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OPEN SAILING – Our latest Pogo 2. See you tomorrow for launch photos and rigging! For more information CLICK HERE
Posts tagged open sailing
MINI BOOT CAMP
OPEN SAILING – Mini Offshore Boot Camp May 10 – 12
“The goal of Open Sailings (www.opensailingusa.com) Mini Boot Camp is to prepare the sailors for the Mini 650 Pacific Challenge (video – http://youtu.be/1UyGbDg1Obw) – we aim to cover a wide range of topics including safety, navigation, what to wear, what to eat as well as have on the water coaching sessions and technical talks about getting the most out of your boats & sails. While this weekend is aimed primality at those doing the race it is open to all sailors interested in learning more about offshore racing.
Boot Camp Agenda is available here - http://www.mini650pacificchallenge.com/ai1ec_event/mini-boot-camp/
• The on-the-water sessions are for Mini 650 Pacific Challenge racers only.
• The seminars are open to all – the cost is $15 per person per seminar, or $60 for access to all the seminars. All of the funds raised are going towards the event – we have invited some high caliber speakers from the sailing industry and are planning on making this a weekend to remember.
Please RSVP to [email protected] as soon as you can so that we have an idea of how many people to expect.
POGO 2 ON DISPLAY
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – We’re going to be at the Strictly Sail Pacific show with a Pogo 2. Open Sailing will be showing the boat and promoting the Mini 650 Pacific Challenge. The Pogo is located in slip 90. There will also be an Open 5.70 at the show and members from the Northern California Fleet will be there to answer any questions about the boat. Check out OPEN SAILING
POGO 2 #812 SAILS IN SAN FRANCISCO
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – Pogo 2 #812 gose for a sail in San Francisco. Getting things ready to sail to Hawaii in the Mini Pacfic Challenge. For information on the Race CLICK HERE
MINI 650 PACIFIC CHALLENGE
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – Three Pogo 2 MiniTransAts left Marina del Rey on Saturday for a practice session. The wind was light but it was a good opportunity to try out different sails — code zeros, code 5s. While USA 806 and skipper Jerome Sammarcelli already has a Pacific crossing under it’s belt the other two Pogos, 822 and 839, are only just starting to accumulate offshore miles. This was the first time Przemek has singlehanded “Libra”, POL 839, since it was delivered in February — a significant milestone that went very smoothly.
To see more on the Mini 650 Pacific Challenge CLICK HERE
A NEW LOOK
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – Pogo 2 Team Open Sailing’s new look – ready for another offshore season, starting February 22nd for 200nm solo. What’s different from last year? There will be 2 or 3 other Minis racing as well – no mercy !!! ;-).
Check them out at Open Sailing
“MINI BOATS, MAXI RACE”
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – For the first time in the USA, a group of singlehanded sailors from all over thecountry are going to race from California to Hawaii onboard Mini Transat 6.50s – 21-foot ocean capable sailboats that are barely larger than the average suburban vehicle. The 2013 Mini Transpac Race is being organized by the North American Mini 6.50 Class Association and the start is scheduled for July 6th 2013 – less that 150 days from now.
The race currently has 10 entries, including Jerome Sammarcelli, who was the first person to race a Mini Transat 6.50 single handed across the Pacific in last years Single Handed Transpac from San Francisco. This time he will be racing with at least 9 other competitive sailors, all sailing on nearly identical boats, all trying to cross 2,300 nautical miles of Pacific Ocean to reach the finish line first.
There are many different Mini Transat 6.50s, or “Minis” for short, available from various boat builders around the world, but they are all designed to meet a set of strict box rules. The boat cannot be longer than 21.3 feet (6.50 meters) and can’t be wider than 9.84 feet (3 meters). There are also restrictions for mast height, draft, shape of cabin-top, size of companionway, and also safety constraints such as positive flotation, righting moment and escape hatch specifications to name a few. The innovations developed in Mini class, have influenced the entire offshore sailing industry – Open 60s, Volvo 70s, and production cruising boats have all taken a page or two from the Mini playbook.
This race is going to be a real adventure of all those involved. Racing across the Pacific with a crew is challenging enough but now imagine racing offshore singlehanded in a boat this small. For most of these racers the 2013 Mini Transpac Race will be their first singlehanded voyage of this magnitude. Beyond the crossing itself, just getting to the start-line will be no small order. All boats have to meet safety requirements and sailors must prove that they can indeed spend 15-20 days alone at sea by completing a 500nm qualifier. Some of the world’s most notable and legendary offshore sailors including Ellen MacArthur, Sam Davies and Michel Desjoyeaux started their careers by sailing a Mini Transat 6.50 offshore.
The race has already begun and boats are already starting to gather at the start in Marina del Rey. All the sailors are updating equipment, tuning instruments, and logging hours on the water to prepare for the start in July. All of the build up to the race and the race itself will be online at www.minitranspacrace.com .Visit the race website to learn about the sailors who are completing, find out more about the Mini Transat 6.50 boats, and watch the story unfold as the start approaches. The actual race will feature LIVE tracking so you can keep tabs on your favorite sailors, as well as LIVE coverage from the sailors themselves as they experience everything the Pacific Ocean can offer.
For more information about the race, and about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.minitranspacrace.com or e-mail the Race Committee [email protected]
WILD PHOTOS
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – Here is a photo from Nik at Open sailing. The picture is an Open 5.70 that we just repainted green… however the picture was taken in some awesome setting sun light and it looks chrome!! Just thought I’d share :) More about Open Sailing HERE
THE GREAT PUMPKIN RACE
OPEN 5.70 RACING – The Great Pumpkin Regatta is the final high point regatta on the Open 5.70 One Design racing calendar for the Northern California Fleet. This event always delivers some unusual Bay conditions and this year was no exception. The regatta has boats racing around buoys on Saturday, followed by a giant Halloween themed party at Richmond Yacht Club, and then a pursuit “race” around San Francisco Bay on Sunday.
The Open 5.70s had 11 entries, making it one of the largest one-design fleets at the event – only the Express 27s and Moore 24s had 12 boats. Since it was the last high point regatta of the year there was a lot at stake with some podium places still up for grabs in the Northern California Overall One Design competition.
Saturday started light and those boats sailing to the race course ended up breaking out the motor in order to make it to the starting area on time. After a postponement the racing started with the Open 5.70s leading the other 9 fleets racing on the Southampton course – 1 of 3 courses used by Richmond Yacht Club for the 149 boats entered! It was a short course due to the light breeze and those boats that went left, including “Revenge From Mars”, appeared to find better wind rounding ahead of the pack at the weather mark. A significant right shift (40+ degrees) turned it into a drag race as boats reached down to the leeward mark and immediately tacked on to the layline to the finish located upwind of the weather mark.
Other fleets were less fortunate as the breeze shut down to almost nothing as the wind clocked even further to the right. After a long wait for other fleets to finish shortened courses the wind started to fill in again and we were off on a nicely squared race course. Another short one lap course where this time current started to play a role in who got to the marks first. Michael Gough on “boracic” showed everyone the right way to go and led the fleet around the weather mark. Tom Baffico on “The Maker” managed to claw his way past to claim his second bullet of the day. By the start of the 3rd race the wind had filled significantly and those Open 5.70s who had chosen to sail double handed knew they were going to have to work hard to be competitive.
One double handed team, Michael and son Tyler on “boracic”, hung on to 1st place for most of the race desperately fending off some close competition from “Revenge from Mars” and “Frolic” as they all crossed the line for a photo finish. New owner Frederic Bouju on USA 276 had a great first regatta on the Open 5.70 (see video) consistently finishing with the lead group of boats for an overall 5th place. Full results for the Great Pumpkin Race are available here.
With a final shuffle of position the overall one-design championship podium for the 2012 season looks like this : 1st place – Tom Baffico on The Maker, 2nd place – Marc Finot on Frolic, 3rd place – Michael Gough on Boracic. Complete season results available here.
Even though the high point season is over the fleet is going to continue to sail over the winter in the Richmond Midwinters and the Alameda midwinters. If you’re interested in the Open 5.70 and are thinking about joining the fastest growing fleet on San Francisco Bay, which is now up to 15 boats, then contact the fleet captain Marc Finot – [email protected]
OPEN SAILING SEMINARS
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – For anyone from Santa Barbara to San Diego, Open Sailing USA is going to be hosting a series of marine related seminars on Wednesday nights @ 7pm - see the flyer for more information.
- Wednesday November 7th – Wind and Waves by Mike Leneman (Facebook)
- Wednesday November 14th – Marine Electrical Systems by Thomas Lehtonen (Facebook)
- Wednesday November 28th – Instruments and Autopilots by Bob Congdon (Facebook)
- Wednesday December 5th- Navigation and Modern Seamanship by Mike Priest (Facebook)
OPEN 5.70 DEMO DAY
A WORD FROM OR SPONSOR – Open Sailing is having a day of demo sailing on their Open 5.70. If you are in Santa Barbara this weekend stop by and go for a fun sail. For more info go CLICK HERE.
MINI BOATS, MAXI RACE
MINI TRANSAT – For the first time in the USA, a group of singlehanded sailors from all over the country are going to race from California to Hawaii aboard Mini-Transat boats – 21-foot ocean capable racers that are barely larger than the average suburban vehicle. The Singlehanded Mini Transpac will be held in July of 2013.
“Mini” is short for “Mini Transat 6.50″. Each Mini (there are a variety of different make and models) is designed according to strict box rules. The boat cannot be longer than 21.3 feet (6.50 meters) and can’t be wider than 9.84 feet (3 meters). There are restrictions for mast height, draft, shape of cabin-top, size of companionway, and also safety constraints such as positive flotation, righting moment and escape hatch to name a few.
Mini architects and builders have created boats that are extremely light, fast, powerful yet stable and safe, even in the most extreme offshore conditions. With the innovations developed for this class, these designers have influenced an entire industry. Open 60s, Volvo 70s on down to production cruising boats have all taking a page or two from the Mini playbook.
Racing offshore with a crew is plenty challenging but now imagine racing offshore singlehanded in a boat this small. For most of these racers the Mini Transpac will be their first singlehanded voyage and there’s no doubt the challenge is huge. Beyond the crossing itself, getting to the start-line will be no small order. Boats have to meet safety requirements and sailors must prove that they can indeed spend 15-20 days alone at sea. Each racer will have to sail a 400nm qualifier, this will be no laid back cruise – for most of the entrants it’ll be more like a hike up Mount Everest. Some of the world’s most notable and legendary offshore sailors including Ellen MacArthur, Sam Davies and Michel Desjoyeaux have cut their teeth aboard these tough little vessels.
A website is currently being created for the race that will employ tracking software that will enable the sailing community to be able to watch the battle on the water. The Minis, being very equal in boat speed, gives the Mini Transpac the excitement of an inshore one-design race combined with the jeopardy of a round the world contest.
The race has already begun. Sailors are getting to know each other, boats are being prepared as we speak. A quality offshore boot camp is in the organizational stage in Southern California that will launch this winter. This event is only open to Mini Transat boats that qualify as such.
Once in Hawaii, this will be more than a group of sailors arriving. It will be a tight gathering of friends who would have shared the same emotions, intellectual and physical challenges. And last but not least, another factor to file in the “plus” column is these boats are small enough to be affordable and easily be shipped back to the mainland once the race is through.
If you want to learn more about the Mini Transpac 2013, “Like” the North American Mini Class Facebook page. There will be more information very soon.
Also, as a teaser, enjoy this video of Singlehanded Mini Sailors in Europe, where crossing the oceans on 21 foot boat is a must for all offshore sailors ;-)
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SINGLEHANDED CHALLANGE
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE - Three Open 5.70s and one Open 6.50 raced the Frank Guernsey Single-Handed Challenge out of Redondo Beach Yacht Club. It was light breeze but good conditions. Close racing in the Open 5.70 fleet although by the end of the 9 mile race there was quite a spread.
Jerome was first boat across the line on “Chupacabra” an all carbon Open 6.50 and none of the other boats in the race managed to correct. Nik Vale was the first Open 5.70 to cross the line and finished 2nd overall.
To check out these cool one design and singlehanders sailing machines go to Open Sailing.
POGO 2 SAILS THE OUTLAW REGATTA
FROM OUR SPONSORS – The Outlaw Regatta, 30nm race from Marina Del Rey to Seal Beach, CA was offering this year a double handed division. Watch some footage of Team Open Sailing winning the Double Handed Division, by one second! Check out OPEN SAILING
Sailing to Hawaii
FOLLOWING JEROME - Latest update – Open Sailing Team competing in the 2012 Single-Handed Transpac. He is climbing up the leaderboard and is currently 3rd in the ‘Fast and Fun’ class and 7th overall monohull.
Communications have been difficult because of the conditions, reception is not great and Jerome has his hands full managing the boat. Here is Jerome’s latest communication:
“It’s been blowing more than 20 knots for the last 48 hours and I’m exhausted. I’m sailing with two reefs in the main and the small spinnaker. I often see 15 knots of boat speed and have spent a lot of time at the helm. The highest recorded boat …speed so far is 22 knots which was probably on a wave – which have gotten really big now and honestly it’s quite scary out here at times.”
“Because of the conditions I haven’t got much sleep. I’ve been pushing pretty hard trying to catch the other boats. If the wind doesn’t calm down I’m going to have to slow the boat down so I can sleep. It’s going to pretty intense as I get closer to the finish and I’ll need to be on the ball. I’m looking forward to this being over. I’m hoping to make it some time late on Saturday.”
Less than 300 miles to go…check out his location in real time at RACE TRACKER
Singlehanded TransPac
SAILING NEWS – One of our friends from Open Sailing is racing his Pogo 2 in the Singlehanded TrasnPac from San Francisco to Hanalei Bay, Kauai. You can follow him and the other sailors HERE
Catalina to Port on the POGO 2
HOME MOVIES – Here is a video from Open Sailing. This was made while racing the Pogo 2 from Palos Verdes, CA around the back side of Catalina Island to finish in Avalon, CA. For more information on the POGO 2 CLICK HERE
2012 Guadalupe Island Race on the Pogo 2
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR – 600nm, singlehanded on Pogo 2 onboard USA 806 Team Open Sailing. MORE HERE
200 Miles in a 21 Footer
MOVING PICTURES – Team Open Sailing USA 806 sailing their Pogo2 in the Bishop Rock double handed race.
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