It Begins.....

Unleash the WEASEL!

While the SEA WEASEL cruises and races all year round there is something about the beginning of May that signals the busy summer program. Halibut Bank/Popham Island is the first VARC 7 Race and the beginning of Thursday Night "Around the Can" racing seems to signal summer is here. Of course this year we shocked ourselves out of our winter lethargy with the Southern Straits; this still feels like the beginning of the summer season where it is more about sun and fun than survival.

Halibut Bank/Popham Island:

2008 Halibut Bank Race: The WEASEL and MYSTIC getting ready to start.

This year's Halibut Bank/Popham Island race looks promising. On May 9th the race is scheduled with the fast boats heading out to Halibut Bank and the slow boats out to Popham Island (South East of Gibsons). We are confident in improving our placement after last year's last place finish. We have a more experienced crew and a adjusted PHRF rating which mean we should stand a fighting chance; plus it will be sunny!

Fast boats away.

As with last year the SEA WEASEL is planning on spending the night at Snug Cove on Bowen Island. We are hoping some of the other racers will meet us there for a informal dock party. There are still openings for crewing on this race so email the skipper (me) to participate.

Thursday Nights:

SEA WEASEL starting on a typical Thursday Night.

FCYC and TCYC alternate doing a Thursday evening race program each year. Last year's races were intense in the 4-knot-shit-box division. There were many close races and good times were had by all. This year will hopefully be the same. The details are the same as last year:

• Meet at the boat at 5pm
• Leave the dock no later than 5:20pm*
• Beer and Burgers at the FCYC Club house or the Wicklow Public House following the race.

*I love you all but we will leave without you if you're running late. The Race Committee waits for no one.

Other Events in May:

John B., the TCYC 2008 Commodore, reviewing the fleet.

Sail Past: TCYC's annual Sail past is May 9th. The event will include: a traditional sail past, race, and raft up in False Creek. Crew is needed so come out or email me if you would like to be rowed out to the raft up. The raft up is a BYOB event.

The 2008 Silva Bay Crew.

Silva Bay Layover: Stomach pumps on standby; May 30th &31st is the "Silva Bay Hangover". We race from the Bell Buoy out to Gabriola, party all night, and race back on the Sunday. The race has a pursuit start which is always interesting. Sign up early to crew on this one as it will fill up fast.