|
San Juan Fleet 8
 The San Juan 21 is a classic trailerable cruising/racing sailboat made by the Clark Boat Company from 1969 until 1985. Approximately 2600 were built. The SJ21 is a easy handling sailboat that is very comfortable to learn on. She's a decent all-around performer and with the centerboard up can be pulled right onto a sandy beach. As club racers SJ21's are reasonably fast. In weekend "beer can races" the owner of a well sailed San Juan 21 is likely to beat everything else in the club its size except another SJ21, or purpose-built racers like the Mirage 5.5 or J/22. Catalina 22's, Hunter 23's, the new water-ballasted Hunters, Precision 23's, etc. all are slower.
But while it's true what they say that any time you get two sailboats together you have a race, there's nothing like organized one-design competition - that's why Fleet 8 was created.
Soon after Bob and Coral Clark, builders of the San Juan started up an east coast facility here in New Bern in the early seventies, San Juan 21's started showing up on the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. New Bern's Fleet 8 was formed March 03, 1973. In that year, Fleet 8 went to Hampton, Virginia for the first of what were called the East Coast Nationals. New Bern had the largest number of boats represented from any fleet, and three trophies were brought home by the winners. 1973 was a busy year because New Bern was chosen as the site for the second East Coast Nationals and a total of 35 boats, from New York to Florida, participated. The San Juan fleet is the largest one-design at Blackbeard Sailing Club and our series races are always well attended starting in 1974 when 59 boats participated.
While the boat is no longer being mass produced, the fleet is still quite active, with regularly scheduled races, get-togethers, lots of web pages like this one, and all that jazz. San Juan Fleet 8 continues to promote an emphasis on sailing skills, reading the wind and weather and tactics as the key to true one-design enjoyment as opposed to the bleeding edge technology and big bucks that some other classes obsess over.
Down here in New Bern NC, we have the Fred Latham Regatta every New Year's day. Last year there were 16 SJ21's, a hot dog lunch, three good races in the mid 40's with 6-10 kts of wind and a sunny day. This was the 30th year in a row that Fred has gone sailing on New Year's Day in "Mad Momma". Fred has now sailed every New Years Day for THIRTY years AND at least one day every month of every year for the same thirty years. He says "What you do on New Year's is what you do all year" so we race. If there's a god who adds time to our lives for the time spent sailing, Fred will live forever....
Picture this typical class event:
You pack the car/truck on Monday. Tuesday you point yourself toward North Carolina and drive about 8 to 10 hours. (nothing good comes easy) Wednesday you pull into Blackbeard Sailing Club and pick your camp site. The locals are there to offer a hand and a cold one. Thursday you weigh the boat and find out it is lighter than you thought. The sails measure in at just the correct size. Some of the other sailors' sails aren't as new as yours. You go out on Upper Broad Creek and run a few test starts. Upwind speed feels good. Friday the winds blowing 15 kts steady out of the south. When the days results are posted you're 3pts out of first. Friday night its pizza, beer and lies for dinner. Saturday the breeze is 8-10 from the north. You get in one race in the am, break for lunch on shore and when the sea breeze comes in its back to racing. Saturday night is a feast of eastern North Carolina BBQ, hush puppies, slaw, and chicken. Real downeast home cooking! Then its time for a few more stories of glory. Sunday the trip is a little easier with all that hardware in the front seat. Hey ya'll this isn't a dream. When San Juan 21's race at Blackbeard you can count on about fifteen boats in spinnaker and fifteen boats non-spinnaker here!!!
Great facilities, good food, cold drinks, and hot boats for cheap! Come on down.
|
New website feature - Locate a Slip (or all available slips)
Check out the latest BSC News article to read about a new feature showing a picture of where specific slips are located along the docks and/or a picture of all AVAILABLE slips.
Nick - 02/18/2012
BIRD SHOW IS CANCELLED
After reviewing the changing weather forecast, we are forced to cancel Gay Whitney' s Bird Show. It is going to be way too cold for the birds. We plan on rescheduling for the April covered dish; scheduled April 14th. The covered dish will still go on, with a Valentines Day theme.
Dave Whitney - 02/06/2012
THE BIRDS ARE COMING FOR VALENTINES DAY!!
Come to the covered dish social on Feb. 11th and get a special treat. Gay Whitney, who raises exotic birds, will be bringing some of her flock for your education and amusement. So bring your Valentine date and join your fellow sailors for a fun night.
Dave Whitney - 02/05/2012
New Dock Policy Coming May 1st
At its January 13th meeting, the Board passed a new Dock Policy that will be become effective on May 1st. We have mailed a copy to each member. Please review this material as soon as it arrives. We encourage you to post your comments on the new Dock Policy to Sound Off [under the Members menu] or send your questions by email to DockPolicy@nc.rr.com.
Bill Green - 01/26/2012
What Do You Think About the Possible Incorporation of Fairfield Harbour?
Please see the Fairfield Harbour Incorporation Study document available under Members | Sound Off and use that vehicle to discuss the pros and cons of this important issue.
The Club will want to take a position and your input is valuable to the Board of Directors.
Bill Green - 11/29/2011
Ship's Store Shopping
Looking for a special something for your special friends and relatives for the holiday season? Don't forget to take a look at the Ship Store for one of a kind items for those who share your passion for sailing. You may go directly to the Store at the following link (you need to be logged onto the website first):
http://www.blackbeardsailingclub.com/ShipsStoreNow.php
Notice that we have several items on sale but in limited quantities. Shop online early to take advantage of these savings.
Anne Karasek - 11/06/2011
Improve Your Ground Tackle Before the Next Storm Arrives
This very timely and informative message from Pete Thorn can help us all
---------------------------------
After a competitive search, I found a great price on steel anchor cable that will improve the performance of fluke anchors, like the Fortress or Danforth, in the muddy bottom of Upper Broad Creek. The cable is used as an anchor leader, between your fluke anchor and your existing rode. It allows the fluke anchor to quickly set deeper than an anchor with a chain rode. The chain can pack with mud and create a thick chain/mud braid that prevents the anchor from setting well.
The cables are 3/8” galvanized steel, 7x19 wire rope, 3/8” thimble with an eye at each end, swaged and 10’ long. Breaking strength is about 14,400 pounds with a working load about 2,880. IMHO, the galvanized cable is better than stainless for a few reasons: 1) it is stronger; 2) if it corrodes you can plainly see it. It will not fail due to invisible crevice corrosion like stainless can, and; 3) it is less expensive. Between storms, clean the cable in fresh water, let it dry and spray it with WD40 to keep water out of the cable.
These cables can be purchased at www.webriggingsupply.com The price quote was a bit less than $28, plus shipping. Happy anchoring!
Nick Karasek - 09/21/2011
Boat US Hurricane Preparation Guide
Hurricane Irene has taught us a lesson: We can never be too prepated for a major storm! Thirteen boats in the trees. Dock boxes and dinghy racks thrown around like matchsticks. We could have been better prepared!
Boat US publlishes Preparing Baots and Marinas for Hurricanes which can be found under "Tips | Hurricane Prep".
Every member should review this document!
Bill Green - 09/05/2011
Security at BSC
The gate should never be left open after dark! If you are not sure whether you’re the last person on site, then please assume you are and close the gate!
If you don’t know how to do this, please ask a Board member who will be happy to assist. The security of the Club’s assets (and every member’s assets) is the responsibility of each and every one of us.
Bill Green - 08/03/2010
Important Notice: Alcohol Must Be Under Your Direct Control
The Club's permit issued by the NC Alcoholic Beverage Commission is at risk if members do not comply with the ABC Commission rules. Every member who brings beer, wine or liquor on the premises must have the items under their control at all times.
If you bring alcoholic beverages to the club house, please bring them in a small cooler or bag with your name on it. DO NOT place alcoholic beverages in the refrigerators. We have been given one warning in the past. Do not be the member that causes our permit to be revoked.
Bill Green - 08/02/2010
|
