The Delta Ditch Run is, by far, one of the most enjoyable and ideal races for the avid Moore 24 enthusiast. It is known as the "Poor-mans Trans Pac" for one reason-- its all downhill to Stockton. What this means to those doing "the Ditch" is high speed planing, exciting jibes, and sunny, hot breezes to enjoy during your tour of the San Joaquin River. The following is my impressiom of what to expect during a typical Ditch Run. I may be fabricating, creating, or embellishing certain parts, in that I have done the Ditch Run only once. Of course, this is the Moore News, and when has lack of specifics stopped us before. So I guess I'll take a stab at reviewing what's involved in doing the Ditch.
For starters you have to get your hot little bod to the start with your hot little boat. Richmond Yacht Club is co-hosting the Ditch with the Stockton Sailing Club (not the Stockton Yacht Club) and they are both quite friendly organizations, willing to assist you in getting to and from the race. Richmond is roughly where you start (more on that later), so it's a good idea to contact Richard Weirick, at Richmond Yacht Services (510) 234-6959, to check if and when the facilities are available. Once you get to Stockton you're equally set up. The sailing club has terrific facilities including a hoist, club, showers, and loads of fun folks to shoot the breeze with. Contact the Stockton Sailing Club (209) 951-5600 for directions on where to drop your trailers. Enough logistics...on with the fun!
The course is 60 miles of curving and twisting flat water known as the San Joaquin River. To find the San Joaquin, start at the Brothers, approximately 1 mile north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. If it's cold, expect that to change in 15-20 minutes when the HOT Delta air will begin to build. Soon you'll be stripped down (unless your a real stud and start in your speedo) wishing you bought the econo 55 Gal. Eezeesqueeze tube of 9 million power sunscreen, but you didn't so you're gonna fry. Eventually you will reach a prominent fork in the river, turn right onto the San Joaquin and you're on you're way. Once you've settled in, thinking "this is totally casual," you'll arrive at New York Slough. Rumor has it that you can't carry your kite through the slough, so plan on dropping there. We messed that up last year and went beam reaching through there at warp speed and bursting beyond that in the puffs (20+ knots)--Rookie mistake I guess. From there connect the buoys until you need to jibe again and again and so on. You might even get to put up a headsail if you're lucky. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for big boat spin-outs because they are great indicators of where the water is (i.e. if they stop and crash, there ain't no water). Overall the race is a blast and can be described in two words--YEA HAH! So, if you like surfing without freezing your butt off and getting sea sick, get out there, pack light, drink water, and have a ball!
Peter Carrick #39