Weather, Wind, Tides
Kat Cam
This page was last updated: November 20, 2011
The Cal 20, Beauty in Simplicity
The California 20 was designed by C. William Lapworth in 1960 and went into production in 1961. It quickly became the most popular of the Cal line of fiberglass sailboats and 1,945 of the boats were built. Most of the production occurred throughout the 60's when the Jensen Marine Factory in Costa Mesa, California was turning out as many as one boat a day!
Cal 20's were (and still are) inexpensive to buy, own and maintain. The base price was $3,200 throughout most of the 60's which put her within reach of just about everyone. The cockpit is nearly 8' long and is self-bailing. For her 20' length, she is one of the most practical boats imaginable. With the advent of expensive fiberglass resin (during the fuel crisis of 1973) and the new I.O.R. rule, Cal 20's gained rapidly in popularity. A lot of people wanted an active, simple, inexpensive one-design class boat that wasn't going to be outdated by the next measurement rule change.
Today the Cal 20 enjoys popularity throughout North America as both a competitive and fun one design racer as well as a stable and forgiving day sailor. The beauty of the Cal 20 is its simplicity; it can be raced with just two people in lighter air and three people in moderate to heavier winds. The Cal 20 offers something to every sailor, from the landlubber beginner to the seasoned salt.
Specifications
LOA: 20'0"
LWL: 18'0"
Beam: 7'0"
Draft: 3'4"
Displacement: 2,040 pounds
Ballast: 850 to 900 pounds
Sail Area: 196sq. ft.
Cal 20 News
Cal 20 Fun
Our home waters are in English Bay where we have been racing our Cals for about 40 years now.
Our major event for racing is the Janet Stamper Memorial Regatta that takes place as a two part series. Spring and Fall. The series consists of about 5 race days per series and 4 - 5 races per day. The annual Canadian Championships are held in Vancouver ( tied in with the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club - Waves Regatta ) and in Victoria hosted by Fleet 13 at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club . We have recently joined the Tiddly Cove Yacht Club and are enjoying the benefits of a wider variety of events including some PHRF racing in which we can fly our kites.
We are actively seeking to build the fleet and are able to help anyone wishing to get into racing Cal 20's. We can assist you in acquiring a Cal 20 as well as assist in rigging, boat preparation and learning the Racing Rules of Sailing.
Weather Forecast
Marine Forecast
Race Day 3 was a spectacular day. The sun was shining and the winds filled in around 11:30 and provided a steady westerly averaging 8 knots. 4 Races were completed and our Race Committee ( Brad and Peter ) as usual provided us with a great race course. Peter pulled double duty by jumping on board Pinnacle which allowed for one extra boat on the line. "Great to have you back Peter". Brad manned the committee boat Solo Meo from the start of race 1 . Thanks Brad.
Race Day 4 was abandoned due to lack of wind. Next race day 5 Nov. 6th
Race Day 2 of the Janet Stamper Fall 2011 Series was cancelled due to Gale Force Wind Forcast.
Someone called us a bunch of " Weak Kneed Panzies " again.
Race Day 5 was Interesting in that there was a flood tide in the Bay and at our side of the course on the Bay we experienced an ebb. Committee boat with Brad and Colin set up the course in rapid order once the wind finally started to show and in what direction. We had our start with light winds but steady enough pressure to make it to the first mark and then we sat drifting backwards for 20 min. Slowly some of the boats started inching forward and we all crept our way back to the finish where the wind then dropped off again and it looked like 20 minutes for the remaining 2 boats to make the finish .. only 20 ft away. See the racing page for results.
Colin Macdonald, from the Jib Set Club heard we needed help on Committee and Jumped on board.
Thanks Colin .
Comments
Welcome to Vancouver Cal 20 Fleet 38
Fleet 38
Sunday Nov. 20th was the final race day for The Janet Stamper Fall 2011 Series. It was a cool clear day. We managed to get 4 races in with an average of 3kts of wind. It was challenging.
After race activities at the Wicklow Pub included some discussions on where and When to hold the Canadian Champs in 2012. Some of the suggestions were to hold our own event in English Bay and utilize FCYC or KYC for the Dinner and Awards or combine it whith an other event. Rips regatta is a possibility with a 2 day regatta for the Cals. Cow Bay Regatta is another possibility. We are trying to set up a Regatta that will attract the largest turn out possible. Holding the event somewhere between Vancouver and Victoria seems to appeal to Fleet 13 and may help to attract more than the 1 boat they sent 2 years back.
More thought and discussion is needed and then at some point in the near future a vote will ensue.
Cheers to all
