Family Affair Finishes Under the Cover of Darkness
by Richard Ballantyne, July 22nd, 2012
Family Affair, a Beneteau 45f5 skippered by Tom Buus out of the Milltown Sailing Association of Everett, Washington, crossed the finish line on a perfect star-lit evening. For Tom and his family (for Family Affair was truly a family affair with no fewer than half of the crew named Buus) it was the fulfillment of a dream to tackle a big adventure like the Vic Maui. There were a few bruises along the line, such as tearing up their big spinnakers early in the race and having to suffer from a lack of horsepower just when the heavier winds started getting light, and problems with a macerator pump that those in the know will fully understand how troubling this could be.
But the boat served them well, speeding them to a finish with an elaspsed time of 14 days, 17 hours, and 49 minutes, despite the handicap in sail area. Like all of the other boats, Tom mentioned that it was a great sail, but the skill and attention required to keep the boat on course on cloudly, moonless nights in total blackness was something he had not appreciated before.
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Lurline (2022)
Type: Tripp 47Skipper: Gib Black
Port: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Blog: 1 articles posted
"Beginning with the first running of the Vic-Maui Race in 1965, I have followed the previous participants routing, finishes and associated weather components with great interest and intrigue. A few of my friends have competed and completed the race and all speak of the challenging yet gratifying conditions, tactics and not least, the great send off in beautiful Victoria B.C. The cold aspects of the race have previously kept me from entering the race at bay, having been raised in Hawaii and spending so much time there in the warm ethos. However, it is finally time to lean forward and enter the 2022 race and cast aside any trepidation. In the anticipation of finally participating in the 2022 race, this coming December and Christmas, Santa promises to bring me my first pair of sailing boots!
I believe my boat, a Tripp 47, is very competitive and embodies the synergy and nucleus of a formidable and capable crew. The crew have sailed thousands of ocean and inland racing miles and have earned my admiration and respect. The boat crews numerous completed Transpacs, PacCups and other offshore races that they have sailed with me on, is a testament to their determination and competitive nature. They deserve this new opportunity for an enhanced northern latitude to southern latitude race, and to experience the humbleness and satisfaction that this race has the potential to exude. My crew and myself are all looking forward with eager anticipation to joining our Canadian pals and accompanying esprit de corps, for the 2022 Vic-Maui Race.
Aloha,
Gib"
