Sunny Finale

Pre-start maneuvers. Michael Medina photo.

Battling Runner to the finish line. Michael Medina photo

Full Moon crew Randy Olsen, Art Teller, Michael Medina, Daniel “Dread Pirate” Mengedoht and skipper John Mengedoht tried a port-tack start for the final Goosebump race, which paid off with clear air once past the line, though several bigger boats were already ahead and pulling away. With light winds and a two lap race called for, it looked like a long afternoon was in store but the sun was out and a long afternoon sounded just fine.

As usual, Full Moon pulled out ahead of traditional rivals Fortis and Shogun (Ignitor didn’t race this series). Not so usual was a close race with speedy Runner. Full Moon would pop out ahead and Runner would return the favor. At the final buoy, Full Moon was just barely ahead but clever Runner swung wide around the buoy and into a controlling position for the broad reach to the finish line. With Runner taking Full Moon’s wind, all we could do was sail a lower angle with the mighty Equalizer spinnaker and try to gain some separation. This worked but, unfortunately, not in time to regain the lead so Runner crossed the line about 30 feet ahead.

Full Moon continued to sail around Lake Union for quite awhile after the race enjoying the rare cloudless sky and relatively warm temperatures, not to mention a few cold beers. With weather like this, can summer be far away?