The Pelicans are Racing Again! Phinney Bay (South end of Dyes Inlet) will again be the site of the 2nd Annual Bremerton Pelican Regatta April 26 and 27. Viking Fleet #3 is a Northwest sailing club that sails 12′ lug rigged San Francisco Bay Pelicans (pdf). These heavy-weather dinghies were designed in the 50’s for San Francisco Bay winter sailing by Capt. William H. Short, a retired tugboat captain. The Pelican’s balanced lug rig with colorful sails on a beamy 12′ pram shaped hull are unusual but practical for the strong winter winds. In addition to racing, the Viking fleet also goes on camp-cruises to the San Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands. With flat bottoms and swing center boards they are easily pulled up on the beach at a campsite.

The annual regatta had been held in Sequim Bay for many years but is now organized by Sam & Barb Throm of Bremerton (who can be contacted through the Bremerton Yacht Club).

There are other organized and active dinghy fleets in the Northwest. One of them is the Minto Fleet which we will discuss on this blog in the near future.