On the heels of Hurricane Hermine and despite an ominous forecast, eight boats took to Tampa Bay last Saturday morning for the first races of the 2016-17 SPSA Series.  The day turned out to be much better than the forecast had predicted and we were able to sail two races.  With the threat of foul weather in the distance, the first race was started.  Fortunately when the weather came through, it turned out be only rain – no lightning or strong wind. However, the upwind start turned into a downwind run before the first mark was reached.  The five mile course was completed in about an hour for most boats.  Because the weather conditions had become ideal for sailing – clear skies and a steady breeze of twelve knots from the southwest a longer course (6nm for the cruisers, 8nm for the spinnaker boats) was set for second race.  The breeze held well for the first 90 minutes of the race.  Unfortunately for the spinnaker class who had longer course, the wind went calm with less than a mile to the finish.  Our SPSA sailors were resolute and stuck it out for almost an hour before the breeze can back and they were able to get to the finish line.  

For the race results, check the SPAS website (spsa.us). Under the “Racing” tab click the SPSA Series in the drop down box.

The next SPSA series race will be October 1^st.  The races will be followed by our annual Oktoberfest cookout – brats and sauerkraut.  More information about the Oktoberfest cookout will be posted.