49th Shaw Island Classic race results

Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 15, 2019

Submitted by the San Juan Island Yacht Club.

The currents were strong, the winds light and temperamental, for the 48 sailboats in the 49th annual running of the Shaw Island Classic.

Hosted by the San Juan Island Yacht Club, the race is a highlight of the summer boating season, drawing sailors from throughout the region to circumnavigate Shaw Island.

Racers can circle the island in either direction factoring in shifting winds, variable currents, narrow rocky channels and ferry traffic.

The wind decided to die right at the race start but then freshened enough for most racers to make the dash for Upright Channel. 90 percent of racers chose to do a counter-clockwise route with favorable currents most of the way. However, half the cruising class could not get past Turn Island, a 2-knot adverse current trumped 4- knots of wind. For the majority of racers that made the turn, light wind made for a stately pace up Upright Channel, into Harney Channel and Wasp Passage on the northern side of Shaw. Just as many racers thought crossing the finish line before the deadline was out of reach, 10-12 knots greeted them as they entered San Juan Channel with a favorable ebb tide allowing a fast run across the line.

After the race, racers and guests enjoyed a hearty lasagna dinner prepared by the San Juan Island Yacht Club’s First Mates followed by the awards ceremony.

Best Overall on Corrected Time this year went to the monohull Hydra, a King 40 skippered by Sam Richardson. Ben Colwell with his Formula 18 multihull, Rum Line, continued his winning record and took home awards for Fastest Elapsed Time and 1st place in the Multihull division.

Prizes were awarded in all divisions. Race results are detailed below. Other than fastest elapsed time, all awards are based on corrected time, adjusted for time-on-time based on PHRF or committee assigned ratings. Detailed results and photos can be found at the Club’s website at www.sjiyc.com.

Fastest Elapsed Time: 03:45:01: Rum Line, Ben Colwell

First Place on Corrected Time: Hydra, Sam Richardson

First place for Multihull: Rum Line, Ben Colwell

Second: Makika, Nigel Oswald

Third: Sea Puppy, Bruce von Borstel

First place on Cruising-A: Moon Doggie, Phil Johnson and Peg Gerlock

Second:     Fourth Watch, Bryan Colwell

Third: Zig Zag, Sam Kanner

First place for Cruising-B: Misty Blue, Scott Wisenburg

First place for Cruising-C: HULA, Bill Stange

First for PHRF-A: 1st Hydra, Sam Richardson

Second: Shearwater, Christina Wolfe

Third: Sir Isaac, John Bailey

First for PHRF-B: Challenge, Michael Durland

Second: Freya, Mike Kaminskas

Third: Interface, Mark Bunker

First for PHRF-C: Crazy I’s, Chris White

Second: Treachery, Ken Machtley

Third: Moore-on, Christopher Rosinski

First for PHRF-D: Starfire, Stan Miller

Second: Kiana, Rob Kirby

Third: Shillelagh, Ray Pingree