ARRIVE AT DOCK: Sat Sept 26th, 08:45, Lewis Wharf, slip 18
LEAVE DOCK: 09:00
Race day is Saturday Sept 26th, with a rain date of Sunday Sept 27th.
Leave time to find parking. We use the above ground Lewis Wharf lot which is the closest. There are 2 other lots North along Atlantic Avenue on the right, one underground and one above ground. If you are interested in car pooling in with us, you'd park at our home in Reading, and we'd be leaving at 08:15AM sharp.
We are berthed on the right side of Lewis Wharf (the one with with the Boston Sailing Center) as you walk towards the water. We are in slip 18, and there is a locked gate, so walk out to the end to yell down or ring me on cell to get through the gate.
The race sequence begins at the starting line at 11:00AM for the non-spinnaker fleet (that's us). Start times are staggered, but we have a generous rating so we start early in the sequence. It is about 6 nm out to the start line, so even at our best motor speed of 5 kts, it will take at least 75 minutes to arrive in the start area. I plan that we all be at the dock at 08:45AM to be prepared to head out within 15 minutes at the latest. This will a small amount of extra time out in the start area to get synchronized.
RETURN TO DOCK: Sat Sept 26th, 16:15-18:00
The course length is 12 nm, and assuming an average sailing speed made good around the course of 3 kts, that's a 4 hour race. It can take longer if the winds die down. If we assume a 5 hour race, and another 75 minutes to return to dock (no party at Georges Is. this this year) we'd be back at the dock about 17:15. This year since there's no constraint to be off George's by sunset, the race committee is willing to let the race run longer if needed. The last finish is at 1600, so if we are on the far side of the course, that's 4nm + 6nm = 10nm, at 5 kts, thats 120minutes to get back, so latest time back should be 18:00.
EQUIPMENT TO BRING: warm layered clothes, good sneakers, sun glasses, lunch
It can be cold so make sure to bring layered clothing including a water and wind resistant outer layer and warm under layers. Also long pants are advised. Wear stable sneakers for good traction on a wet deck. Topsiders work well too. It will probably be too cold for bare feet. It is often warm enough to pull off layers. If rain is predicted, bring rain gear.
We'll be eating lunch during the race, so I suggest your favorite utensil-free food objects, like sandwiches, non-drippy wraps, crackers, nuts, fruit, etc). The Golden Goose is near the dock and opens at 6AM, if you'd like to stock up on earlier arrival, but I'd suggest preparing your stuff at home the day before instead.
We'll have enough time on the way out to the start eat breakfast and drink coffee if you bring that along too.
I usually have a stock of 4-hour dramamine on board, but bring your own preference as needed. I always take it when sailing, but it can make you very sleepy if you are not acclimated. The 12-hour type doesn't make you as sleepy, but is weaker in my experience.
REGATTA-PARTY: Fri Sept 25th, Daily Catch at Fan Pier 7PM-8:30PM
Tickets are $25/person and you can purchase them online if you want to attend. See web link below. This is an all invited party that starts after the skippers meeting, and includes hors d'oeurves and dessert and cash bar.
AWARDS CEREMONY: Tue Sept 29, Daily Catch at Fan Pier 6PM-8:30PM
Tickets are $25/person and you can purchase them online if you want to attend. See web link below. This event replaces the after-race awards ceremony that was on George's Island. One big advantage is if the race delays until Sunday, this event stays as scheduled. I assume this is a similar layout to the earlier party.
WEB SITES