Jericho North Americans

Write up for Turkey Bowl Regatta at Shilshole on November 22-23, 2025

by Jay Renehan

It wasn’t warm, it wasn’t sunny, but it was Turkey Bowl and it lived up to its reputation: good wind, waves and wetness on one day (Saturday), and light wind and strangeness on the other (Sunday). Along with 79 other boats in 8 other classes, 15 Tasar teams showed up, including Molly and Mike all the way from Port Townsend, and a couple of newer teams in yellow boats I hope we see more of (Lauren/Delaney and Hadley/Oliver).  The 5 races on Saturday were close, tactical, and a bit of a physical test in a southerly that built to over 20kts at times. The gusty southerly featured shifts, holes, and small and large puffs. No one quite knew what the scores were at the end of the day, but racing was close throughout the fleet. 

After racing Saturday, the tired sailors were treated by the Pease family to a much-appreciated hot meal with turkey fajitas and homemade cranberry salsa. The Tasar teams convened in the clubhouse afterwards for a quick celebration of 50 years of Tasar sailing, quite an achievement for a class and design that was clearly well ahead of its time – none of the modern designs have similar performance for Two Adults Sailing And Racing as the Tasar. Sugary treats and anniversary hats (get one, contact Derek/Becca).  Then we went home and slept. 

Sunday was different: After a postponement, the northerly started to fill from the northeast. The first race was sailed in a steady veering 6-8 knot breeze, with the starting line about halfway to Kingston. The fleet finished the day with 3 competitive races, each with a different winner.

Stay in touch in the WhatsApp group for the 2026 planning meeting and future events. 

Jay

Regatta site:  https://cycseattle.org/regatta/h5PMe2FGl1 

Nice photos from Dennis Pearce: https://www.dennispearcephotography.com/Sailing/Sailing-2025/Turkey-Bowl-2025