Seattle Team Race

Seven high school teams from 6 Seattle schools competed at this fall’s Seattle Team Race. Sailors were greeted by a dying northerly and glass conditions by the 1000 competitors meeting. After some morning yoga and group warm ups, a 3-5 mph easterly touched down and boats headed onto the water. Unfortunately, by the time the course was set the breeze had evaporated. With variable winds, competitors were sent ashore and coaches commenced a team race clinic.

At 1130 another easterly rolled in and sailors once again went on the water, but once again the wind did not stick around. Remaining on the water, RC reset for the new westerly direction and race 1 commenced, only to be abandoned due to lack of wind and a big right shift that was bringing along more NW direction. Once again, the course was reset and race 1 was attempted for the second time, but the promise of a northerly proved false as the sun came out and the lake became glass.

After a lunch break onshore, the northerly finally marched down the lake, providing 4-6 mph breeze. Race 1 was finally sailed to completion after starting at 1415. For the next two and half hours sailor were treated to 8 to 10 minute races in variable conditions ranging from 0-5 mph but then building to 12 mph gusting 15 mph by the final flight of races. The round robin was completed at 1645.

Thanks to the 45 Seattle high school sailors who spent their Saturday being patient onshore and on the water, and to the RC team of Bob and Jim. After many close races, Roosevelt ‘Green’ came away with the undefeated victory.