Steve W. was introduced to frequent racer Mark by Spinnaker instructor Dave after our spinnaker course a few weeks ago. Mark invited Steve to join his crew on a Merit, Spinnaker’s M-8, for the Wednesday Beer Can Race last evening.

It was one of those amazing evenings that make you wonder how you can ever live anywhere other than the Bay Area. For two days, the weather on shore has been almost unbearably hot, so Steve’s bike ride from the train station was a little uncomfortable. But on the water, the temperature was perfect for shirtsleeves, with plenty of wind and not too much swell.

With Mark at the tiller, Steve on the jib sheets, and three more crew, we were the third to start the race. The course was out to the little white ball and back, and we completed the race with only one tack, around that ball. It appeared all of the racers finished in the same order they started.

Mark sailed us smoothly into the slip under just the main with the engine stowed. The rest of the crew retired to the club for refreshments, but Steve had to pedal furiously back to the station to make the next train.

Thanks, Mark!