(Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, Washington)- For a regatta that's renowned as an "adult play-ground", it's not too hard to imagine why so many teams return year-on-year to enjoy the many pleasures (both visual and otherwise) of these spectacular islands in the Pacific Northwest. Good weather. Bad weather. It's always fun and frolic no matter what the conditions. And lots of good sailing in between it all. While many in other parts of the sailing world wonder why those who thrive in yellow foulies (classic NW sailing gear) love to sail there, those "in the know" recognize they have some of the BEST SUSHI in the world! Enough said. Plus, the camaraderie is off-the-charts fabulous! Does sailing matter? Sure, amongst friends it does! And, that's what keeps them coming back for more despite the vicissitudes of Mother Nature. Here's the score.
PHRF 1 looks to be a slew of assassins looking to make a score. Chief amongst them with a bit of luck will be the J/111 ADALGISA sailed by Lynn Adkins. In the Super 30 Fleet, the infamously fast J/90 EYE EYE skippered by Dave Cohen will be hoping to make their mark on this remarkably fast and agile class. PHRF 2 could easily be dominated by the 35 foot J/Class. Starting with a rash of J/109s, expect to see Adam Korbin's ASTRAL PLANE and Joe James' TANTIVITY in the mix. Plus, the J/35s GRACE E sailed by Bryan White and BERGEN VIKING steered by Svein Ellingsen may be factors to contend with.Down the track in PHRF 3, the J/29s will most certainly make their presence felt amongst the leaders. Look for Rick McVey's NO NAME, Bob Mayfield/ Pat Nelson's SLICk and Pat Denney's HERE & NOW to provide good racing against the J/33 CORVO sailed by Tom Kerr and the rest of their fleet.
The J/105s one-design fleet has top teams returning, included amongst the half-dozen boats are past winner ALLEGRO VIVACE sailed by Lorenzo Migliorini from CYC, Jim Geros' LAST TANGO and FREE BOWL OF SOUP sailed by the three musketeers (Doug Schenk, Eric Hopper and Matt Davis) all hailing from CYC Portland, Oregon.
PHRF 4 will be an interesting fleet of boats that includes three J/80s and one new J/70. The J/80 teams include Steve Moe's CRAZY IVAN from Corinthian YC, Bill Mckinnon's SKYE ROCKET and Dave Schutte's TAJ MAHAL also from CYC. The new J/70 DA SPENCER is being sailed by Mike Pitt from CYC, too.
PHRF 5- J/30 FOR SAIL skippered by Grady Morgan from Corinthian YC. PHRF 6 has the J/24 LUCKY JIM with Jim McAlpine sailing amongst a raft of other 24-25 foot boats. For more Whidbey Island Race Week sailing information
