2016 Gibson Island Lawson Rum Bucket

The Gibson Island Yacht Squadron hosted the Penguins for the 2016 edition of the Lawson Rum Bucket. 8 Penguins were on hand for this event. The weather forecast was both optimal and catastrophic with SW winds at 5-10 and near 70 degree temperatures predicted for the early part of the day, and gale warnings with gusts over 40 knots and a precipitous temperature drop associated with a strong cold front predicted for the latter half of the day. Leading up to the event, the question was when exactly the front would arrive. Fortunately, we were able to get in six two-lap windward leeward races, set by PRO Murray Leigh ably assisted by Joe Fernon in his lapstrake runabout to set and move marks. Hank Krafft suffered a failed nicopress fitting on his forestay and retired before the first race, but after a tow ashore, assisted on the crash boat. Bill Lawson and Colette Preis got off to a quick start, winning the first race. Will Wagner, with daughter Anna as crew, were a little slow getting started, but finished strong to place third overall, edging out Scott Allan, sailing with his son Stewart. Scott Williamson sailed single handed. Elliott Oldak sailed with Christine Potts in one of the Class-owned boats. He mentioned it was tricky getting off the starting line. The PRO admitted afterwards that the line was a bit short, but it made for some interesting starts.

The wind was generally in the 5 – 10 knot range, although mostly toward the lighter end of that range. The puffs and favorable shifts seemed to come predominantly from the left side of the course (SE). All of the mooring floats had been pulled and the moored boats were gone, so we had no obstructions in the sailing area. John Majane sailed solo and commented that at least he was upright and dry at the end of the day. Bill Lawson prepared chili and Cairn Krafft provided the cornbread, which was enjoyed by the competitors as we dined outside of the club building and watched the approaching front. As we were cleaning up, the front arrived, turning the lagoon into a frothy, white-cap filled basin with 40+ knot gusts of wind, and a 20 degree temperature drop. Fortunately, all of the Penguins were safely stowed away before that hit. Kathy Chow made beautiful handmade Penguin plates which were personalized for this event.

Boat	Skipper	Crew	1	2	3	4	5	6	Total
9675	Charlie Krafft	Donna McKenzie	2	1	1	1	1	1	5
9677	Bill Lawson	Colette Preis	1	2	3	3	2	3	11
9683	Will Wagner	Anna Wagner	5	5	2	4	3	2	16
9631	Scott Allan	Stewart Allan	DNF/9	3	4	2	4	5	18
7703	Scott Williamson		3	4	5	5	5	4	21
9168	Eliott Oldak	Christine Potts	4	6	6	6	6	6	28
5282	John Majane		DNS/9	7	7	7	7	7	35
9320	Hank Krafft		DNS	DNS	DNS	DNS	DNS	DNS	45