TO 'B' OR NOT TO 'B'

[douglas dalessio]

Last year was my first year with Rode Trip, a 1991 CS34.  The crew decided that we needed the Spring and Summer Series to begin to learn the boat and practice, so we raced in C-Division (non-Spinnaker).  For the Fall Series we switched to B-Division to learn how to use our new bow-sprit and asymmetrical spinnaker.  It added another element of challenge and excitement to our sailing, but we definitely need more practice.  So, this year we plan to start and hopefully remain in our Spinnaker Fleet.  

Unfortunately, in recent past years some B-Division boats have either disappeared, or switched to A-Division.  I'm hoping those that switched will reconsider their decision, and help return B-Division to the robust and competitive division it once was.  It would also be great if some of our boats that have raced in our Non-Spinnaker Fleet, would consider joining our Spinnaker Fleet.  I've been told that a few more Boats from the PJYC will also be joining us on a regular basis.  For planning purposes, B-Division usually starts with a PHRF of around 130.  Division break points are subject to change, based on our Spring Series turn-out, and will be decided by our Vice-Commodore and scoring team.

Spring is here, and we're only about 45 days away from the start of this year's season, so give it some thought. 

If you need of a spinnaker, I have three symmetrical spinnakers that I can bring to our Swap & Shop, and can be purchased for less than $500 each.  All three sails have numbers on them (25261), and have a luff/leach of 42' 9", and a foot of 23' 9".  

 

The .75 oz. has a few patches and a few hanging threads at some seams.  It appears to be the oldest of the three.

The 1.5 oz. looks the newest of the three, is similar in color to the runner, but has a few more color variations.  

The runner looks just as good as the 1.5 oz, but maybe not as new, and has one small patch.  It has broader shoulders, and appears to be the same weight as the 1.5 oz.    All three sails seem to be in good (the .75 oz) to very-good (the other two) condition, and come with launching bags.  The only one I have hoisted, and had to chance to see in its entirety, is the runner.