Hi Fleet,
This past week 5 SLF members traveled to San Francisco (Richmond actually), to sail in the US Laser Masters Nationals. Dan Falk, Jay Winberg, Todd Willsie, Jim Johnston and I all made the trek to compete in a very competitive event. Mike Johnson mentioned to me that sailing on the Berkley Circle is very unique and memorable; I underestimated exactly how memorable this would be. It's very windy, we raced in conditions from 15 to 30ish kts, with conditions primarily in the low to mid 20's. It's an extremely shallow water venue so there was generally little current effect, but flipping pretty much meant getting your mast in the mud. And there were a lot of capsizes (I think all 5 seattle guys flipped at one point or another). And the combination of wind and shallow water means there is a lot of very big steep chop.
The event was hosted by the Richmond Yacht Club who rolled out the red carpet and hosted a great event both on and off the water. They ran 10 races over 3 days with courses ranging from long Olympic courses to shorter triangles and good old windward-leeward. There was great racing for everyone in the fleet regardless of your ability. The masters events allow rig switching so several people (including me and Jim) opted to sail a radial (even radials get into the mud).
My favorite story from the regatta was this woman who was a bay area local. She was sailing a radial and her goal was just to finish one race during the regatta. She went out and started the first race on the first day but couldn't finish. She started the first two races on the second day but couldn't finish. But on the final day she finished the first two races and started the final race as well. She had been struggling going downwind in a breeze and she said the difference was that she got some advice on that last morning that really helped. I was standing there as she was getting her downwind pointers for the day from our very own Dan Falk.
Dan sailed a great regatta winning 3 races including the first one, he was 4th overall, and he won the Apprentice age group. Jay took 3rd in the Great Grand Master age group. We all had a great time and the sailing was spectacular.
I would encourage everyone in the fleet to travel to regattas. It's a lot of fun and I believe it really helps to improve your game. There are many events locally within just a couple hours driving distance. And of course there are lots of events far away that are well worth traveling to. So if you've been thinking of doing some sailing outside of Shilshole and need a little nudge or some help, just let me know. I'm happy to do what I can to get you on the road. We have a calendar of District 6 events on the website: http://www.cycseattle.org/slf/sched06.htm.
A couple of upcoming events are within easy travel range:
Laser Masters Pacific Coast Championships (age 35+): Cascade Locks, OR, August 19-20.
Bellingham Bay One Design Regatta (everyone is welcome): Bellingham, WA, September 9-10
And many more, just check the calendar or talk to me in the clubhouse after racing on Thursdays.
See you on the water.
Michael Received on Wed Aug 16 09:44:09 2006