The Rudi Race sponsored by the Friday Harbor Sailing Club last Saturday, the 19th, was about as good as it gets. Near perfect winds, moderate but interesting and mysterious currents, warm sun and a nice turnout.

This annual race was established to honor Rudi Grigoleit after his demise several years ago. Rudi and his wife Ilse were blue water sailors for many years in their boat Donna Rose, a Saturna 33, before touching the beach here in Friday Harbor. Their active and full support in the management of the Sailing Club is reflected in this memorial race. Ilse still continues to race Donna Rose with a huge smile and wave for every racer.

Co-Fleet Captains Howard Lewis and Dennis Pratt devised three interesting and challenging courses in and out of Shipyard Cove, around Turn Rock, Reid Rock and Brown Island. A new twist was the decision to have Mariana anchor up and have all the racers moor alongside for a decent lunch break. The most pleasant surprise of the day was while the boats were marshaling for the first start each boat was approached by Mike Close, owner of Friday Harbor Yachts, in his beautiful electric-driven day boat. Most of us were unaware that he was alongside until hailed. His pretty and captivating daughter Kathy then handed up a huge iced delicious cinnamon bun. What a great way to start a day of racing.

Eight boats were entered indicating an increase in the club’s racing program. Final results were not available, but it appears that Lloyd Bacon in Got-To-Run, a Cal-20, was overall winner.

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Jan Anderson of Jan’s Marine Photography took those beautiful photographs that accompanied the story, “Reflections from the Swiftsure,” page 15, June 16 Journal.

The photo attribution was incorrect.

You can see more of her expert photography here.

— Fred Hoeppner is a retired Navy captain and an active competitive sailor living on San Juan Island.