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Fleet Racing Summary, April 25
Last night we had seven boats on the line, including Griffin, David, Forest, Eric Ro., Chris, Brig. This was a pretty impressive turnout given the horrible weather right up to start time. Rainy, cold, and generally miserable, the weather was a real deterrent. But lo and behold, just as the old guy was ready to bag it, the winds calmed and warmed considerably. As the evening progressed, it got nicer and nicer. The Young Wizard’s thought that we should make sailing a game time decision was quite prescient.
The wind was from the northwest, and it was streaky, puffy, and SHIFTY. Several people were auto tacked, and I heard Griffin exclaim “I almost turned over!” when his turn in the auto tack barrel came around. The issue was the big shifts came when one was fully hiked.
Last night wasn’t a boat speed race as much as a being in phase and pressure race. As a result, there was a lot of chutes and ladders going on, and everyone was leading a race at one point or another. And the competition was very, very tight — big changes in position were seen regularly.
We got in three races, two single W/Ls and a final two lapper. It was simply a marvelous evening of spring sailing in Dallas.
Of course we couldn’t have done all this without a race committee. Tim led the charge, which included Chris’ adorable daughter Brixton, Greg, Mark M., and Karly. A special shout out is due Miss Karly given she did her best Tammy Wynette and stood by her man helping out on race duty when it likely wasn’t her first, second, or fifth choice for her evening’s activities. Thank you to all of you!
After racing, the crew went to El Vecino for the fine Mexican cuisine. Christof joined us as he was working on getting his boat, graciously loaned him by Steve Comen, together. And we had a most special visitor from the south, John Oliver, looking tanned and relaxed back from Panama.
Other Racing — Commodore’s Cup
We had three lasers sail in the Commodore’s cup with many other laser sailors in other classes! We had Greg Wallace come in first place sailing a full, Jim harris and Christof Bussen tied for second with Jim sailing a radial and Christof sailing a 4.7. Conditions were difficult with winds shifting constantly and routinely gusting well into the 20’s. Sunday brought blustery weather with temps in the low 60’s and a strong north-west breeze, but this did not deter Greg from steering Captain Snicklefritz to a straight bullet win!
Upcoming
Conroe Spring Fling Regatta — this weekend This is a Laser circuit regatta. The regatta chair will welcome anyone up to the start of the regatta.
NO COAST REGATTA — May 19 and 20 at CSC
Folks, this is OUR regatta, and if you’re going to sail in it, we need you to sign up. If you’re not planning to sail, we have a list of things that need to be done to put on a first class show. Please contact Griffin either way. This should be a BLAST!!! Clink the link to sign up. http://www.regattanetwork.com/event/16400#_home
Miscellaneous
Dues Please get $50 to Greg ASAP. Alex was conspicuously absent as rumor has it he was negotiating with a concert promoter to bring Justin Timberlake to one of the get togethers. So this is some high tone stuff! Get your money in!
Big Push for Fleet History! We are only 41 days from our June 6 attempt to break our old record of 33 on the line. Talk this up!!
Change in Starting Time for Fleet Racing!
Beginning May 2, racing begins at 6:30. Race duty is scheduled to be Jody as PRO with John E and Eric Ro. in support.