A record 18 boats enjoyed a beautiful evening on the water for this year’s running of the Midnight Madness Race. Many boats were decked out with colourful lights, making for quite a show, though it’s still hard to tell who’s who in the dark, especially when the lights get turned off for racing.
Just as the race was about to start, the forecast winds of 5-6 knots from the NE went completely wonky; the winds never completely died, but they went around in circles for awhile, resulting in a 10-minute postponement. At the time of the start, it was impossible to cross the start line (in the correct direction) on starboard tack, so the entire fleet started on port, making for some interesting maneuvers. Thereafter, the wind settled down to 4-6 knots and the course from “E” to “C” resulted in an almost perfect windward-leeward; most boats completed the 2-lap course in under an hour and a half.
Midnight Madness is really about having fun, rather than results, but for those who are interested, here are the results. And this link shows one boat’s track from the Navionics App.
Thanks to Dave Moralee for organizing and promoting this event, to John Gardner and his team on the RC, and to Jennifer Holliday for the scoring.
Below is the original announcement:
This fun event draws a large contingent of NSC sailors who enjoy not only racing, but also the challenge of sailing at night. The event is open to all keelboats; Skippers meeting is at 2030 on the west lawn, with the warning gun scheduled for 2200. In order to keep crew sizes down, the use of spinnakers is not allowed this year.
All the general SI stuff is per the 2019 SIs. The course will be confirmed at the Skippers meeting. Attendance at the Skippers Meeting is mandatory for all skippers/owners; other crew are invited to attend. The marks are typically lit with glow sticks or other lights.
Sailing after dusk is a unique experience which helps to improve not only your ability to steer and navigate using other senses, but also to prepare your crew for any other overnight cruising or racing that you have planned. The necessary safety gear is a requirement, along with a fun attitude.
Please send an email to the undersigned if you are planning to attend.
David Morralee
NSC Midnight Madness Coordinator
Caprice 2000