2-21-2015 Racing

                                                                                                                                                by Cathy

Doug P. describing something after sailing.  So nice and warm on the docks we didn't want to leave.  Photo by Jackie.

What a difference a day makes! On Friday the wind suddenly went from about 6 mph to 20-40 mph and it stayed in the white cap range for several hours though the temperature was very pleasant at around 65 degrees. Several of us happened to be down at the boat club and it was amazing to see the wind change so fast and stay up so high. Thankfully no one was out sailing. On Saturday the forecast was for winds from the north, about 13-15 mph, temps in the 45-55 range, and the sun was to come out around 3 pm. The sun came out earlier, the winds decreased, and it was a near perfect day for winter sailing. On the other hand as Sunday has rolled around . . . well, the Snipes cancelled their short races and I doubt the Scots and Corinthians will sail either. The cold front is on it's way and sailing yesterday is a pleasant but distant memory.

Ten boats on the line and the velocity was surprisingly steady though the wind was shifty, especially during the last race. The first course was a Gold Cup and the last two races were Olympic. Doug C. was in town sailing Jackie's boat and it's always so fun to see #007 sail by. It looked like he was doing well but he said he had not raised the sail all the way to the top and he might have gotten clipped by the boom a time or two. Ouch. Doug P. seemed to be sailing barefoot. Brrr. Laurie came out for the 3rd race and between the two of us we add a little color to the Butterfly fleet with her blue striped sail and my multicolored (fiesta) one. 

Top three finishers for the races:

1st race - Doug P., Paul, and Doug C.

2nd race - Paul, Sandy, and Bruce

3rd race - Paul, Doug P., and John   

Some of us often sail in a a little group of our own behind the experts but we seem to be improving and there is no substitute for "tiller time". It's likely George would have beaten me but he hit a mark and had to do a circle. He commented and I also noticed the wind seemed to die down at the windward mark and it was easy to drift back into the mark.  

I also discovered that George has a recent addition to his family. Now we have yet another future Butterfly sailor though it'll be awhile. Congratulations George! 

Frank and Doug G. ran the races and the courses were as perfect as they could be given the more shifty north wind. Thank you race committee. Looked like you were having a miserable time, especially sitting in the sun at the finish line during that last race.  :-)  I also appreciated some advice from Frank that I  needed to raise my dagger board higher when heading downwind. I'm going to remember that.