Change in the Sailing Instructions

The start time has changed from Thursday, May 10th 0800 hours to 0900 hours. This changes the printed Sailing Instructions. 

Schooner Creek to the rescue

Schooner Creek Owner Kevin Flanigan and Eric thought he was just coming to race, instead he came to save the day! Rage, a Wylie 70 built at Schooner, got a slight ding on her bow. The race must go on! 

Web sites to follow


Take a half hour and log in to 2 sites that will help you "visualize" what is happening on the race course.
NOAA Data Buoy site this is an app you can get for a fee, or visit the website at
www.ndbc.noaa.gov look for the mouth of the Columbia River at race start to seewhat the waves are doing and surface wind. 46243 is the Scripps Bouy and seems to be most active.
www.windy.com is an active site that shows wind flow.
http://oregonoffshore.swiftsure.org will have the Tracker going tomorrow morning.
Race start is 8 AM.
Let the adventure begin!

Astoria sunrise Thursday 5:49, 50 degrees and dry, we know things change.


Race Related Activities

Well, we are finally here! Less than two days away from the start of the 42nd Annual Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race. We have been working round the clock behind the scenes to ensure things go off without a hitch. From here on out, it is what it is! Let's hope it is a success.


TOMORROW WEDNESDAY, MAY 9TH

1500-1730 hrs SKIPPER CHECK IN- ASTORIA YACHT CLUB 300 Industry St, Suite 201
          2.3.1 Skipper or representative must check in with the Race Committee between 1500 and
         1730 hours at the Astoria Yacht Club, 300 Industry St, Suite 201, Astoria, OR, 97103, on May
         9, 2018.
       
          2.3.2 The skipper of each yacht must submit a final crew list on the appropriate form,
         as well as crew waivers, at check-in. Final class breakdowns will be announced at this
         time, and changes or additions to the Sailing Instructions will be posted on the official
         notice board at www.oregonoffshore.org before 1800 hours on May 9, 2018 and
         distributed in writing at the Skippers’ Meeting.

1800 hrs SKIPPER MEETING- ROGUE BREWERY 100 39th St, Astoria, OR 97103.
         2.4.1 Attendance by the skipper or a representative at the Skippers’ Meeting is
        mandatory. ANY YACHT WHOSE SKIPPER OR REPRESENTATIVE DOES NOT
        CHECK IN BEFORE THE SKIPPERS’ MEETING OR IS NOT PRESENT FOR ROLL
        CALL AT THE SKIPPERS' MEETING MAY BE DISQUALIFIED.
       
        2.4.2 Attendance is limited to 2 people per yacht for the first 45 minutes. At that time,
       all crew are welcome and encouraged to join us for a social with t-shirts and drinks
       available for purchase. Please see www.oregonoffshore.org for updates.

       2.4.3 Transportation will be provided to and from the Skippers’ Meeting from the west
       basin marina via the Historic Astoria Trolley. The Trolley will leave at 1730 hours for
       the Skipper & Navigator then a second trip will leave at 1830 hours.

THURSDAY, MAY 10TH 

 START TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED AT THE SKIPPERS MEETING

 SUNDAY, MAY 13TH

 1100 hrs AWARDS BBQ- ROYAL VICTORIA YACHT CLUB
         2.6.1 This event will be completed in time for participants to get to the Black Ball Ferry
         in time for the 1600 departure for Port Angeles.
         2.6.2 Transportation will be provided via private bus to and from the marina and

        RVYC. Details available in the Sailing Instructions.

For questions or concerns, please contact Craig Garrison, CYC Portland Commodore, 503-799-8718


Sail-World interview



An interview with Dennis Damore about the 2018 Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race

by David Schmidt 7 May 08:00 PDT May 8, 2018
 
  Free Bowl of Soup en route to winning the 2017 Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race © Image couyrtesy of the Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race

If you’ve ever looked at a chart of the Oregon and Washington coasts, you’re familiar with the fact that this gorgeous stretch of shoreline gets hammered with weather, both in terms of the long-fetch seas and the storms that barrel in across the open Pacific. These waters can be millpond-calm on some days, but things can get nasty quickly, and while this is true of many areas, the rugged coastline is largely void of harbors to dodge the weather.

Because of this, entering the Corinthian Yacht Club (CYC) of Portland's Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race (May 10-13, 2018) gives skippers and crews a great coastal and open-water adventure while also exposing them to the kinds of preparation needed to engage in bigger events such as a Hawaii race. This 193-nautical-mile race starts in Astoria, Oregon, and finishes in Victoria, British Columbia, giving sailors a taste of everything from offshore conditions to the tricky currents that flow through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, while also treating them to one of the most visually stunning racecourses in North America (provided, of course, that the old-growth forests and glacier-capped peaks aren’t shrouded in cloud cover). This year’s fleet includes boats from two countries and multiple U.S. states, and it ranges in size and sophistication from modest 30-footers to a 70-foot sled, and the race has set up a crew bank for sailors looking to catch rides from Oregon to Canada. I interviewed Dennis Damore, Vice Commodore and Race Captain of the CYC of Portland, Oregon, via email, to learn more about the 2018 Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race.

 The Oregon Offshore has a bit of a reputation as a gear-buster race that’s often defined by rough weather—is this fair and if so, is the Oregon coast always a washing machine?

Although the race is called the Oregon Offshore, it really only starts off the Oregon coast and then heads north along the Washington coast to the Straits of Juan de Fuca and then on to Victoria, BC. Like any true offshore race, the conditions are extremely variable. We’ve had years of pounding up the coast contrasted with races, like last year, where it was a downwind ride with squalls setting the pace. We’ve seen dead flat calm off Destruction Island and almost everywhere in the straits at various times. We’ve finished in foulies and in shorts and T-shirts. So, gear-buster? It’s not any more so than any other race. It’s a race of contrasts in scenery, weather, and tactics.


Happy sailors en route to Victoria, British Columbia in the Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race - photo © Image courtesy of the Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race

How are your numbers looking this year versus previous recent editions? Also, what percentage of your 2018 fleet is American vs. Canadian (or other international entries) and is this percentage typical of this event?
This year is gearing up to be a well-participated race. We average about 20-25 boats each year. Roughly 40 percent are Canadian, with several more from the Seattle area. Right now we are feeling pretty good that 30 percent of this year’s entries are first timers from out of state. We have been focusing on a grassroots marketing movement that seems to finally be paying off. Our best performance was in 2014 with 30 entries, and we happened to get epic wind conditions for that race. Icon, a Seattle-based custom Bob Perry 65-foot carbon-fiber racing sled skippered by Kevin Welch, finished the race with an elapsed time of 14:56:20. This beat the 2000 record set by Steve Rander's Rage by 4:50:21.

 Are multi-hulls allowed to come and compete?
We are not allowing multi-hulls at this time. Although we have had a steady stream of interest, there are a variety of risks to take into consideration. It is less about how experienced the crew is on those vessels and more about the risk associated with emergency response along the entire Washington coast in the event of a problem. We would love to see some multihull participation, and we are continuing to look at the requirements necessary to allow multihull participation in the future.

 Strategy wise, what are the biggest considerations of the race’s 196 nautical mile course? What about tactics? Are there any bits of the course that typically require all hands on deck, say for a 0200 hours tack or gybe?
This is a navigator’s race. What makes the Oregon Offshore a unique experience is that, from a tactical perspective, it is really three distinct races in one: the race up the coast, the race down the straits, and the passage through Race Rocks to the finish. Each segment has very different tactical considerations. After the start, in a typical northwest breeze, there are current and wind-shift considerations that can be challenging. Some years, boats stay within miles of the coastline, carefully avoiding crab pots and jutting-out landmasses like Destruction Island. Other years, we will see boats out twenty miles or more. After entering the Strait [of Juan de Fuca], knowledge of the tide conditions and being able to anticipate the direction, timing and strength of the typical Westerly [breeze], coupled with the critical decision of when to cross to the Vancouver Island side, require a whole new set of tactics to avoid shipping lanes and current, and to maximize wind angles. Then comes Race Rocks with the decision to cut through or sail around that [waypoint] can make or break the race. This is most likely going to be your 0200 hours, all-hands-on-deck situation. Then you just pray the wind doesn’t shut off before you coast into the harbor.


Racers ghosting along on light airs, en route to Victoria, B.C., in the Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race - photo © Image courtesy of the Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race

Given that the “brochure” for Hawaii races typically calls for a rough first two or three days, followed by trade-wind sailing, is the Oregon Offshore a good stepping-stone event for bigger offshore passages, or do you see it more as it’s own stand-alone event?
We like to think of it as both. Despite being a relatively short race, the race provides valuable experience and practice in preparing a boat for offshore conditions, giving crew valuable offshore experience, building a crew into a cohesive team and, probably most memorably, giving participants a valuable and ever-expanding store of great stories to tell. Moreover, it is a qualifying race for the Vic-Maui, and is also a means for Oregon[-based] skippers to get their boats north to participate in the Swiftsure International race. While some might consider doing it only as a shakedown cruise for their Hawaii race, it really is its own adventure. There is a reason why we have multiple participants who have done the race over twenty times. You get the adrenal rush of offshore racing in the space of just a few days, rather than the week and half or more it takes to get to Hawaii.

 Obviously an offshore race is just that, but has the event tried to do anything to “green-up” and reduce it’s environmental footprint?
Over the years there has been a growing understanding and respect for the responsibility all of the participants have to keep a clean footprint. [For example,] we have reduced the amount of printed materials we use to promote the race, and [we] have opted for face-to-face meetings and focused more on social media. While [we] have not made a deliberate attempt to associate ourselves with outside organizations, there is always more we can do in this regard and partnering with a national organization is on our short list of things to do for future races (hint, hint national organizations).

 Anything else that you’d like to add, for the record?
There are two cool things that make this race unique. One is that we have someone blog through the entire race so friends, family and race supporters at home can get a more in depth understanding of what is happening in real time. In conjunction with the race trackers, this creates an edge-of-your-seat experience for even those who have never stepped foot onboard. And two, we greet each boat in Victoria, BC with warm wet towels and champagne! To follow along [from] May 10th-13th, visit www.oregonoffshore.org.

 Special thanks to the Corinthian Yacht Club of Portland's Commodore Craig Garrison and Rear Commodore Jenn Thompson for their help and input with this interview.


Racer thoughts



Talking to some of this years racers.

I asked Jacki McLoughlin what she loved most about the race having done it many years, she said seeing Cape Flattery and Tatoosh Island from the ocean especially at sunset or dawn.
Her essentials: hand warmers for in gloves, boots or anywhere that is cold.
Favorite dog watch snack: Chocolate covered espresso beans!  Hahahaha, thank you Karey Welling for suggesting that one for our crew late 80"s, still Jacki's favorite! How about the Spannish Rice....

Bill Huseby's favorite dog watch snack: Beanee Weenees....

Ray McCormack's favorite dog watch snack: Zip lock bag of nuts, gummy bears, beef jerky, gold fish and dried fruit...now that is an assortment.

A chat with a veteran racer

 
Veteran Oregon Offshore racer Bruce Bloch
 


 
Bruce has crewed for seven races including boats like Riva, a Portland based J/46.
Every year he said it was the last and just kept going!
 
Just talking about things to take...3 wool hats, they get wet quickly!
My two best things to bring are heavy duty ear plugs! and rubberized workman's gloves to go over your wool gloves! On night watch you will be happy to have them, be sure you put your name on your pair! It can be cold and wet or hot!!!! Be prepared. OOOO remember snacks for night watch.
 
 
 


Learning how to blog

Getting expert advice from the Executive Board Members of CYC Portland, Rear Commodore Jenn Thompson, Commodore Craig Garrison and Vice Commodore/Race Captain Denny Damore
Kathy Kershner volunteer, 2018 Vicarious Racer....




 
 
If you didn't make it to the Oregon Offshore kickoff party
Here are a couple of highlights.
 
 
Commodore Craig Garrison and Past Commodore Jenn Thompson. 
 

Anika and Caryn volunteering!
 
 
 Gail and Ashley volunteering
 
 
CYC Board Members  Doug Schenk, Stewart Carter
 
 
Becky Huseby, Joby Easton, Bill Huseby
Raindrop
 
 
Milling about before the meeting with Kevin Flanagan,
owner of Schooner Creek Boat Works 2018 Title Sponsor. Thank you Kevin!!!!



Learn how to use a Lifesling



Take 11 minutes to watch this if you haven't reviewed the Lifesling procedures please take a few minutes. The Sailing Foundation is a sponsor of the Oregon Offshore International Yacht Race.
 
 


Last three entries: Raindrop, Journeyman, Wy'est

The Kick-off party on Monday was a success and we landed three additional entries for a total of 23 [participants! See entry details below

Raindrop, Cascade 36, PHRF 136
Last but not least, we have our final entry, the mighty Raindrop, Cascade 36, hailing from Portland. Skippers Joby Easton and Bill Huseby have been running a solid race program for awhile, 2008 Pac Cup, multiple Oregon Offshore races, including winning their fleet in the 2017, followed by an excellent race in the 2017 Vic Maui. Joby has put himself out there as a OOR mentor so if you are new to the race, he is a great resource.

 

Wy'est, Cascade 36, PHRF 141
It's official! Skipper Frank Colistro is back for even more blue water abuse. Frank has been an active member of CYC Portland for as many years as he has been racing Oregon Offshore and we are excited to support him and the Wy'East crew.



Wy'East holds the record for the boat that has participated in the most Oregon Offshore races to date.



 Journeyman, Cal 40, PHRF 120
Journeyman is a 1968 Cal 40 skippered by Captain Rhys Balmer and Captain Gavin Brackett. Journeyman is the flagship of Griffin Bay Adventures, a new Sailing school located in Friday Harbor. Not only will this be Journeyman's introduction into the NW Sailing community but three students of offshore sailing will be learning dead reckoning, night sailing and big boat spinnaker handling as we sail up Washington's beautiful coastline.







20th Entry: Spar Trek, Express 27

Spar Trek is an Express 27 that was brought to the Portland area to participate in the 2017 Race to Alaska by its current owner Kris Amundson. Finishing 10th, with 90hrs of rowing involved, the boat returned to its home port to begin building a crew for the SYSCO PHRF fleet and its first Oregon Offshore race.

While this is the first year for the boat, it is not the first year for the crew. A majority of the crew are veterans of the Oregon Offshore and all are experience sailors. The crew includes delivery skippers, ski patrol volunteers, Hobie Cat racers, and sailing instructors. Their professional experience has us in the IT industry including work at the South Pole, fabricators of high-end brewing equipment, manufacturing of precision optics, and sailboat brokering.


PHRF 150


Entry: DILLIGAF, Ross 930

DILLIGAF has been owned Keith Climenhaga and raced extensively on Vancouver Island since 2003. Having done numerous Swiftsures, Southern Straits, and three VanIsle 360's, the owner started thinking that there might be some wisdom in the statement by Ted Turner: "The chance for a mistakes is about equal to the number of crew squared."

DILLIGAF embarked on a double handed sailing program and has sailed in this format for the last five Southern Straits, three Patos Island Races, and two Round Lasqueti races. Last year, Steve Dillen joined the boat and they had a remarkable year racing together which ended up starting an email thread, Explorations in Stupidity. The Oregon Offshore represents the culmination of their Explorations in Stupidity.... we trust Explorations in Insanity will follow.

Southern Straits 2017
PHRF 108





Entry: Hana Mari, Wylie 43

Hana Mari, skippered by Ged McLean, is a Wylie 43 built in Portland by our Title Sponsor, Schooner Creek Boat Works, and is now sailing out of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Victoria, British Columbia. Hana Mari has been actively racing in BC since 2011 and in that time she has sailed all the big long distance races multiple times including Southern Straits, Patos Island, Swiftsure, Round the County and the VanIsle 360. In 2016, after completing her second Oregon Offshore Race, Hana Mari won its division in the Swiftsure Lightship Classic. Her crew is looking forward to the adventure of the Oregon Offshore. This will be her third OOR. 




PHRF 66




Entry: Cool Change, C&C 38

When you're out on the sea alone
Staring at the full moon, like a lover
Time for a cool change
I know that it's time for a cool change
Now that my life is so prearranged
I know that it's time for a cool change
Well I was born in the sign of water
And it's there that I feel my best
The albatross and the whales they are my brothers
There's lots of those friendly people
And they're showing me ways to go
And I never want to lose their inspiration
Time for a cool change
I know that it's time for a cool, cool change

-Little River Band

PHRF: 144
Number of years sailing Offshore: tons
Skipper: Frank Noragon