Beer Can Races on s/v Time Out

s/v Time Out on the right

A few weeks ago, Ben and I teamed up with our neighbors Ralph and Brigite, and friend Oliver, to compete in the Beer Can Races on their 26' Ranger, s/v Time Out. We came in 1st in our class that night. Ben has sailed with "Team Time Out" a few more times since and they've placed either first or second each time. Here are a few pictures of the race taken by various photographers who were out on the water at the time:

s/v Time Out rounding the buoy

s/v Time Out flying the spinnaker

s/v Time Out (in the forefront) - That's Ralph at the helm, Oliver in yellow, me in red, and Brigite  up front. Ben  must be hiding behind Ralph!

Ben and Ralph having a beer before the race begins

Beer Can Races

The Beer Can Races take place in San Diego Bay every Wednesday for ten weeks during the summer. Up to 125 sailboats are allowed to compete each week. Ben and I were invited to ride along with the crew of Pyxis (a CAL 39 - one of our neighboring sailboats in the mooring field) for the final race this past Wednesday. The crew consisted of John, Charlie, Dave & Ted. While they took care of the sailing, our job was to add extra weight to the wayward or leeward side, depending on where they needed us. It was really exciting (and at times nerve-racking) to watch these huge boats sail within inches of one another. Obviously, the participants have MUCH more sailing experience than Ben and I. Here are some pics of the boats in the race, including one picture of Charlie at the helm. Unfortunately, I didn't get more pics of the crew or of Pyxis. (Hey, I had a job to do and I wasn't sure if taking pictures during the race would be frowned upon!) Now that I know what to expect, if we're invited along again next year, I'll be sure to keep my camera with me at all times...