2015 SSS Corinthian Regatta - Images by pressure-drop.us

by pressure-drop.us on 24 Mar 2015 2015 SSS Corinthian Regatta - San Francisco has become the Western hub of shorthanded sailing over the past few decades, and the 120 paid registrants for Saturday's Single Handed Sailing Society's Corinthian Race can lay testament to that claim. The second of eight races sponsored by the SSS, and hosted by the Corinthian Yacht Club, the Corinthian Race has become increasingly popular over the years since it's original debut as the 'In The Bay Race' in the late 90's.

'I believe the impetus for shorthanded sailing really began in the recession of the early 00's,' say Max Crittenden, a long time SSS member and dedicated Short Handed Sailor. Back then, when originally proposed , the Inside The Bay format, the race was generally disregarded by the status quo.

Only overshadowed by the 3 Bridge Fiasco, which draws some 350 boats these days, the SSS Corinthian has gathered the attention of many sailors as a great way to spend the weekend in a challenging manner without the major time investment required for the 3BF, and the odds of completing the course being much greater, and the weather, on average much warmer.

The race itself starts and finishes of the Corinthian YC in Raccoon Straits , then, depending on Course 1 or Course 2, leaves Little Harding to port, bears off to Blossom Rock then works its way west to Blackaller Buoy before heading NE to the Southampton Shoal platform before heading to Little Harding and then the finish. A condensed version of the 3BF with a little more sanity and decorum.

Saturdays race with its intended 11:05 first gun was delayed somewhat, after the pin end mark somehow parted with the ground tackle and began to take its own bay tour until the RC could track it down and reset with new hardware. 'It was a clean cut' was heard of the radio, with some inference to some sea turtle seen in the area, other speculated North Korean's were somehow behind the shenanigans but order was somewhat returned, just as a a gentle westerly presented itself providing the inertia required to get away from the sometimes fickle waters of the Strait.

13 divisions encased in six starts began the process of seeking clean air just as the SFYC hosted High School Championships dinghies appeared, mostly in tow, and also headed to round Point Belvedere on their way to Richardson Bay, just to add some extra challenges for all!

The Multis got the first gun and were the fortunate ones, along with the second start in Delta, with a gentle five to seven knots and pool table flat flood pushing them directly towards Blossom. As is often the case during these transitional periods between weather fronts, the wind on the central bay eased somewhat, just as the flood began to ease and the following fleets were left floundering for a period while awaiting the predicted breeze to fill in off the Pacific.

With the ebb beginning to build along the City Front, The Multi's were able to make good time short taking and were further gifted with getting into the new breeze the soonest. With water still flat and the Blackaller Buoy breezes pumping now in the mid teens, kites were deployed and march to Point Blunt then Southampton ensued. Reports of good breeze all the way to Southampton were spoken, and then the decision on what route to take back to little Harding had to be made. For some it was easier than others. Chris Harvey and Bobby Hyde were in the lead on the F-25c Mojo when they made the decision to go for Raccoon Straits. Watching from a safe distance behind, Darren Doud & Jeromy Boyette sailing on the Corsair 31 Roshambo witnessed the leader sail into a major hole and had plenty of time to opt out, and head for Point Blunt. The decision paid, and Roshambo rambled on to an elapsed 03:20:07 first to finish victory, yet settling for 2 in divisions as Rafi Yahalom and David Kuettel aboard Looking Good corrected out by 05:40 for first in division.

Division Results

Overall Results