Racing 11-19-2016

                                                                                                                                                      by John

Great day on the lake today, brisk NW winds and cool temps.  Winds averaged 11-15 mph, some gusts as high as 18. We had 7 Butterflys on the line, with Laurie running the show (with me) from the committee boat. Yes, her curse is finally broken, the fleet actually sailed 3 races while Laurie had duty!  Anyway, the race finishes were as follows:

1. Paul, Sandy, Nancy
2. Paul, Burton, Nancy
3. Paul, Burton, Sandy

Here are a few photos:

Paul approaching the windward mark with Burton close on his heels. Nancy in the foreground keeping the pressure on.

Cathy and Bruce in a tight duel heading for the turning mark second race. 

The next two pictures capture the race 3 finish, with a four-boat gaggle vying for the line.

Near to far are Sandy, Cathy, Nancy, and Bruce.

Four boats with less than a boat length separating them all, very cool! 

We had to review the photo finish, and it was Sandy, Bruce, Cathy (hidden behind Sandy's sail), and Nancy. 

We did have one capsize at the start of race 2. Of particular note was the ease with which we were able to right the boat due to the bottle floats at the mast head. This saved a lot of time, and allowed the skipper, who began to get leg cramps from the cold, to sail home quickly.  Something to consider in challenging cold conditions.