44th GGYC Manuel Fagundes Seaweed Soup Regatta overall

by Erik Simonson on 11 Feb 2015 The 44th GGYC Manuel Fagundes – sandwiched between two powerful weather systems – had all the indications of becoming a light wind drifter as racers assembled for the fourth of the five race series. A tremendously windy day and night prior had lashed the Northern California region with gust exceeding 60 knots in the coastal range and over 100 mph in the Sierra Nevada, and dropped copious amounts of wind in the process.

Another system was lurking offshore, and the regatta seemed blessed to be happily center between the fierce storms, riding 'The Atmospheric River'.

As the 11:30 first start approached, an increasing southwesterly built, and the RC sent the first five fleets on Course 18, a jaunt out to Blackaller, a reach to Harding, a beat to Ft Mason, a run to Harding, a beat back to Mason and finish.

The wind, varied somewhat, from southeast, to east and actually increased for a good portion of the race, as a mini front worked it's way onshore, the gathering clouds darkening and thickening, a precursor to the impending larger storm gathering strength offshore.

The later boats fleets, Catalina 34's Knarrs and folkboats were sent on a shorter three lap, course three, which included temporary marks near Anita and Ft Mason. As the afternoon progressed and the wind eased, especially along the City Front, the RC found it necessary to shorten course, but not before the skies opened and gave crews a pre finish
shower.

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