Fleet One J105s took the top four places in the 15-strong double-handed "108 PHRF and Under" division of the SSS Corinthian Race. The day started slowly with zero wind and the remains of a strong flood trapping the 130+ race entrants in Belvedere Cove. Once past the point, the wind filled-in and the combination of clear skies, massive fleet and challenging current made for a spectacular and fun day on the water. Donkey-Jack made a clean break through the slow stuff and finished well ahead, winning the division. Akula pipped Jam Session by 11 seconds and Racer X finished close behind in 4th.

Standings in the (unofficial) J105 SSS Double-Handed series are:

The J105 Fleet One Championship season opened this weekend with the St Francis Yacht Club’s Spring One Design regatta. A winter storm and atmospheric instability made for challenging conditions at both ends of the wind velocity spectrum. Race One started a little before 1pm on Saturday once enough pressure developed for boats to make progress in the 2.5kt ebb. The breeze ramped throughout the afternoon and by the second race, 25kt puffs and a narrow window of opportunity to gybe after the offset mark combined to winnow the fleet to just 11 finishers of 17 starters.

Day 2 kicked off with a postponement due to high wind and a forecast for increased strength later in the day. After a poll of the owners and discussion with the RC, the AP was dropped and racing started in the early afternoon with 25kts on the fun-meter. Wind strength was variable over the course with strong puffs in the center of the Bay and steep ebb-driven chop. Closer to shore the waves and wind were smaller and more manageable, at the penalty of less current. Most boats made it around the weather mark, launched kites and enjoyed a wild ride down to the leeward gates. With wind building to over 33kts in the central bay and a growing list of casualty-kites among the racers, the RC wisely declared a shorten course and the regatta finished with 3 of 5 scheduled races completed.

Top 5 were: 1 - Blackhawk, 2 - Donkey Jack, 3 - Mojo, 4 - Wonder, 5 - Risk. Full results available here and later, here.

The 2012 Fleet One Championship season starts with a roar on Saturday as 18 J105s join over 60 other boats in the St Francis YC's Spring One Design regatta. We'll be racing on the City Front in a strong ebb and what's predicted to be challenging spring conditions: wet - possibly,  windy - likely.

There's still time to join in, so sign-up here by Friday or in person at the St Francis by 9:30am on Saturday morning. Competitors - don't forget to download the Kattack app on your phone, watch for whales and think light thoughts; weigh-in is mandatory. The weight form is available here or at the club.

StFYC sent this out after a mom and her calf were spotted along the city front. Spring One Design racers (Note: Take advantage of early sign up and save $50) should keep an eye out and give these creatures some space. It's the law, and impaling whales is slow.

St. Francis Yacht Club: We received a message from NOAA today to remind everyone to watch out for and steer clear of whales. Whales are frequently found in large numbers in the springtime. Boaters should not approach within 300ft of a whale; cut across a whale's path; or get between a whale cow and her calf. Please enjoy these amazing creatures from a safe and respectable distance.