Buccaneers

Most of you locals know that Solomons Island is definitely a sailing center along the east coast. You may not have known that the 2015 Buccaneer Nationals just took place from the 1st to 3rd of October.

The fleet had a strong and gusty breeze for their finals this week, and thanks to a friend I heard about this just before the conclusion and caught at least a few photos.

The remnants of a N'or Easter caused the course to run across the Patuxent River. The windward mark was set just off the Solomons Riverwalk and the other very near the western side of the river. It was a bit of a stretch for my lens, but let's take a look.

As I mentioned, it was quite gusty and there were several capsizes in the short time I watched.

 I also noticed right away that there were several small power boats monitoring the course and coming over to verify the sailors were okay and had everything under control.

Everyone recovered and got back underway.



The next photo below shows how the gusts can play with the fleet - look at the angle of the heel on the right boat.

Committee boat - anyone know what those flags mean?

Sailing along nicely

Coming to the windward mark

This is where it got interesting..

the two boats 5223 and 5256 were very close at the top mark. Heading downwind, the skippers had different approaches. 5223 stayed with just a jib and sailed more directly to the downwind mark, while 5256 set the spinnaker but took a wider set downwind.

Spinnaker set!

more of the fleet

dropping the kite

jib up and ready to jibe (turn)

Jibe finished heading to the mark

Now it got more interesting. Both boats end up at the mark at nearly the very same time.. RACE ON!

As soon as the red boat made the mark, it split and turned away from its competitor - a classic move.

Now I have to admit that I didn't see the outcome. The weather was quite miserable to just stand out there a continue to watch, but it was sure fun while I was there.

For more information on these 500LB, 18 ft. long boats take a look at the Buccaneer 18 site. They look like tons of fun. There is a fleet established on Solomons. So, I'm sure the Southern Maryland Sailing Association could fill you in as well.

Until next time,

Blessings,
Brian