Etchells Fleet 13 January 2012 Update

Reigning Fleet Champion Andrew Whittome led the way again on the first weekend of the new season (January 7-8) with the able assistance of Ian Storer with Kasey Campbell on Saturday, and super all-pro Etchells crew Artie Means on Sunday. Light and shifty conditions made for challenging race course management decision-making both days, and PRO Bruce Greene accommodated the fleet quite well by squeezing in four races each day. The full results are posted on the SDYC website: (http://www.sdyc.org/raceinfo/results12/odwJan_res.htm). 
At the request of your fleet captain, the starting area was located midway between the Zuniga Jetty Light and the Hotel Del Coronado to provide a much shorter tow/sail to and from the race course and more interesting sailing conditions. Given the relatively small fleet of ten Etchells and light wind (under 10 knots), the upwind legs were between 0.5 and 0.7 miles long (short) which provided some close and tactical racing. This new format of racing is a change from past practice and has been generally well-received so far.  When more boats and stronger winds are present, the upwind leg distances will be increased accordingly, but the objective will still be to sail between 3 and 5 races per day – and still get in before sundown.
Check the 2012 Race Calendar (Calender tab) for the updated listing of the entire season calendar of Fleet 13 races. And yes, we are aware that February 5 is Super Bowl Sunday and will plan accordingly. See you then!
Your Fleet Captain,
Bruce Nelson