This past Friday and Saturday the westerly breeze was on in the Catalina Channel (16 - 18 kts) so I asked my good friends Steve Brown and Amy Ray to join me on Pacific High to motor over early Sunday morning to the Isthmus in Catalina Island and race home in a probable 25 mile sprint from Catalina back to Long Beach. They both agreed to and the fun was on.
We met at the boat at 0630 and started the 4+ hour motor to Catalina. The highlight of the trip was seeing a CA Grey Whale less than a quarter mile from us heading south for the winter. Quite a sight. We enjoyed pleasant conversation, coffee and Ames' breakfast sandwiches. We arrived at the island with an hour to prepare for the start. We picked up a mooring in Cherry Cove to prepare and rig the boat. Steve and I donned our bathing suits and enjoyed a swim cleaning Pac Highs' bottom while Ames rigged the Jib and Main. The Westerly filled in at 10 kts at 0800 and continued to build all day. At the start we had 14 kts and for the last 7 NM the breeze was 19 - 21.
Needless to say, perfect conditions for us. Our PHRF Class B had several good boats, among them a FT 10, Farr 40, J 145, 2 Tripp 40's, and a ID 35. We took the port tack committee boat end start and headed off to Long Beach on a jib reach getting our reaching AYSO up within ten minutes.
The ensuing 2 1/2+ hour romp is what Pac High is all about. The FT 10 took the westerly above rhumb line route and we took the east of rhumb line route with the Farr 40 in the middle. The breeze piped up and moved aft allowing us to surf up to speeds of 16.9 knots. At the East End of the Long Beach Breakwater 3/4's of a NM from the finish the FT10 was 4 boat lengths in front of us on starboard tack with a jibe and take down to pull off in a breeze to get to the finish and the Farr 40 was a few minutes back with the rest of the fleet safely tucked away. All we had to do was take the AYSO down and jib reach to the finish. (Easier said than done but Steve Brown was on the boat!) Steve Brown who is big, strong and talented simply sucked our chute into the cabin like a vacuum cleaner. The FT10 had problems and lost a lot of time in her maneuver and the die was cast.
Of note:
During the 5 miles before the Long Beach Breakwater East End a Santa Cruz 52 who started 5 minutes behind us finally passed us. But when the breeze really came on above 20 Pac High turned on the afterburners and we passed the SC 52 back and beat her by minutes. Amazing stuff. Anyway, it looks like we won our class- good times.
All in all, Pac High performed most admirably and the day was awesome. Thank you Steve and Ames!
A link to the results: Results
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
TransPac 2007 Start #1 Report
Just got home from taking the Brown Sugar (my good friend Steve Brown's Express 37) supporters out on Gypsy to watch the start and first hour of the race. Until 1230 the wind was about 8 kts at 160 - 180. In the ensuing 5 minutes the westerly filled in at but 240 at 8 - 9 knots.
The start was uneventful with the fleet behaving and with the exception of 3 boats (Caulkins 50, Ariadne and one of the Cal 40's) everyone set out on starboard tack towards the west end of Catalina Island.
We were able to sneak in to leeward of Brown Sugar for a final Bon Voyage and pictures one hour into the race.
For updates on the Brown Sugar adventure go to
Team Brown Sugar
The start was uneventful with the fleet behaving and with the exception of 3 boats (Caulkins 50, Ariadne and one of the Cal 40's) everyone set out on starboard tack towards the west end of Catalina Island.
We were able to sneak in to leeward of Brown Sugar for a final Bon Voyage and pictures one hour into the race.
For updates on the Brown Sugar adventure go to
Team Brown Sugar
Saturday, July 07, 2007
ABYC Fourth of July Pursuit Race and BBQ
Today, Saturday July 7th we entered Pacific High in the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club 4th of July Regatta pursuit race--- followed by a BBQ get together on the club lawn with good conversation among friends.
The Westerly filled in very early and it promised to be another of those famous Long Beach consistent 15 -17 knot afternoons -- which it was.
Joining me were long time friends and talented sailors, Bruce and Margo Golison and (ABYC PRO Extraordinaire) Mark Townsend. Mark had a rare free weekend day so jumped at the chance to actually go sailing! It was lucky we snagged him as the breeze really filled in and he knows his way around a boat.
In the monohull fleet Pac High was the scratch boat and had to cool her heels as the rest of the 25+ boat fleet took off on their respective start times . (Cal 20's, Etchell 22's, Tempests, Finns, Lasers, Laser Radials, Snipes, Coronado 15's, Capri 25, Schock 35 among others). There was a fleet of A Class Cats entered but inexplicably they started only three minutes behind us--- so scoring them in our fleet was an obvious error as they passed everyone within 25 minutes (us in 8 minutes) into a 1 1/2 hour to 2 1/2 hour race depending on the boat you were on. The A Class Machines that did not capsize finished the race in 1 hour or less. But who cares (and know one did) as the point of the day was to have a great day on the water and enjoy each others company ashore.
By the time we started the fleet was gone!----- We had no idea what was to transpire but patience, conservative and good sailhandling along with going the right way up both beats on the 10 mile 2 lap W/L course paid off. We passed the last 2 boats (a Cal 20 and a Laser Radial) with about 3/4's of a mile to go to take the race, finishing in front of the club after sailing down the Long Beach Jetty Channel.
Bruce, Margo and Mark really hustled and we all had a great time. I am most pleased with our little pocket rocket. We hit 14 knots in a solid knot puff on on the last downwind leg and grins were all around.
Nest Saturday is the Seal Beach to Dana Point Race-- Good times.
The Westerly filled in very early and it promised to be another of those famous Long Beach consistent 15 -17 knot afternoons -- which it was.
Joining me were long time friends and talented sailors, Bruce and Margo Golison and (ABYC PRO Extraordinaire) Mark Townsend. Mark had a rare free weekend day so jumped at the chance to actually go sailing! It was lucky we snagged him as the breeze really filled in and he knows his way around a boat.
In the monohull fleet Pac High was the scratch boat and had to cool her heels as the rest of the 25+ boat fleet took off on their respective start times . (Cal 20's, Etchell 22's, Tempests, Finns, Lasers, Laser Radials, Snipes, Coronado 15's, Capri 25, Schock 35 among others). There was a fleet of A Class Cats entered but inexplicably they started only three minutes behind us--- so scoring them in our fleet was an obvious error as they passed everyone within 25 minutes (us in 8 minutes) into a 1 1/2 hour to 2 1/2 hour race depending on the boat you were on. The A Class Machines that did not capsize finished the race in 1 hour or less. But who cares (and know one did) as the point of the day was to have a great day on the water and enjoy each others company ashore.
By the time we started the fleet was gone!----- We had no idea what was to transpire but patience, conservative and good sailhandling along with going the right way up both beats on the 10 mile 2 lap W/L course paid off. We passed the last 2 boats (a Cal 20 and a Laser Radial) with about 3/4's of a mile to go to take the race, finishing in front of the club after sailing down the Long Beach Jetty Channel.
Bruce, Margo and Mark really hustled and we all had a great time. I am most pleased with our little pocket rocket. We hit 14 knots in a solid knot puff on on the last downwind leg and grins were all around.
Nest Saturday is the Seal Beach to Dana Point Race-- Good times.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend Sunday Gypsy Sail- Yeah!
My close friend Bob Hickman decided earlier this week to insist we take Gypsy out for a daysail today with some of our special friends. He and his wife Carol said they would take care of lunch for the crew--- "Wash-- Just get the boat ready!" Yes--- It was time to crawl out of my cave - and Dr. Bob was taking control! I was looking forward to today and spent all day Saturday cleaning Gypsy up to make her presentable. :)
My son Stevie and I both are in about the same place regarding Paul, and Stevie was excited also about today's sail as well to just get out there. Stevie invited 2 of his high school buddies George and Alex to sail with us as well.
Filling out the crew were Camille Daniels, her friend Jim, and John, Kathi and Savannah Robinson.
And to top off the afternoon my good friend Steve Steinberg met us at the dock just having flown in from Egypt for a few days in between jobs captaining major league yachts in the Med to give me a hug as he was unable to be there for Paul's services last January.
Tomorrow we take Pac High out for a sail to Newport Beach if the breeze is up.
Life goes on------
A Poem to Remember Paul
A Parable of Immortality
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" "Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and
spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me,
not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"
Henry Van Dyke
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" "Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and
spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me,
not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"
Henry Van Dyke
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
My son Stevie's (17year old HS Senior) tribute to Paul
“Cast off!” cried He,
The Captain to his crew.
“Today we leave,”
“And sail into the blue.”
So off they went,
Enchanted by the breeze;
A marvelous journey,
It surely was to be.
Merely ten days out,
A cry was uttered by the crew.
They happened upon a hidden reef,
Which tore the ship in two.
Down she went without a fight,
Into the deep blue sea.
A shame, the journey had just begun,
How marvelous it was supposed to be.
The Captain to his crew.
“Today we leave,”
“And sail into the blue.”
So off they went,
Enchanted by the breeze;
A marvelous journey,
It surely was to be.
Merely ten days out,
A cry was uttered by the crew.
They happened upon a hidden reef,
Which tore the ship in two.
Down she went without a fight,
Into the deep blue sea.
A shame, the journey had just begun,
How marvelous it was supposed to be.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The 60th Newport Beach to Ensenada Race is set for a week from this Friday!
www.nosa.org
Pacific High is entered and this will be a nice shake down sail for us to get the kinks out. This will by my 26th time in the race and my son Steve's 3rd. Eric Witte (TransPac Watch Captain) is flying out from CT to get some time on the boat as well.
The 120 mile Newport Beach to Ensenada Race has been an annual event since 1947-- this is the 60th running of the race. It has quite a history of famous sailors and stories that are so special. My dad raced in it in 1954, 1961 and 1963. I never got the pleasure of sailing with him in this event as he was too old when I was ready to participate. But what a gift that he introduced me to the sailing life, a lifestyle that is just incredible. He taught me to be a real sailor, not just a racing skipper. He is with me always along with my dear son Paul out there on the open sea. I am sure Paul is cracking his grandfather up daily, up in Heaven.
Stay tuned for updates as we splash Pac High in a few days and get her set up.
Pacific High is entered and this will be a nice shake down sail for us to get the kinks out. This will by my 26th time in the race and my son Steve's 3rd. Eric Witte (TransPac Watch Captain) is flying out from CT to get some time on the boat as well.
The 120 mile Newport Beach to Ensenada Race has been an annual event since 1947-- this is the 60th running of the race. It has quite a history of famous sailors and stories that are so special. My dad raced in it in 1954, 1961 and 1963. I never got the pleasure of sailing with him in this event as he was too old when I was ready to participate. But what a gift that he introduced me to the sailing life, a lifestyle that is just incredible. He taught me to be a real sailor, not just a racing skipper. He is with me always along with my dear son Paul out there on the open sea. I am sure Paul is cracking his grandfather up daily, up in Heaven.
Stay tuned for updates as we splash Pac High in a few days and get her set up.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
I commssioned an oil portrait of Paul by noted marine artist Jim DeWitt
Jim is one of my favorite artists- aka Jim DeWitt of San Francisco-- former sailmaker now full time artist in his retirement years. (www.jimdewitt.com) For those of you who have children, or anything else that you would like painted in his style I highly recommend him.
Anyway---- I am typing through the tears but feel so much gratitude for what people can give. Jim was pretty emotional and I could hear it in his voice when we chatted about the project.
He has produced a masterpiece -------------
Anyway---- I am typing through the tears but feel so much gratitude for what people can give. Jim was pretty emotional and I could hear it in his voice when we chatted about the project.
He has produced a masterpiece -------------
Friday, February 09, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A New Star is Shining
God has a new star in the sky, and even though it is a little one, when I sail out on the open ocean Paul will be the brightest shining gem upon the sea for me.
Godspeed Paul--- Your old man loves you!
Godspeed Paul--- Your old man loves you!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Key West 2007
I just returned from an escape to Key West spending last week aboard the Division 2 Signal Boat as navigator and back up to my friend Bruce Golison who was the PRO. It was a nice week for me seeing old friends, making new ones and enjoying the experience of "Key West".
I also was an embedded reporter on the Sailing Anarchy website where we dedicated the weeks action to my recently deceased son Paul. We made history by reporting the event virtually live, with commentary and pics posted as things were happening. The on-line sailors who could not attend gobbled up the content. Good times.
Here are links to some pictures of the action on our course:
Key West 2007
Key West 2007 Day 3
Key West 2007 Day 4
I also was an embedded reporter on the Sailing Anarchy website where we dedicated the weeks action to my recently deceased son Paul. We made history by reporting the event virtually live, with commentary and pics posted as things were happening. The on-line sailors who could not attend gobbled up the content. Good times.
Here are links to some pictures of the action on our course:
Key West 2007
Key West 2007 Day 3
Key West 2007 Day 4
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Paul Washburn Donations Request
The outpouring of support, prayers and affection has been truly touching. Many have asked where donations in Paul's name can be made. I would be most appreciative if donations were made in Paul Washburn's name to CHOC, the wonderful children's hospital that helped him last Monday and Tuesday.
Choc Hospital Donation Link
Thank you all who have checked in for your kind words, friendship and support during this sorrowful time.
Wash
Choc Hospital Donation Link
Thank you all who have checked in for your kind words, friendship and support during this sorrowful time.
Wash
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Thank you all for your prayers for Paul and the rest of us Washburn Boys
Thank you all so much for your prayers and condolences.
There are two services that are open to anyone who wants to celebrate Paul's too short but happy life.--
One is tomorrow Monday at the Pacific View Cemetery in Corona del Mar, CA at noon.
We will also be spreading Paul's ashes at sea the last week of January with another celebration of his short but happy life to follow at the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach. Check my sailing blog for exact date and time. www.gypsylog.blogspot.com If you would like to join us at sea I can make arrangements to get you on an escort vessel. I will post a contact person that will be handling those arrangements.
Regards,
Steve Washburn
There are two services that are open to anyone who wants to celebrate Paul's too short but happy life.--
One is tomorrow Monday at the Pacific View Cemetery in Corona del Mar, CA at noon.
We will also be spreading Paul's ashes at sea the last week of January with another celebration of his short but happy life to follow at the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach. Check my sailing blog for exact date and time. www.gypsylog.blogspot.com If you would like to join us at sea I can make arrangements to get you on an escort vessel. I will post a contact person that will be handling those arrangements.
Regards,
Steve Washburn
Friday, January 05, 2007
From Sailing Anarchy
Sail On, Son
These are hard things to write and I'm hesitant to even do so, but I felt that many of you may wish to pass along your thoughts. Anarchist Steve Washburn's (Wash) precious 10 year-old son Paul passed away from natural causes suddenly and unexpectedly earlier this week. As a father it is impossible to imagine such a tragedy, and yet Steve and his family are sadly being forced to live it.
Wash has been a friend of mine for 20 years, and a regular and insightful contributor here in the SA forums - who can forget his awesome Key West live play by play reporting? More than that, Steve was a dedicated and loving father who brought his sons into the world of sailing in a way that most of us can only dream. Take a look at their blog - you'll get a feel for the love. It is not often that I feel another's pain, but I do here and am quite saddened by their loss. Life can be so swiftly and unfairly cruel.
It is in situations like this that our community, without fail, always shines so bright. Please take a moment to pass along your condolences to the Washburns.
01/05/07
These are hard things to write and I'm hesitant to even do so, but I felt that many of you may wish to pass along your thoughts. Anarchist Steve Washburn's (Wash) precious 10 year-old son Paul passed away from natural causes suddenly and unexpectedly earlier this week. As a father it is impossible to imagine such a tragedy, and yet Steve and his family are sadly being forced to live it.
Wash has been a friend of mine for 20 years, and a regular and insightful contributor here in the SA forums - who can forget his awesome Key West live play by play reporting? More than that, Steve was a dedicated and loving father who brought his sons into the world of sailing in a way that most of us can only dream. Take a look at their blog - you'll get a feel for the love. It is not often that I feel another's pain, but I do here and am quite saddened by their loss. Life can be so swiftly and unfairly cruel.
It is in situations like this that our community, without fail, always shines so bright. Please take a moment to pass along your condolences to the Washburns.
01/05/07
Saturday, December 30, 2006
2006 ABYC Boxing Day Pursuit Race
Paul, Stevie and Dad Washburn traveled to our yacht club (Alamitos Bay Yacht Club) today December 30th to race in the annual ABYC Boxing Day Pursuit Race, managed and produced by UK transplant Mark Townsend. This annual event is run on the first Saturday after Boxing Day. This year set a new record for entries with 65 boats signed up and racing. The weather was one of those fantastic SoCal winter days-- clear, sunny with light winds. Entries ranged in size from the Naples Sabots (7'11") to a Santana 37.
Paul entered and raced his Naples Sabot Penguin in the C3 class, Stevie and Dad raced Zingaro, our Lido 14 in the A Class. A pursuit race is one where the handicaps are taken at the start, the slowest rating boats starting first and the faster boats starting later as the ratings get faster.
Paul sailed very well, challenged by all the faster larger boats coming up from behind and had a great time. He finished third in the C3 class. Stevie and Dad had a good day as well, being the first Lido to finish and sixth in fleet.
A fun after race party ensued, with a trophy presentation using the past year's unclaimed trophies from various regattas being passed out to a happy crowd of sailors.
It was great to see all our special sailing friends and enjoy a beautiful day on the water.
Race Results
Paul entered and raced his Naples Sabot Penguin in the C3 class, Stevie and Dad raced Zingaro, our Lido 14 in the A Class. A pursuit race is one where the handicaps are taken at the start, the slowest rating boats starting first and the faster boats starting later as the ratings get faster.
Paul sailed very well, challenged by all the faster larger boats coming up from behind and had a great time. He finished third in the C3 class. Stevie and Dad had a good day as well, being the first Lido to finish and sixth in fleet.
A fun after race party ensued, with a trophy presentation using the past year's unclaimed trophies from various regattas being passed out to a happy crowd of sailors.
It was great to see all our special sailing friends and enjoy a beautiful day on the water.
Race Results
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas All -- And Best Wishes for the New Year!!!
To view the Washburn Boys Holiday Greetings click on the link below, then start the music player and then the slideshow- Enjoy!
Washburn Boys Holiday Greetings Card
Washburn Boys Holiday Greetings Card
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Maiden Voyage of Paul Washburn's new Naples Sabot "Penguin"
Paul just completed the ABYC Jr. Sailing 2006 Summer Sailing Program --- Enjoying it immensely-- He wants to continue on and learn how to race- telling me that he wants to be a better sailor than I am---- Good times!!!!! I look forward to turning over the helm someday--- :)
I can see it now--- Paul on the helm and Stevie on the wire of a 49r or 505---- with their proud pop watching---- :)
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Jessica Uniack Memorial Beach to Bay Race
Paul Washburn competed in LBYC's Beach to Bay Race.
In just under two hours, 117 sailors made their way from the beach by Downtown Long Beach Marina through the two jetties that divide Long Beach and Seal Beach to the Long Beach Yacht.
In just under two hours, 117 sailors made their way from the beach by Downtown Long Beach Marina through the two jetties that divide Long Beach and Seal Beach to the Long Beach Yacht.
Competing for his first time, Paul Washburn finished in the top 25, quite an accomplishment!
For all the pics go to: Beach to Bay
Monday, July 24, 2006
ABYC Catalina Cruise July 2006
The WB Boys sailed Gypsy over to Catalina in a 20 knot westerly last Saturday July the 22nd to meet up with fellow ABYC members for a beach BBQ and get together. Good times. It was fun to meet up with long time friends and their families and catch up.
We were treated to an impressive lightning show Saturday night on the beach and then from the decks of Gypsy-- we were not in any real danger- other than sitting on a boat with a 70 foot aluminum stick pointing into the sky! Rain, wind, thunder and lightning--- in July!
From the OC Register:
Fire crews struggled in searing heat Sunday to corral wildfires across Santa Catalina Island and other areas of Southern California, where flames prompted the evacuation of dozens of homes.
The largest fire charred nearly 1,200 acres – or about 2 square miles – of brush on Santa Catalina Island. It was 10 percent contained Sunday afternoon.
Hundreds of firefighters and at least 20 fire engines were shuttled late Saturday to the island on boats and military hovercraft from Camp Pendleton because lightning made helicopters too dangerous.
The fire continues on today Monday and they do not expect to have it contained until tomorrow.
Sunday morning while the WB Boys teenagers slept until noon, :) , Dad and 9 year old Paul Washburn snuck ashore for a hearty breakfast, good conversations, skipping rocks, a visit to the Isthmus playground and 2 vigorous hikes.
Gypsy is a special boat for us-- All the WB Boys activley participate now in handling her, treating her as their own-- so gratifying to see. We had a fabulous sail over, only 3 hours and 15 minutes from the Long Beach Jetty to Ship Rock. Had to motor home Sunday though as there was not a breath of air. But we were treated to a pod of dolphin and then a 50' blue whale surfacing only 100 yards from us--- blowing several times and then sounding along with a display of its huge tail. We were also treated to an air show slash mock dogfight above the Victory Lane again- Chris got some great pics when the WWII fighter planes buzzed us in a mock battle with the old WWII restored supply ship. Will get some pics posted as soon as Chris downloads them.
We were treated to an impressive lightning show Saturday night on the beach and then from the decks of Gypsy-- we were not in any real danger- other than sitting on a boat with a 70 foot aluminum stick pointing into the sky! Rain, wind, thunder and lightning--- in July!
From the OC Register:
Fire crews struggled in searing heat Sunday to corral wildfires across Santa Catalina Island and other areas of Southern California, where flames prompted the evacuation of dozens of homes.
The largest fire charred nearly 1,200 acres – or about 2 square miles – of brush on Santa Catalina Island. It was 10 percent contained Sunday afternoon.
Hundreds of firefighters and at least 20 fire engines were shuttled late Saturday to the island on boats and military hovercraft from Camp Pendleton because lightning made helicopters too dangerous.
The fire continues on today Monday and they do not expect to have it contained until tomorrow.
Sunday morning while the WB Boys teenagers slept until noon, :) , Dad and 9 year old Paul Washburn snuck ashore for a hearty breakfast, good conversations, skipping rocks, a visit to the Isthmus playground and 2 vigorous hikes.
Gypsy is a special boat for us-- All the WB Boys activley participate now in handling her, treating her as their own-- so gratifying to see. We had a fabulous sail over, only 3 hours and 15 minutes from the Long Beach Jetty to Ship Rock. Had to motor home Sunday though as there was not a breath of air. But we were treated to a pod of dolphin and then a 50' blue whale surfacing only 100 yards from us--- blowing several times and then sounding along with a display of its huge tail. We were also treated to an air show slash mock dogfight above the Victory Lane again- Chris got some great pics when the WWII fighter planes buzzed us in a mock battle with the old WWII restored supply ship. Will get some pics posted as soon as Chris downloads them.
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