1-30-2016 Racing

  more photos                                                                                                                             by Cathy

Lee Ann and C. with Butterflys in the distance.

We hit 76 degrees on January 30th. What a beautiful end to the month! The wind was 10-20 mph but pretty steady and it looked like all the sailors were having a fantastic time.

There were 5 Butterflys for all 3 races and 8 Lasers for at least some of the races. We had one little mishap, a capsize at the windward mark in the last race, but fortunately the Butterfly didn't get stuck in the mud and we were able to right it pretty quickly. I'm sure with the wind chill it was a bit cold for the rest of the race. A few Lasers also went over but all were able to self rescue and continue on.

Looked like a lot of great racing out there. Burton was on fire with 3 bullets, and John 2nd in all 3 races. Gary placed 3rd in 2 races with Doug G. working up to 3rd in one of the races and it appeared he was in 1st place for awhile in the last race before the capsize.

For the Lasers, 1st place was taken by 3 different sailors: Doug P. in the 1st race, Alex in the 2nd, and Forest in the last race. Lots of fun to see the Lasers out with us but it does make race committee more challenging.

Thanks to C. for being on race committee and my friend, Lee Ann, who came over from Fort Worth to see what our lake had to offer. C. and I enjoyed showing off this special place. The lake was a lot less crowded than on land - 76 degree days in January don't happen too often and there was a wide variety of bikers, walkers, runners, with all parking lots full and the dog park packed. It was a good day!

More photos in the link above and here are a few high-lights from the races:

Before the first race on a beautiful day. 

Laurie looking pretty happy to be out on the lake!

Burton, well ahead.

And they're off - Laser start on maybe the last race.  

Before the capsize . . . just like in rock climbing the way you get good is to give it your all and take some chances every once in awhile.  In rock climbing we use a belay, in Butterfly sailing we have a rescue boat!