The 18th annual Deer Harbor Rendezvous Wooden Boat Race was held on September 3, 2019. It may have been the best one yet. New records were set for the number of entries and the number of finishers. The sheer spectacle of so many classic boats gliding through these beautiful islands was a treat. It was particularly good to see Schooner Martha in attendance. 22 boats finished within the four-hour time limit. Conditions were delightful; sunny with just enough wind to include Jones Island for a 9-mile course.
Starting from a line set southeast of Fawn Island, the racers kept Bird Rock, Coon Island, Yellow Island, and Jones Island to starboard. Then Reef Island and the red flag buoy were rounded to port, with the finish line moved to a position south of the marina.
The after-race dinner on the marina floats was delicious, with Chinook salmon, garlic bread, ice cream, and one drink of wine or beer provided for $17. Additional food was supplied by the boater’s potluck. Fun acoustic music was by the Orcas duo, Brograss.
Dave Roseberry supervised the rowing race and handed out the awards. Ward Fay handed out awards for the sailing race. Times were corrected using ratings. The winner of the blue burgee was Sir Isaac, John and Ann Bailey’s fabulous schooner from Port Townsend. The red burgee for second place went to Starfire, the Blanchard Senior Knockabout from West Sound. Vito Dumas, the famous Campos Cutter skippered by Alex Spear, took the white burgee for third. Many other boats had good races. Green burgees went to the last boat to finish within the time limit, and to the last boat to finish before the committee hauled up the finish line.
The schooner Sir Isaac took first overall, both in elapsed and corrected time. The results make clear what was observed on the course, that three or four groups of boats finished with similar elapsed times, indicating a fun race, with currents and wind creating challeges for all!
Thanks to our sponsors: Deer Harbor Marina, Island Hoppin' Brewery, and Fisheries Supply.
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