From Scooter Simmons:

We had a great time down at Key West Race Week. Our crew consisted of myself, Tim Russell, Rhett Smith, Ryan Simmons, Amy Guanierri, and Matt Clark. Lindsay Browne who normally sails with us is still recovering from his shoulder injury, but he came down to Key West to cheer us on. We charted the boat Gumption3 out of Rye, New York and she was well-prepared for racing. We practiced Saturday and Sunday in light to moderate breezes, but unfortunately our sail trimmer, Rhett, slipped on Saturday dislocating his shoulder and was out for the rest of the regatta. We scrambled to find a replacement and John Claude took the redeye out from San Francisco Saturday night and practiced with us Sunday afternoon.

Our first race day, Monday, the winds were light, shifty and the weather was warm (mid 70s). Actually the winds were light and shifty with warm weather the first three days. The winds picked up the first race on Thursday, but became moderate to light by the second race. We felt like we performed better each day as we became accustomed to the lighter breezes. Our highest score was an nine (out of 14 boats) and our lowest was a three before the bigger breeze on Thursday. We got a bullet and a third on Thursday giving us a third overall at this stage in the regatta one point ahead of fourth and one point behind second. (Savasana held a tight grip on first place throughout the entire regatta culminating with two bullets on the final day). We had a good shot at moving up to second, but in the light breeze along with some mistakes, we couldn't move ahead of Ghost ahead of us, but soundly defended third overall in the regatta.

The competition in the top half of the fleet was quite stiff as most of these boats generally sail in lighter air conditions. There were no general recalls, and I think there was only one protest in our class during the entire regatta. There were a number of circles spun (including one by us hitting the weather mark on the final day), and there was very little if any yelling or screaming going on between boats.

Of course Key West Race Week is not all about sailing (at least not for us), and I can tell you a good time was had by all throughout the week.

Congratulations to the crew!

A boat weigh-in is scheduled for Saturday morning, February 27, 2010 at the Berkeley Marine Center. If you, or a J/105 owner that you know that is not a member of Fleet 1, want to have your boat weighed, this will be the only group session planned for 2010. Dick Horn, US Sailing Certified Measurer, will perform the weighing and Weight Certificates will be issued upon meeting the minimum 8577 lb. standard. The group price is $150/boat for the lifting and weighing.

Here's why all J/105s, that haven't been weighed, should take advantage of this opportunity:

• In order to race in J/105 one-design Fleet/Class races, the boat must have a Weight Certificate.
• The 2010 Fleet 1 race schedule is outstanding and now includes the NOOD Regatta.
• The 2010 Fleet 1 "B" schedule includes fun races and destination finishes.
• The savings on a group weighing is well over $100.
• If your boat is For Sale and a prospect is interested in racing, the boat is immediately ready to race.
• If you beer-can race your boat now, this gives you the opportunity to try a NOOD Regatta or a Vallejo Race.

Here's why a boat that has been weighed should be weighed again:

• If you have added lead weights via a prior weighing and have since added any permanent major equipment (new engine,etc.) or refurbished a deck, etc., you may be able to remove a portion of the lead weights.
• Any profits made from the weigh-in goes to the Fleet 1 Treasury.

If you have any questions and/or are interested in participating, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .