From June 12th to the 14th, my brother Peyton Russell and I competed in the 2013 CFJ Junior Olympic Festival at Newport Harbor Yacht Club. The two of us would like to thank the BYC Maritime Sciences & Seamanship Foundation for their support in helping us to compete in this event. After practicing for many afternoons together in the BYC summer program, the two of us were very ambitious and looked forward to the event.
On the first day of the regatta, conditions were very light and choppy throughout the entire day. Although the wind shifted to the west towards the end of the day, the wind did not increase as much as we would’ve hoped, being people who like heavy air and are experienced in it from when we lived in The Bay Area. Before races started we did upwind sailing and checked the race course multiple times, and found the favored tacks and sides. After getting good starts off the middle of the line as well as the pin, we were able to get a 14th, 22nd and 15th. Through the course of the day we realized that our being at an average of 70 pounds more than any other boat in the event, it would take more than just good boat speed, starts, and a strong determination. Although we were highly disappointed at our race results at the end of the day, we didn’t give up and were ready to do well the next day.
On the second day of the event, conditions were slightly windier, maxing out just under to knots, but not as choppy, instead having waves that were very smooth and large. With our weight, we found it harder to keep up boat speed and point as high as other boats making it even harder for us to keep a good position. Our downwind legs were almost always areas we were able to gain in, due to slightly windier conditions. In our first race of the day, after realizing the pin was very favored, we were able to get a bullet while everyone else decided to start at the boat. Through good tactics and decisions we were able to stay in first until we rounded the first leeward mark. After rounding, however, we neglected to stay to the side of the course we agreed on causing to loose our position. After being unable to get clean air off the line the next race, we received a 27th after being unable to make up ground. And after going too far to the right side of the course on the second lap of the 3rd race, we received a 25th despite having a good start. After being over early the last race we were not able to catch up as we had hoped and finished the day with a 29th.
Despite feeling upset with our results the first two days, the two of us still felt that we could do well. Once again the weather was choppy and light like the first day, and we received a 21st in the 1st race. This was partly due to the downwind legs, which were hard for us because of the light wind and out heavy weight. During our 2nd and 3rd races we received a 19th and 17th after getting good starts off the pin, but after shifting right again, the wind caused the left side to be a nightmare to sail in. Despite not doing well, we were glad that we gradually get better throughout the day. Although we were also never able to attain our goal of top ten in the event, we thought that we did well for our being heavier than most boats and felt we gained valuable experience and knowledge in light air sailing. All in all, we are very grateful for BYC MSSF’s support that allowed for use to compete in a fun regatta, that in the end caused us to learn a lot about light air sailing.
-Wyatt and Peyton Russell