Information
Greetings to all Thunderbird sailors. This is to let you know that the Seattle Fleet will be hosting the Thunderbird International Regatta in Puget Sound June 29 through July 4, 2003. We are looking forward to welcoming sailors from fleets in Perth and Geelong (Port Phillip) Australia, Shediac Bay New Brunswick, Toronto, Nanaimo and Victoria, Canada and Massachusetts Bay, Tacoma, Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, USA.
To assist the people arriving from outside the area this report will give you an idea of the dates and events planned so far. Regatta headquarters will be at the Corinthian Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse on Pier S in the Shilshole Bay Marina at address 7755 Seaview Avenue N.W. Seattle, Washington 98117.
Registration
The Registration fee is $200 (US dollars) if received by May 30, 2003. After May 30 until June 23rd the fee is $250 (US dollars) and after June 23rd the registration fee is $300 (US dollars).
The clubhouse will be open to competitors after racing. Thunderbirders are welcome in the clubhouse.
Moorage
Moorage will be provided at the Shilshole Bay Marina and is included in the registration fee. You will receive your assigned location at check in.
There are two cranes capable of launching Thunderbirds using slings lifting from keel bolted brackets. A gin pole for lifting masts in place on boats will be available. There is a Coney Island restaurant one block from the clubhouse and Golden Gardens sandy beach just North of the restaurant. The Quantum sail loft and a West Marine store are one-half a mile away. There is also a restaurant and shops in the Marina main building one-quarter of a mile from the Corinthian clubhouse.
Loaner Boats
We are canvassing Thunderbird owners to provide loaner boats. Loaner boats are in short supply. If you require a loaner boat contact the International Regatta Planning Committee early.
Weigh-in and Measuring
The local fleets are requested to accomplish a bare boat weighing and supply affidavits to the all up weight and weight and balance of the mast. If a competitor requires these items to be done by the Seattle Fleet a request must be received four weeks (4) prior to the start of the practice race. Sails will be measured Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Quantum Sail Loft. Each boat will have a measurement check before the Sunday practice race. There will be skippers meeting Sunday morning, which will include a weather and current explanation. A welcoming reception will occur Sunday late afternoon after the practice race.
Race Committee
The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle professional race committee will run the races. Corinthian race committees have handled numerous national and international regattas. A practice race is scheduled Sunday at 1300 hours and championship racing is scheduled Monday through Friday with the first start at 1100 hours. A minimum of five (5) races is required to decide the championship. A two and one-half (2 ½) hour time limit will be placed on each race. The race committee will determine the total number of races within the available hours for racing. One (1) throughout will allowed after completion of five (5) races. Most courses will be windward/leeward with a one-mile weather leg. The low point scoring system will apply. Most courses will be set several miles North of the Shilshole Bay Marina where local Thunderbird races are not held.
Weather
Temperature in Seattle this time of year is usually 65 to 85 degrees. There is a chance we could get some rain, which is usually light. Average Seattle wind speed is nine (9) miles per hour with lower velocities usually coming in mid summer. However there is a chance we could get wind fifteen miles per hour and higher. The course is in open water so waves could be up to five feet but we do not expect to see waves above three-foot height.
Awards Banquet
Friday evening, July 4th, the awards banquet will be held aboard the dinner ferry Skansonia. We will get a great view of the fireworks on Lake Union. For accommodations we are investigating local hotels and less expensive quarters at local universities.
Stay tuned for more details!