Inaugural Lopez Cup Race
Published 10:58 am Friday, August 24, 2012
By Duane Bordvick
Special to the Islands’ Sounder
The modern version of the Lopez Island Classic Yacht Race is in the record books. Tom Andrewes skippering “Madam Pele,” a Davidson 29, are the first recipients of the Lopez Island Cup, a perpetual award for first place. Race Organizer, Russ Johnson, is already planning for next year and hopes the race will attract racers from all islands and beyond.
On Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 yachts (ten from Lopez Island and one from Anacortes) competed for honors in this Inaugural race off Lopez Island. All 11 boats raced in the same class and the fleet sailed under the Performance Handicap Racing System. Two intrepid skippers, Dick Behan on Rowdy and Jay Simonson on his Cape Dory chose to sail single handed. They were afforded even more handicap time. A four mile beat to weather for small sailboats in 15 to 20 knots of breeze with a big flood tide in San Juan Channel is no small task.
For lack of a committee boat, the race was structured pursuit style or a staggered start for all boats. The concept is simple. The handicaps are applied at the start of the race instead of the finish. Simply put the slower boats start first and the fastest last. In concept if all boats sail to their potential then they should all finish together.
The race course started at the day marker at the entrance of Fisherman Bay Channel; then a 180 degree turn to Port at the Coast Guard mooring buoy located near Fish Creek Cove at the very south east end of San Juan Island; then back to Fisherman Bay. Those familiar with Fisherman Bay know it can be tricky getting in and out of the Bay at low tide. Russ Johnson commented “The race was scheduled to start at 1300 hrs. Saturday and of course it had to be low water (zero tide) at 1200 hrs. My biggest fear was just getting the boats out of the harbor. We must all have the channel figured out by now because to my great relief all arrived at the starting line without sniffing bottom. Congratulations to all.”
Dick Behan on Rowdy and Jay Simonson on the Cape Dory were first to star. They were followed by Erik Hall in the Bluenose; Doug Simmons in the Columbia 28; Richard Miklich in the Alberg 35 ; Dean Vandament in the Bucaneer 295; George LeBoutillier in the Alerion Express at 1320; Lark Dalton on the 5.5 Meter; co-skippers Russ Johnson and Dave Welker in the Etchell 22 “Valkyrie”; Bill White on the Etchell 22 “Willawaw”; and Tom Andrewes on the Davison 29.
The race was full of excitement and epic battles with crews using all their skills to optimize sail trim and put together the best strategy and tactics to handle the always tricky combination of San Juan Islands currents and winds.
After the race, sailors gathered at the Lopez Islander Resort where host Bill Diller provided awards for first, second, and third place. Russ Johnson said, “Like all good Sailboat Racers the team enjoyed post-race libations, sea stories, and out and out lies. But all had smiles on their faces and agreed a great time was had by all and I am truly looking forward to next year.”
