US Coast Guard Seeks Help Finding Two Dinghy Owners
The USCG sent us a report of a dinghy that had been found adrift off Lahaina, Maui, on Sunday. In doing a little research, we found that there were actually two adrift dinghies found yesterday. The second unmanned dinghy was retrieved about three nautical miles off Kawaihae, Big Island.
The photos show both dinghies to be in apparently good condition, and the fact that they were floating would confirm that. But where are the owners?
Some possible scenarios: The dinghies simply drifted away from their boats. (That has happened to this writer when the shackle on the dinghy undid itself overnight. Fortunately the dinghy had drifted to shore not far away and was recovered and re-secured with a new/better shackle.)
Perhaps the dinghies came loose from a dock when the tsunamis caused by Tonga’s volcanic eruption swept through the Pacific.
Or, worst case scenario, the dinghies were en route with souls aboard when something happened that caused the dinghies and their crews to be separated. Hopefully this is not the case.
If you recognize anything on or about these dinghies, or know of anyone who has recently lost theirs, please contact the USCG’s Sector Honolulu command center at (808) 842-2600.
Sailagram: A Snapshot of Sailing in January
If the photos submitted to Sailagram for January are any sign of what is to come for 2022, we would say it is going to be a great year. We love to see so many sailors getting their sails up and enjoying midwinter sailing.
Dump at the Pump with Division of Boating and Waterways’ Pumpout Nav App
The California Division of Boating and Waterway’s Pumpout Nav is a free iOS and Android mobile app that shows you where the nearest sewage pumpout, dump station and floating restrooms are located.
February Issue Arrives With the Lunar New Year — The Year of the Tiger
One month after your New Year’s Eve celebrations, you can do it all over again, but with a difference. Today, Monday, January 31, happens to be New Year’s Eve for the 2022 Chinese New Year, which falls on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. It’s the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, coinciding with the day of the new moon. All this on the same day we deliver the February issue of Latitude 38 — the first of the spring issues! You’ll get to read about the Pacific Puddle Jump, Dustin Reynolds, Season Champions Part 3, and much more.
In case you’ve missed the news, our delivery driver for the San Francisco/Peninsula driving route is retiring after the February issue, so we have an opening for a new driver starting with the March 1 delivery. The job is a one-day-per month commitment and a great way to visit all your favorite sailing locations along the San Francisco Peninsula. Learn more here.
When you pick up your new issue tomorrow, stop and take a selfie and then send it to us. The first reader to do so will win a new Latitude 38 hat! Send your photo to [email protected].
If you’re interested, according to legend the Tiger believed its speed and vigor would ensure it was the fastest of all the zodiac animals in a race to decide their order. The confident Tiger was outdone by the cunning Rat and the diligent Ox, which took first and second place, leaving the Tiger in third place. Sound familiar?
The moral of this story as we see it, sailors, is do not assume you are going to win a race just because the odds are in your favor or you happen to be at the front of the fleet. As the well-worn adage goes, “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings!” We expect you all know that, but it doesn’t hurt to get a reminder.
Looking Forward to Yacht Racing in February
San Francisco Bay Area in February
Some midwinter series will wrap up in February. They include the Berkeley Midwinters (with one last full weekend, February 12-13, and a Winners Race on February 27). The RegattaPRO Winter One Design Series will finish up on the 12th. Corinthian YC will sail their second of two midwinter weekends on February 19-20.
On February 13, the San Francisco J/105 Fleet 1 Doublehanded Series will conclude.
The Singlehanded Sailing Society’s 2022 season will continue on the 26th with the SSS Corinthian Race. We’ll have photos from the first race in the series, the Three Bridge Fiasco, in a ‘Lectronic post this week, and much more in the March issue of Latitude 38. We’re still processing hundreds of photos (our own and our readers’). In the meantime, here’s a teaser.
Southern California
Spanning two full weekends on February 12-13 and 19-20 the SCYA Midwinter Regatta is an expansive undertaking. Diverse classes, from remote-controlled model yachts to Sabots to PHRF and one-design fleets, will compete in six SoCal areas. Twenty-two yacht clubs share the hosting duties.
The following week another multi-club endeavor, the Islands Race, will sail 142 miles from Newport Harbor YC to San Diego YC. The course goes around Catalina and San Clemente islands.