1-11-2014 and 1-18-2014 Racing

by Pam

It wasn't like this ...

1-11-2014 was an absolutely beautiful winter day. The temperatures were pleasant, the sun was shining and the breeze was gentle and inviting. Texas winter sailing at its best. It was a light turnout for such a beautiful day. Doug and I sailed double-handed on a Laser and were greeted by many ‘happy new year’s as we mosied up to the race course. Cam and Amber had duty with Paul, Bruce, Frank, Gary, Cathy, John and Miles racing. We’d been away so long we didn’t recognize Amber until we heard her speak. Paul was on fire winning all three races but at one point he found himself behind Cathy. Yes indeed, it’s going to be an interesting year.

Doug and I competed against the Lasers on the course rather than sailing with the Flys. There were only about 3 or 4 of them on the water. Doug, handicapped with my ballast, won the two races that we actually started. He was pretty sure we shouldn’t be beatable two-up. I’ve always marveled at how some heavy sailors can do so well in light air. A good illustration of if you keep the boat on its feet and moving that extra ballast can actually increase your momentum. At least that’s my theory. I'm sure it had nothing to do with Doug's sailing abilities.

1-18-2014 was not a pretty day. Really windy, kind of cold, and the water temperature … ouch! The Flys were gathered at WRBC but Doug and I were sure we’d be sailing by ourselves and did the two-up on a Laser thing with me driving to get my bearings after not sailing too much in 2013. Just like riding a bike.

Now that Doug and I launch from the ramp next to WRBC rather from the docks, we are out among the common folk rather than the yachties behind locked gates. We often have the company of many curious passersby that are interested in getting involved in sailing or just want to learn more about it. Perhaps the fleet can put together a card or brochure that we can hand out to folks. This past Saturday a fellow who is signed up to take a learn to sail class in Maine was surprised to learn that he could just come sail a fleet boat with the Butterflys.

With the decline of participation in sailing around the US, I wonder if sailing clubs with locked gates and 'members only" signs are partially to blame for the decline. If an entire fleet trailer launched from a public ramp, turned on the tunes, rigged up and talked with folks passing by, offered a ride here and there, and directed them to free fleet boats to use, would that build a fleet? Maybe Doug and I will do a mini experiment this year and see how many new sailors we can round up by simply being accessible, available and friendly.