Wednesday night racing came to a wild end September 24th. The rain stopped and wind built all evening for a fun-filled last night out on the bay. 8 boats came out to play on the last night. Pangaea was out first, ready to go, as well as Kinetic Ki. Boats started at the fuel dock and sailed downwind around an anchored tanker and back to the finish (except Bill, who went twice!). Split Arrow gave Pangaea a run for the money, Scott and Colin stayed together, and Kymodoce and Syndicat kept each other company. Bill was in his own little world out there. Am I forgetting someone? That sounds like 7 out there. We did our best to pelt the racers with chocolate, and got some great shots of Bill putting out a rooster tail of foam. Tim and the Split Arrow crew made some fantastic chili and Keith Stone made a bunch of home-made cornbread. Yum! The night ended with the jammy fashion show. Jerry made us all blush as he was once again awarded the "Teddy", Laurie charmed us as "the Belle of the Ball", and Mac was our "Vixen" of the evening, bringing home the Hornitas tequila. Be on the lookout for some Winter Fun Wednesdays. Chime in on the forum if you have suggestions!

Next Wednesday, September 24 will be the last Fall Fun race. It is Jammy Night! For the sake of all your friends, please do not confuse this with "Wear what you normally wear to bed" Night. The coveted "Teddy" award went to Jerry Vanderveen last year, and we have high hopes that someone will snatch it from him this year. Racing starts at 6:00 on the bay, and will be followed by chili and drinks at the club. There will be awards again (not necessarily related to your sailing performance) and of course the jammy fashion show and presentation of the "Teddy". See you all there!

This will all come to an end this fall when Global Diving & Storage starts dismantling the boat for a total estimated cost of $300,000. Having visited the tug many times (although not being a shipwright or marine salvage expert) it would seem to be the right thing given the fact that it has been sitting on the bottom for many years and it would take considerably more to restore her. At the same time being a sucker for boats it is a sad day to see an important part of our maritime heritage meet an untimely end...

You can read the recent article in the Anacortes American about the Enchantress by Joan Pringle, here.

A large hole was visible in the left side of the sailboat where the bow of the smaller motor boat had punched through. The vessel began taking on water, but rescuers were able to stop the flooding, the Coast Guard said. Emergency crews used smaller boats to ferry the passengers back to land. The sailboat was able to return to port under its own power.

While the circumstances of the collision are under investigation, looking at the pictures it would seem the powerboat will be the clear loser in this one...