As we had last year, I encourage all doublehanders to come out and race singlehanded in the somewhat less competitive “Sort of Singlehanded North Bay” race (April 26th).  You are encouraged and allowed to bring a “ghost” on board to help you get a taste of singlehanding without having to invest in a good autopilot.  The ghost helps you set your sails before the start, douse sails after the finish, give you advice when maybe you “missed something”, and be there to “bail you out” in case you get in a bit of a tight spot. Great way to get the feeling of accomplishment all singlehanders have when completing a race “on their own”.

Now SSS members tend to be a tad less social than your typical sailor which makes it harder to get to know and learn from other single (or double) handers.  If you want a bit more “social” do join us in the Vallejo 1-2 – or if you are ocean prepared – Half Moon Bay or Drakes Bay races.  All three of these races enable you to rub shoulders and break bread with other shorthanders. Nothing better than to talk over an outdoor fire, a cold one or a dinner table. I particularly love rafting up in Drakes Bay where one is well away from civilization and often much much closer to “nature” (elephant seals, thousands of birds, groups of teenage sea lions, and more).

If you are thinking of doing one or more of the ocean races (which I love to do as there is much less “traffic” and much more time to think and plan maneuvers), and have not completed a Safety at Sea Seminar within the past five years, then you will need to check out the US Sailing seminar schedule online or in person. Yes you can take the SAS training required to participate in our ocean races 100% online (note the LongPac and Singlehanded Transpacific Race require you take the longer and at least one day in person “International Offshore” SAS class).

https://www.firsttack.org/page/6261/offshore-safety-at-sea

Last tidbits…

The SSS’s continued success relies on the volunteers who step up to work on committees, events, and races.  Reach out to me if you would like to pay it forward or backward.

We are looking to increase singlehanded participation – -and one way is our giving talks at local yacht clubs on how to get into singlehanding.  If you belong to a yacht club that has guest speakers from time to time, please do suggest inviting me to give your club a talk on singlehanding – from how to get started, your first race alone to the Farallones, and – the adventure of a lifetime singlehanded to Hawaii. 

See you on the water!

Cheers,

Jim Quanci, Commodore