[C38] Build it and they will come...

[Max soto]

Its so good to know that everything went out so smooth, and that we had five boats on the Nationals.. Congrats to Harp for taking line honors on both races. It should have been very cool to race n the bay. I can only imagine how cool it was with such scenery..
I was planning to attend as a crew member on one of the boats this time, but work didn't let me go until this week, so,  I'm flying today to San Francisco for a nice "AC vacation". It's my own 40th birthday present, so I deserve it... LOL!

If some of the C38 owners in the Bay Area need a crew member for a sail or some help  or want to go for a beer, just send me an email!

Regards,
Max Soto A.
+506-8312-1367
Alajuela, Costa Rica

On Sep 4, 2013, at 2:13 AM, Charles Finn <charles at finn.ws> wrote:

> is a line from a baseball movie that I am reminded of when thinking of our recent C38 Nationals event.  I just got back home at 1:00 this morning and this is my first chance to comment.  As many of you know, we had a few years of no Nationals as the energy of putting these on in southern "California seemed to fade.   When I became your Commodore and proposed we gear up for a new series in conjunction with the Americas Cup races in San Francisco.... the advice was:  "well, go ahead and try but these boats are getting older and you will probably have a hard time getting folks to show....."
> Well.
> I think we have to declare the 2012 and 2013 Nationals a resounding success as the San Francisco Fleet  (Fleet One) has demonstrated there is both a lively interest and a competitive spirit that continues.  We had five boats compete this year, with interest from another three.  In fact, it appears we will be able to sustain a Fleet Competition next year when the Nationals move up to the Seattle.   We already know we have enough boats up there to develop another great One Design series.
> And then (hopefully) Nationals will move to the East Coast.
> 
> Regarding this year's races.   San Francisco Bay lived up to its reputation of high winds and beautiful backdrops (The Americas Cup big and small boats were ripping up and down the Bay around us until they were called in due to high winds).  The first race, which began at the Berkley Yacht Club, ran down the Bay almost to the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island and then ripping back to the the Berkley Yacht Club for a finish.  Winds were running 18-21 knots with gusts to keep everyone on their toes.  The second race began about 20 minutes after the last boat from race one crossed the finish line.  It promised to be even more challenging as the finish included a run up Raccoon Straits!   But a quick check of winds by the Golden Gate Bridge showed 31-37 knots, which mandated the use of our Alternative Course that avoided the wind tunnel at the Bridge, but still included the Straits.  Ironically, the winds died in Raccoon Straits, which we expected to be the most challenging part of the race and those folks who bet on the inside current (me)  got to bob about and watch as those who went long and outside sailed away!
> 
> The Awards Dinner at the Berkley Yacht Club was a great time to trade strategies and celebrate a great day of sailing!  It was also a time for skippers and crew to make plans to sail together through the year and to begin to build their strategies for next year!  And it was time for Pretty Lady to hand over the Trophy to Harp! Pictures will be coming soon of both the races and the Awards Dinner.
> 
> In closing as it is 4:00 am and I am a bit jet lagged,  I heartily recommend to those of you who want to participate in great racing in incredible locations to attend next year's races.  We will find room for you on the competing boats and you will have the time of your life!   It is clear the type of people who are attracted to our Catalina 38s are a breed you will be happy to meet.
> 
> Regards,
> Chuck Finn
> Commodore
> Catalina 38 International Association
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Listserve mailing list
> Listserve at catalina38.org
> http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org