The term "Heavy weather" conjures up images of slate colored skies, rain
pelting sideways, frigid temperatures and wind so cold even triple layers
and the warmest parka can't stave it off. If this is what you think of
when it comes to a Blustery February Weekend on Puget Sound, you would be
partially right. The rest of the picture is not so gloomy and includes
the largest sanctioned Predicted Annual Log race in the World. The Log
Race sponsored by Bremerton Yacht Club originated in 1936 and the Legacy
continues:
Who:
Open to the Public. You can enter your boat or board one of
the
race boats and observe. A "Skull Session" is held prior to the race for
instruction and rules. Everyone's Welcome
What:
The Predicted Log race is not actually a race where the
first one
through the finish line wins. This is a Navigational race with 6 legs.
Each participant calculates and predicts how many seconds to get from
point A to point B and an impartial observer on board clocks the actual
time. Actual and predicted times are compared and errors are additive.
Categories to compete include 5 classes, including Novices. For the rest
of the weekend, count on: Friday Night Wine tasting, Saturday Night
Dinner, Skits, Entertainment, Great Breakfasts and even better company
for a perfect Winter getaway
When:
Presidents Weekend. February 16 - 19, 2007; Race Day:
February 18.
February 15 - 18, 2008; Race Day: February 17
Where:
Moorage available at Bremerton Yacht Club (The Host Club) and at the
Bremerton Marina, adjacent to the Washington State Ferry Dock and
Boardwalk. The contest course lies within the navigable waters of
Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard and Port Washington The recommended charts
for the contest are 18446 and 18449. The Official Mileage for this
contest is 18.3 nm, which cannot be exceeded
How:
Q: How did it get to be so much fun? A: Elements of the
Weekend to
please everybody, from boater to not nautical: Wine tasting on Friday
Night including a raffle with generous prizes, a blindfolded wine tasting
contest, heavy appetizers and live Piano Music. Saturday Night with an
over the top Authentic Hawaiian Luau, including Suckling Roast Whole pig,
Island Punch, Hawaiian Dancers, Skits, Awards and Live Dance Music.
Sunday: The Big Race, Awards Ceremony Dinner. Monday: Finish the weekend
with a Buffet Breakfast and pledges to do it again Next year. Wonder what
the 2008 theme will be?
Why:
"Log racing is a social Event" That means bring your spouse,
a
friend and or your family. Why just boat when it's warm, sunny and 80
degrees (yes the Northwest has a summer that hot) when you can come out
and enjoy some marine camaraderie in Winter?
