No Rain, Big Gains

The boys are ready for action!

Keeping most of the blue boats behind.

The Race Committee called for two full laps of Lake Union for Goosebump Race No. 5, which looked a bit much as the wind faded at the start. Full Moon crew Art “Push” Teller, Michael “Pull” Medina, Tammy “Bonus?” Cross, Reilly “The Hood” Hearne, Daniel “Minor Injury” Mengedoht, and skipper John “Giant Jib” Mengedoht got a second-row start and struggled for awhile trying to get a clear lane to the AGC buoy. This resulted in temporarily being back in 25^th place, though that wouldn’t last long.

Once around the AGC buoy, the question was whether to hoist the spinnaker for the short run to the Cove buoy. In the end, the Equalizer went up - but just in time to gybe at the buoy. Unfortunately, the quick gybe went awry and a few boats got past while the nylon mess was sorted on the bow. Once up and flying, though, Full Moon returned the favor, making good speed on the close reach to the Freeway buoy.

On the leg to the Aurora buoy, many boats were forced to tack away from Gasworks but Full Moon somehow held a straight line, passing a few more boats. Approaching the buoy, Full Moon was pinned by a blue San Juan 24 until the San Juan finally tacked. It didn’t take long for Full Moon to pass them, though!

Heading back south along the Westlake shore, it became clear that the race was being finished after only one lap. How is it that Full Moon once again missed the course change?!? No matter, falling off onto a reach to the finish only made for more speed. In the end, Full Moon was about 15^th out of around 30 boats, a pretty good comeback. Meanwhile, the threatened rain held off and the hot buttered rums flowed from the magic thermos, fueled by The Kraken. Good stuff!