Northern Century

The Northern Century Regatta hosted by Anacortes Yacht Club was held starting Friday Sept 24th @ 1930 off the tanker docks in Anacortes. Forty boats from the US and Canada set sail in doublehanded , fully crewed and multihull divisions.9 individuals remain from the inaugural event that have competed in each contest. After a hearty meal at the club, the annual picture, some libations, AC sailing on the big screen and a parade on the way to the start line includuing cannonfire from the Fidalgo Artillery and the obligatory cry from the town crier the race was underway. The 21 boats in the DH division were first to set sail and soon it was a J- boat extravaganza as Mora and Celebration slipped away towards the first mark @ Pt Roberts. The 19 boats in the fully crewed division were privileged to watch the battle between White Cloud and Madrona. The fleet was soon split by boats heading down Guemes Channel by Capt. Utter leading the fully crewed boats in what can best be described as an ill fated attempt to reign in glories long past. As darkness set in the spinnakers broke out and then genoas again as boats worked their way North then slid back South in current and the battle began to rage into the night. Anchor chains rattled, snoring was recorded, and still the yachts clawed North to Pt Roberts. Gay banter was exchanged as the yachts crossed and recrossed courses and favors were given and taken.  Th evening featured stars in adundance, Red Bull, coffee and soon dawn broke over a widely scattered fleet. Saturday featured a long awaited Northerly and the colorful sails powered the fleet Southward on every course imagined to Hein Bank. Using treachery, youth, and Washburnes charts fortunes were won and lost.Soon the sun was sinking in the West again and still the competitors battled the elements. Blade Runner led the fleet around Hein Bank and set all the canvas for the run to finish. Boats converge from every angle as can be viewed on the race tracker at www.anacortesyachtclub.com. The men were separated from the boys and the women from their daughters as night descended again on the fleet.By daybreak the kites were up and drawing and 15 boats finished within 12 minutes. The legendary hospitality at Anacortes Yacht Club followed Sunday afternoon and the mighty J-30 Vampire skippered by Don Millie competing in the DH division led all finishers and is now wearing the coveted 1st overall jacket. Carl Buchan and crew brought Madrona home for first in fully crewed  and Bingo not only won Div 2 in DH but also got the award for most fun for spending the most time on the course. All women crews, father son crews, husband/wife crews, Mom and Dad competing against one another this race has it all. Set your course for AYC and  come have some fun...

The Northern Century:

1. Double-handed mono-hull
2. Fully-crewed mono-hull
3. Double-handed multi-hull

The race is approximately 100nm in length and starts on Friday, August 24, 2012 in Fidalgo Bay, heads north to Point Roberts, down Boundary Passage, then south through Haro Strait to Hein Bank and returns to Anacortes with a finish at the west entrance of Guemes Channel.   Double-handed entries start at 1930 on Friday, August 24 followed by fully crewed entries at 1940. It will likely take most competitors until Saturday night to finish and perhaps later.