The second Wednesday Night series group of races were held last night in winds that were very up and down as well as streaky and shifty. Kind of like last week, but on steroids!! Average wind speed likely in the teens, but there were some big blasts, too. We had Griffin, Chris, Tim, Brig, Alex,Eric Ro., Eric Ri., Cullen, and Jack out for the four races run. Zach and Alex had boat issues; Zach had to make his way in with a leaky boat that didn’t allow him to get back out on the course, and Alex broke both his gudgeons while still on the dock. Alex hopped in a loaner, missed the first race, and then applied a whooping to the fleet in the last two races.
As the sailors rigged, Chris opined that the wind conditions were such that one’s boat handling abilities would be tested. He was right! Most people turned over at some point. Having flipped in the double digits, I can report that the water wasn’t too bad after the initial shock!
The last race was epic. Eric Ro. rounded first with Chris on his tail, and Brig rounded with Alex and the Young Wizard in a pack. Alex and the Wiz split with the others and went hard right to the west shore where they found a major, major streak that had them plane all the way to the leeward mark. Chris asked “how the heck did those guys get up there?!” It was an incredible sight seeing those two have their way with the wind, going from 20 yards behind to 100 yards ahead! Such is the power of being in pressure!!
Thanks to Forest’s group for running the races. The third race was a two lapper, and it destroyed the old fart sailors. When the last race was changed to a one lapper, the sexagenarian likened Forest to a Biblical character, so happy was he to not have to do a two lapper!! It was really a fun, fun time to be on the water. It was a reminder that being in some sort of physical condition is a good thing!!
Upcoming Events
Aero Saturday Our own Jack Hattendorf has invited our group to sample the Veridian club’s Aeros this Saturday, the 14th. Jack has a post on our DLF FB page. Supposed to blow this Saturday, so come see the facilities, give the boat a whirl if you’re up to it, and have fun with your friends. It’s BYOB apres sailing.
Commodore’s Cup This event will be held at CSC April 21 and 22. Please sign up on the club website. ALWAYS a fun time! And for those so inclined, there is generally a keg of adult libation available (all in moderation!!).
Conroe Spring Fling Regatta The third stop on the District 15 Laser Circuit will be held April 28 and 29. Contact the Laser District 15 Secretary and Fleet Captain of the DLF, Griffin, for more info.
No Coast Regatta This is OUR regatta of the year, to be held the weekend of May 19 and 20. Please sign up (link on the DLF FB page (no, signing up on the FB page will not put you in the NSA’s cross hairs!)) to help our regatta staff plan. Griffin is reaching out to his buddies in NY to come down and sample the club hospitality, so let’s all make them feel welcome by having a great regatta. A great regatta starts with us signing up.
Miscellaneous
Dues Please get $50.00 to Greg Wallace for this year’s dues. Several social events are on the calendar, and they should be high tone given the social chairman now drives a freaking Mercedes! So the money is well worth it as it also supports the loaner program.
Wednesday Night Duty
Mike M. and John E. are on the schedule for duty next week. We will have a revised schedule soon to account for the need of a third.
Boat Call Up Only 55 days until our bang up attempt to break 33 boats on the line for a Wednesday night. That’s June 6, 2018. Tell your buddies to dust their boats off!!
Clinic!! The Young Wizard has taken the step to hold a clinic for folks new to Lasers or who have recently purchased boats. This will be GREAT as it will accelerate one’s learning on these nicely performing boats. He will cover boat balance, sail trim, and little tricks of the trade. The date is Monday, April 16, at 6 PM. Contact Griffin via the fleet email if you’re interested. This will be the first of what we hope will be several this year to increase one’s enjoyment of the boat and sailing in general.