Meeting: 5 pm Friday at the residence of the Head Jib Trimmer In Charge. Attendance is optional, as this is more about drinking and munching, but Tom S. will probably insist on passing along some instructions of some kind anyway.

Trophies: Last year, sponsors Com-Pac Yachts and Gulf Island Sails gave us some nice hats!

Schedule of Races

Sun Cat Frisky in the distance

Soon I spotted a small gaff-rigged sail over by the northern edge of the harbor, and when I looked over again I could see a tiny spot of orange beside the sail. That could only be Don in Frisky flying his new jib. The picture at right is zoomed in quite a bit, and we could not see the boat this clearly, but if you click to enlarge the picture it’s a pretty good view.

Alerion Catboat

I noticed another catboat sail in that general area, and it started coming toward us. “That looks like an Alerion catboat sail,” I said. Who could it be? Then I remembered hearing that Paul was getting one of those, and this must be it! Looking very sharp with the blue hull, which we all now know is the fastest hull color. He sailed on by, then turned around to join Whimsy in overtaking us.

Frisky heeling under jib

It was “Overtake Wily Conch Day” at the Sun Cat Regionals, and here comes Don with his jib. Showing quite a bit of hull in the air for a Sun Cat!

Shutterbug Tom

Tom Scott is not one to let that kind of activity go undocumented. A picture of Shutterbug Tom taking pictures of Don as Whimsy sails herself.

Frisky Catching Conch

The jib definitely added some speed to the Sun Cat, and soon Frisky was on our stern.

About that time, I heard a somewhat familiar voice on the radio calling the Charlotte Harbor Sun Cat sailors. I answered the call and was surprised that it really was Charlie and Isy, and they were coming out to join us in their Horizon Cat, Good Juju!

Whimsy Chasing Good Juju

This picture turned out to be the last one of Good Juju under sail for this trip. Shortly after I took that picture, the bobstay on the Horizon Cat broke! They were lucky the mast did not fall down, but there would be no more sailing until some repairs are made. Charlie and Isy drove all the way from South Carolina and only got in less than a half hour of sailing! Bad Juju!

Alerion Catboat Full Sail

I had sailed off upwind of the herd a bit, in part to get a good angle for sunlight on all the boats and to try to get them all in one shot. It’s like herding cats! If I could get them in one frame, it was going to be too distant, so I turned back toward them and started taking pictures. Got this nice one of Paul’s Alerion catboat under full sail, shortly before he exhibited the good sense to reef a bit. The gusts were probably a bit over 15 knots, which is managable if a bit sporting in a Sun Cat, but is too much for many other catboats to use the full sail.

Morgan 30 Heeling

Tom Scott was up to his usual tricks, showing us half the bottom of Whimsy as she sailed along under reefed main and jib. I was starting to think about reefing, and my wife, clearly having the same thought, asked me if I had not told her that when you start to think about reefing, it’s time to reef. I explained that I was having too much fun with the full sail, but I did notice the sail fully eased on Good Juju and thought to myself that Charlie was prudent to tuck in a reef at this point.

Good Juju Stalled

Charlie seemed to be having trouble reefing the sail on Good Juju as I turned to take this picture. They had been stalled there for a couple of minutes, and though the picture was taken with 3x zoom, I could see that Charlie was up on the bow. I figured something got fouled or jammed, and he was up there to work it out and they would soon be on their way under reefed sail.

Good Juju Broken Bobstay

Zooming in a bit closer on the picture reveals what really happened: the bobstay on the Horizon Cat had broken and the bowsprit cracked and lifted a bit. Charlie was not up there untangling a mess, he was assessing the damage. Moments later when I looked back, the sail was down, and we soon learned from Tom Scott that Charlie and Isy were heading back to the dock. The fleet escorted them as far as the US 41 bridge.

Sun Cat Jib Launch

Whimsy took off for home to go and assist Charlie and Isy. We had spotted Paul’s tanbark sail on Sanura heading south out of the Beach Complex, and the herd went over to pick him up. Don took the opportunity to play with his jib some more. Here is a shot of Frisky off our stern just as the jib was launched and (almost) filled.

Sun Cat Jib Working

Yes, the jib seems to be working… that’s the transom of Frisky all right.

Alerion Catboat Reefed

Paul came alongside and was matching our speed, probably around 4 knots, in the Alerion catboat under reefed sail. He hollered over to us, “Do you have a GPS?”

“Yes!” I replied.

“How fast are we going?” he asked.

I asked Sonja to have a look at the GPS, and she said, “It is turned off.”

“WE DON’T CARE!” I yelled back at Paul.

Frisky and Sanura

We collected the other Paul in Sanura into the herd around marker 3, and for a bit Don was sailing along with him using Frisky’s orange jib. Tanbark mainsail meets orange jib!

Catboat Group

With Sanura in the fold, we all sailed around the upper harbor in a group for a while. I could not stop grinning. I do not know why a herd of Sun Cats (plus an Alerion) sailing around together is funny to me, but it is.

Sun Cat Frisky

I got this shot of Frisky on a close pass for those who want to check out all of Don’s custom sail handling modifications and his jib.

Sun Cat Sanura

That tanbark sail looks awesome on Sanura with the green hull. Makes me wonder how it would look with our blue hull…

Sun Cat Regionals Final Standings

This was the last shot I took at this round of the Sun Cat Regionals, and Wily Conch is plainly in the lead, so I declared victory and told Gerry Hutchins at Com-Pac Yachts that he owes me another hat. He’s a good sport and promised to send one, but I was just kidding and am still enjoying my green one that I won at the Sun Cat Nationals. I’ll make sure the new one gets into the hands of a deserving Com-Pac sailor in our local fleet!

With the wind dying out, the fleet headed for home, and soon we were all under power as the wind got too light for Sun Cat sailing. About that time we got a call on the radio from Whimsy just to inform me that Charlie was at the helm and steering the boat straight and true. I figured Charlie looks like the kind of guy who might have some experience handling fully loaded dumptrucks on ice, and this confirms it. At least they got in some more sailing! The Horizon Cat is going back to the Com-Pac factory for repairs.

USCG Auxiliary Power Catamaran

As I sailed across the harbor from Punta Gorda Isles to our racing area near the Port Charlotte Beach Complex, I was approached by a power catamaran bearing the orange sign of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. I figured they were just bored and wanted to look at the pretty catboat, but then they approached close enough to hail me. I was amused to find out that they knew I was heading to the Sun Cat Nationals, and they were wondering whether their friend Dick K, a recent Sun Cat buyer I know, would show up to play with us. My spies tell me that he was indeed on the water and did NOT come to play, so he’ll get an earful when I get hold of him.

Reaching to the Race Course

My mesh ribbon telltale on the shroud was standing up nicely and it was a beautiful day for a sailboat race as I sailed across the harbor. There was enough wind to move the boat nicely, but not nearly as much as the previous weekend, when the Sunfish Regionals were held in 20-25 knot winds. I was thankful for the perfect breeze at that point in the day, and thankful we did not have the nasty cold wind and chop the Sunfish sailors experienced. Later, as I struggled endlessly for the finish line, I remember wishing for one of those gusts to come along!

Sun Cat Sandpiper

As I approached, the other Sun Cats were also gathering around race committee boat Whimsy. I came across Sandpiper raising sail.

Approaching Race Committee

Meanwhile, Frisky and Odd Duck were already over by the committee boat, and an Endeavour 32 cruising sailboat was meandering through the race course on its way out from the channel.

Sun Cat Frisky

As all the boats were checking in and getting the course description from race committee chairman Tom Scott, I sailed around to try to take a good picture of each competitor. First to cross my path was Frisky.

Sun Cat Odd Duck

Next to come along was Odd Duck, sporting a custom stainless steel railing and bow pulpit and a custom bimini top.

Sun Cat Sanura with tanbark sail

Then I took a pass by Sanura, looking great with her dark green hull and tanbark sail.

Sun Cat Catnip

Catnip on the prowl!

Sun Cat Indy Anna

And Indy Anna on her way to the coveted “most relaxed” Sun Cat racer title.

Sun Cat Sandpiper

And last but not least, Sandpiper, who would have won the race easily had they not had a bit of centerboard trouble at the end. I should really be more embarrassed than I am about this. Two good-sized men with a giant outboard hanging off the back should not be that much faster than one guy with a normal outboard.

Sun Cat Wily Conch

Just so we have the whole Sun Cat class here, a shot of Wily Conch taken by Hans from the race committee boat. Maybe I could go faster without those speed wrinkles in my sail?

The Horizon Cat Class

And we can’t forget the Horizon Cat Class, Good Juju! They showed up a bit late, and I snapped that picture shortly after I rounded the upwind mark. Better late than never!

Scouting the Reach Mark

Prior to the race starting sequence, there was still a bit of wind out on the harbor, and I took the opportunity to sail out toward the reach mark and get a shot of Sonja, who was standing by in the mark boat to help Sun Cat sailors find their way to the reach mark. Ominously, a dredging barge approaches in the background. (cue scary music)

Starting the Race

I decided to try to start just a bit late, in the hopes of catching a dramatic picture of all the Sun Cats going across the line. That did not work out at all! As shown on the previous picture page and in the videos, the Sun Cats were all over the place when the starting horn sounded, few all that close to the line. This picture was not exactly what I had in mind, but here it is. You can see the starting line pin buoy, generously provided by Charlotte Harbor Community Sailing Center, if you look really close through Catnip’s boom gallows.

Sun Cat technicians should note that I am starting the race with the long pin in place, or at least only half fallen out of place. It remained like that for the duration of the race because my Jib Trimmer was too lazy to go up and remove it.

Dredge Barge Ahead

As I worked my way up the initial upwind leg, I went up into the mouth of Alligator Bay a ways before tacking back out. On that tack back out, I found myself on a collision course with the dredging barge making its way in the channel. Imagining the horrific scene of a barge moving at 5 knots colliding with a Sun Cat moving at 2.5 knots, I got out my camera. Saved by the dying wind and opposing current, I did not manage to come anywhere near the barge.

Current at Upwind Mark A

We were using “Marker A” (approximate location shown on this race mark chart from the Punta Gorda Sailing Club) as our upwind mark, and as you can see in the inset of this photo taken by Charlie as Good Juju rounded, there was a bit of current against us, really killing our tacking angles on that leg of the course. Sun Cats can’t move well in light wind, and it is necessary to fall off a long way and fatten up the sail to accelerate on a new tack, then trim up for a higher angle. The boat just does not have the power to accelerate when pointed high into the wind. For the same reason, it really punishes sailors with a tendency to pinch. You’ll quickly lose speed, and you can’t get it back without falling way off.

Chasing Sandpiper On A Reach

I reached the upwind mark a bit behind Sandpiper and I was chasing them without much progress as we made our way out to the reach mark.

Chasing Sandpiper On A Run

I made little progress on the first reaching leg, but did manage to close the gap a bit on the leg down from the reach mark to the leeward mark. In this picture, they have rounded the leeward mark and the sail is luffing as both sailors stare at the cockpit sole. I did not know why at the time…

Sandpiper In The Lead

Still, when I got around the leeward mark and started to work my way back up toward the start/finish line, one of the first things that happened was Sandpiper crossing my bow. I had closed some ground, and they started to look like they were within striking distance. Next thing I knew, they sailed off into a hole with no wind and I was above them. I did not know at the time, but learned later over dinner, that they were having centerboard troubles, which would make it a lot more difficult to go upwind! That is why I was able to get past them.

15 Whaler Flyby

In the light and dying winds, it was necessary to concentrate on remaining still and sailing the boat smoothly with maximum efficiency if I wanted to finish before dark, and the last thing I really wanted was a powerboat coming by. Thanks, Honey! Love You Too! (Using the zoom there; she really was not all that close.)

Horizon Cat Shutterbugs

After the race, I sailed around a bit, but the wind was going very light and I just struck my sail and went to tie off to the stern of Whimsy as other boats rafted alongside. When Charlie and Isy showed up in the Horizon Cat, we were treated to the normal view of them, faces behind cameras. Isy was kind enough to share her pictures from the day with me, and there were around 160 of them! I took 65, which seemed like a lot to me!

Sun Cat With Jib Mods

When Don rafted alongside, we all got a good look at his many modifications to Frisky. In addition to luxurious extra-thick cockpit cushions, he has nice little touches like leather linings on the boom gallows notches, and a whole mess of non-standard sail controls. Don had to ruin my little “Jib Trimmer” joke by actually putting a jib on his Sun Cat, and in the picture you can see a custom jib lead mounted on top of the midship cleat, as well as a rope toggle on the handrail that I think he uses for another lead block. That green panel with the array of standard cleats and cam cleats is needed for all his many halyards and control lines.

Sun Cat With Jib

For the curious, Tom Scott took this photo of Don sailing Frisky with one of her jibs a week or so after the Sun Cat Nationals. Some experts are predicting extended court battles and a nasty media war over what kinds of modifications will be legal for Sun Cat Class Racing, but this is not the America’s Cup and I just want to see Don’s jib in action!

Raft Up After Race

I took a slow lap around the raft of boats in the 15 Whaler to get this picture. Whimsy looks like a ketch rig because Wily Conch is tied off astern. Soon after this photo was taken, even the most optimistic among us had to admit that the wind had completely and permanently died for the day, and we were not going to get off another race. I motored back across the harbor to tie my boat up at Joe’s dock, then brought the Whaler home and started getting ready for our big dinner. (By which I mean, finding people to do all the things necessary to put on a dinner while I looked over pictures of the day’s racing with the other sailors.)

Still to come: some more pictures taken by others and pictures from the lightly-attended second day of the Sun Cat Nationals.

The start of racing:

To the upwind mark, and beyond!

Around the reach and leeward marks, and the struggle in light air to make it back up to the finish:

The first three boats slowly clawing their way upwind to finish in dying winds: