2005 NW Regional Championship

& Canadian Championship Regatta

July 1-3, 2005

The 2005 Thunderbird NW Regionals got off to a great start on Friday July 1, Canada Day, with an on the dock reception hosted by Fleet 4. Competitors were welcomed with fresh cracked Dungeness crab, cleaned and cooked on the dock, and free flowing cold beer supplied by Lighthouse Brewing. Everyone enjoyed meeting old and new friends and catching up with one another.  Eight out-of town boats had arrived from Seattle , Everett , Vancouver and Nanaimo to attend the event making a total of 14 boats competing.

Saturday morning brought fresh coffee, muffins and croissants from Demitasse by donation to the Junior fund.  Registration closed and Bob Grundison filled the out of town guests in with a brief local knowledge seminar. Too easy, out in the ebb and in on the flood right? Sometimes its hard to say and this weekend was far from textbook racing for this area, it paid well on both sided of the course depending on the race!  As the breeze began to fill from the south and the sun broke through the clouds the fleet headed out of the Bay towards the start line.

Four races were held in a building westerly wind with the majority of the fleet heading in on the beats to seek some relief from the current by short tacking up the Cattle Point shore.  Mark Harang & crew set the pace early by posting a number of firsts to take the overall lead by the days end.  There was some carnage on the water late in the day when Predator suffered a couple of casualties when they accidentally gybed, the square aluminum boom getting the better of two crew members and sending them to seek medical attention.

Saturday evening everyone gathered outside the clubhouse for a delicious salmon dinner prepared by Connoisseur Catering complete with Waldorf salad, mixed green salad, roast potatoes, coffee, tea and dessert.  Everyone was truly satisfied with the feed, compliments to the Chef.  It was an early evening for most as there was still a big day of racing ahead.

Sunday morning looked promising and everyone, minus Predator, got caffeined up and grabbed a pastry for breakfast, again compliments of Demitasse.

Three races were held in a lighter southwesterly breeze on Sunday with Jeff Eckard and crew aboard Kluane challenging Rev for the overall lead.  Rev sailed smart and maintained their lead overall, Kluane finised second and Bob Britten and crew aboard Hocus took third place overall.

After racing some competitors dashed off to catch the ferry or the tide home while many stayed for the awards ceremony and sponsor door prizes.

Thunderbird Fleet Four would like to take this opportunity to thank all who volunteered time and resources to making this event a success including: UK Sailmakers Northwest, Capital Iron, Demitasse, Lighthouse Brewing, Prince of Whales and West Marine for providing sponsorship; Rick Townsend, Mike Turner, Tim Stamper, Simon Troop & crew for providing excellent race committee; Mike Weir & crew for standing by as protest committee (no protests lodged!); Bob Grundison for the local knowledge talk; and last but not least, the RVYC staff.