The 2018 Joe Logan Regatta hosted by the St Francis YC,  lived up to its reputation as being well run with challenging conditions, pushing the limits for Mercury's. The city front was covered by grey skies but the sunny hills peeking out in the distance gave an indication the wind would pick up. The race committee was obliged to work with another race committee and local authorities running a bay swimming event, postponing the planned Mercury start for 30 min. This year, the Joe Logan also had 5 Moore 24s as part of the event. The historical work sailing barge, Alma, also made its way up the city front and through the starting vicinity.

Once the racing got started, in slack current and building ebb, the first race tended to favor the left.  The windward mark inflatable mark was set further to the right than Blackhaller bouy so there was less of an incentive to stay next to the beach.
The wind started to build and by the 4th race was approximately 18knts. After a short deliberation, between Jim Bradley and the race committee, a quick once around would be the last race for the series.
Playing the shifts and remaining consistent turned out to be the winning combination for Ravizza and Bradley coming down to a tie breaker which Ravizza won. Dave Bacci on the best and worst parts of the regatta: “The best was the competition, great conditions. It was tricky because it was shifty and playing the shifts was the most important”
The worst part was getting passed!”
Chris Boome, an enthusiastic Master Laser sailor, crewing for John Ravizza got an exiting ride when a set of freighter wave got several Mercury's surfing! “I got reintroduced to Mercury with Pax Davis about 10 years ago and sailed with John here during the last Logan regatta and more recently the Nationals in Long Beach.”   "Listen to interview for more"
Wind  and wave conditions got more exciting as demonstrated when Scott Easom, after finishing and headed home, got bounced by a wave and missed the hiking straps. He was close enough to shore he decided it would easier, and safer to swim home. Once ashore, he crossed over to the shallow sand bar on the back of the jetty where met up with his crew who had sailed around, and sailed back to the St Francis docks.

Thanks again to the St Francis Mercury sailors and the St Francis YC for hosting this years Joe Logan regatta. 

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