Hobie 18s jibing for position to the gate

Vancouver Fleet214 Hobie 16 skipper Larry Robinson and Kattie Robinson

The owners of local Seattle Dealer Hobie Cat Northwest have hosted a great regatta for many years.  Both Dan and Kevin raced the Hobie scene and know what makes an event successful - be organized, provide a great venue, have the local fleet through a party, and pick a great venue.  You could tie in the cliché, "open your doors and they will come".  Hobie owners from Oregon, Washington, and BC home into a great sailing center and rig in wide open spaces, visit the Hobie store to top of the parts list, and talk cat stuff.

Venue - The sailing center is on a business track to make this a great facility.  Currently, the facilities do provide a changing room and washroom. The compound is large enough for everyone to rig the boats and the locals will help you rig the mast while telling you your mast is bent.  The local fleet has every class covered with H16, H17, H18, Tiger, and Waves.

Friday Night - Many Vancouver people head down on Friday after work or mid day.  If you leave around 5pm you should pull in by 8:30pm considering an average border crossing.  The gates at the main entrance are open late so pull in and follow the Hobie signs.  You may encounter the security block at the bridge tunnel that consists of a 4in metal pipe standing up in the middle of the road.  Simply lift out the pipe, drive through, and put it back after you.  Skippers and locals will be in the gated boat yard rigging their boats and having a few pops. People can stay in the compound and sleep overnight. It is similar to sleeping in the Jericho parking lot and using the JSCA washrooms.

Saturday Sailing - Registration is typically around 9-10am. Skippers meeting may be around 10:30am.  First race could be 11:15am.  Last race depends on wind. Check back for a NOR later.

Saturday Night Dock Party - Who made that Sangria batch last year.  Please do it again!  What a party.  Lots of appy's, great dinner, and a mix of rum punch.  With warmer weather in late May, the evening was great to mix together by the water and compare rigging or upwind stories.  This is the time for many new racers to hear about what a pack leader tweaks to go a little faster. The BBQ is next to the boat compound and usually starts around 6:30pm.

Sunday Racing - Racing may start around 10:30am so rig your boat early.  Last race could be around 2:45pm.  People are on hand to help you derig and prep for a safe travel home

Location - The Seattle Sandpoint Sailing center is located 2:45 hrs from the border.  the address is 7777 - 62nd Ave NE, Seattle WA.  Click here for a map.

Hotels - There are not to many hotels in the area.  Contact Brian Hunt or Clara Lum for details.

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