Ball of Confusion

Marcelle scores the prized Yellow Goose sticker after a wild race.

Goosebump Race No. 3 featured much stronger winds than the forecast 8-10 knots with gusts around 20 knots. The lulls were considerably less, though, and Full Moon crew Marcelle “I’m Fine” Lynde, Tammy “Popsicle Toes” Cross, Michael “Facemask” Medina, Daniel “Tunes First” Mengedoht, and skipper John “Round Up” Mengedoht risked being overpowered, choosing the #1 genoa over the #3 jib (the boat lacks a #2). About the time the 10 minute warning was expected, the Race Committee elected to shift the starting line. Full Moon circled around waiting for the warning horn and, when it sounded, assumed it would be the normal 10 minute warning. However, all the big boats crossed the line after just five minutes. Full Moon cruised past the Committee Boat and hailed “Was that the start?” The reply: “Not yet!”

Five minutes later, Full Moon crossed the starting line right on Selchie’s stern, hoping this really was the start. Friday (31 footer), Salsa (J29) and Zephyr (San Juan 28) followed behind to provide some company.

On the next tack, Marcelle went forward to assist getting the jib over the lifelines but lost her footing as the boat heeled in a gust. A firm grip on the shrouds kept her on board but only just – she was in the water nearly to her waist – and there were some tense moments until she was safely back on deck.

During the commotion, Selchie pulled pretty far ahead and Friday caught up. Friday rounded ahead at the AGC buoy with Full Moon close behind. At the Cove buoy, Friday swung a bit wide and Full Moon was able to get by. Once the mighty Equalizer was hoisted, Friday was behind for good, though still a threat should Full Moon make any mistakes.

The spinnaker takedown at the Freeway buoy was reasonably smooth and Full Moon screamed across the lake on a tight reach to the Aurora buoy, then headed south again to complete the first lap. The second lap was similar to the first, windy and overpowered, though the crew remained completely onboard.

Crossing the finish line, it appeared the Race Committee might actually have some kind of prize for Full Moon and, sure enough, we were awarded the Yellow Goose sticker for third place! The big boats (Jedi, Surt, Black Knight, Tipsy Gypsy, etc.) boats were, unfortunately for them, all over early and disqualified. It appeared that Selchie was first, followed by Salsa, Full Moon, Friday, and Zephyr.

Cap'n John applies the new sticker to the mast.