Shoreside at the Rolex Big Boat Series

September 10, 2011

After a hard day on a wind-swept race course, it's great to be greeted at the dock with these:

These servers walked the docks after the racing, much to the appreciation of the thirsty and wind-beaten sailors. The 1D48 Bodacious+ (in the background) was back early due to race-busting gear failures. ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

Kame Richards earned his beer. The helmsman and co-owner of the Express 37 Golden Moon pulled ahead of his closest competitor, Expeditious, on Friday. ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

Sandwiches and upward-facing dog on the TP52 Mayhem. ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

Fridays at the Rolex Big Boat Series are famous for the Mount Gay Rum Party. After generous quantities of free beer have been poured, the free rum starts flowing in the courtyard of St. Francis YC. Complimentary pupus soak up some of the alcohol; a steel drum band provides the opportunity to dance off more of it.

"Welcome to the St. Francis Yacht Club. Please remove your hat." ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

The party in the courtyard. ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

How do you tell the girls who like to race from the girls who like racers? ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

These girls made the racers happy with Mt. Gay Rum punch. ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

Such service! A tray of drinks heads down to a boat. ©2011 Stephen Buckingham/norcalsailing.com

Saturday's shoreside activities feature the Crew Dinner, and Sunday will culminate in the trophy party and ceremony. Weekend crowds usually line the railings at the clubhouse and the beach at Crissy Field, however it is so windy, cold and foggy today that we imagine the spectators will mostly stay indoors. An exception today were this class field trip from San Rafael High School.

These San Rafael High School students are here on a Saturday to watch the race. ©2011 norcalsailing.com

Teacher C.J. Healy brought a group of about 30 students over to watch the racing. "I brought a class here last year too," she said, "but it was a lot more exciting today."

Be sure to read our previous reports!