First Cal-25 Stadium Sailing – GPYC Summer Regatta Jun-29
Prior to the event:
Wally Cross approached the Cal-25 class with the idea for Stadium sailing last year at our annual awards/winter party. The idea was well received then and voted into reality at our Cal-25 Spring meeting. Instead of racing two W/L races on c-course we would join the J-70 class and race several short courses W/L races off the GPYC wall. Your overall finish in the Stadium regatta will be reported back to DRYA as two W/L races for DRYA scoring.
The event:
The J-70s had five boats competing and the Cal-25s had six boats competing – we even had our legendary Vice Commodore Sloan Barber on the course racing all six races. The winds were light and variable most of the time with a lot of powerboat wake to contend with. The windward mark was set using Markbot and was around 200 yards give or take 50 yards depending on the wind and race conditions. The W/L course always had a gate at the leeward rounding and set close to the GPYC wall for the spectators to enjoy. Each race was completed within 15 – 20 minutes.
The Cal-25s started the day’s racing off first with three back to back races. The starting line was always short and made for challenging starts. On the water judges kept a close eye on the competitors from start to finish each race and throughout the series. There were a couple close calls but the Cal-25s sailed clean and I did not see or hear of any infringements. Having judges on the water was a new experience for most of us and was well received.
After the Cal-25s completed three races we took a break and watched the J-70s race three races. It was fun and interesting watching the J-70s race. Elliot, Suzanne and Andy commentated some of the J-70 races over the loud speaker. Upon the finish of the third J-70 race the Cals were back on the water and raced three more grueling races.
Results: Cal-25 & J-70
The Hospitality
The hospitality afforded by GPYC and Wally’s staff was second to none. Before the racing started the competitors were treated to fruit/vegetable trays and assorted beverages. Plenty of Dragonmeade beer was flowing and tasted great on this hot sunny day. Topping off the event, before and after the awards (crew members received the same award as the owner) all the competitors and spectators were treated to burgers and fries.
Looking back on the day’s racing:
With the short windward legs, light wind and excessive powerboat chop the Cal-25 competitors could never really get the Cal-25 into a grove and somewhat let the boat do some of the work. Instead, we found ourselves constantly making adjustments and powering up the boat to contend with powerboat wake and light wind. We witnessed one Cal that was leading only to have a powerboat cut in front of them and stop them in their tracks.
The leaders and race winners never felt comfortable and never were able to stretch out a significant lead. Instead, the leaders were always a couple boat lengths from being blanketed and had to constantly look for a small holes to keep their wind clear. Since the fleet never really spread out, everyone was always in the race. One mistake made and a boat would drop back into the fleet quickly. This was exciting to say the least!!!
This type of racing will surely help the crews develop better boat handling skills. With the short courses and little separation between the boats everyone had to keep a keen eye on the competitors and react accordingly. Good timing at the starts proved extremely important – having a good position and boat speed at the start was paramount due to the short line, short courses and few passing lanes. Ample opportunity presented itself at mark roundings for gaining or losing boats.
This was a fun and exciting event and I hope we have the opportunity to do it again next year with more Cal-25 participation.
Thank you Wally and GPYC !!!
John McAllister
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