July 17, 2005

Races 2 and 3

The best thing that can be said about race 2, which seemed to be a repeat of race 1, was the excellent committee boat work turned in by Mark and Janet. Their recently attained grandparent status did little to diminish their willingness to shepherd us around the course in a typically fickle Lake Lucerne wind. The crews of the 10 boats to show up got their fill of UV rays and dehydration. The results had as much to do with where you were and at what time as it did to concentrating on the ever changing conditions.

Race 3 brought with it outstanding wind conditions but a surprisingly disappointing turn out of just 7 boats. It seemed to be a particularly busy weekend for the many who had spoken to me prior to the race concerning other commitments. In addition to good wind, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Bush made a welcome return to our group with a unique course set by the committee boat, aided by James Comins white board display. The Bush committee has now set the standard for the rest of us and I encourage you to use your imagination for course setting.

Those of you who were unable to attend missed a great sail. The cats took advantage of the stronger wind to show their stuff. The lightning crew with Dick L., Paul C. and John B. at the helm showed great boat speed, but were hampered by the wind shifts and the inability to tack on each one in the big Lightning.

The phantom "where did he disappear to" horizon job by Chuck M. and son, turned out to be an equipment failure sailing out to the start. A few choice (*%#') words, a lost bolt and the day is shot......so check your gear on those blustery days (esp. on those borrowed boats Doug C). The driver assumes all responsibility for breakdowns in borrowed boats and bikes, and not the loaner. Now you wives know why some of we husbands have more than one or two sail boats, sets of golf clubs and cars--you just can't be too well prepared. So, Chuck, check Bob's used cat warehouse for parts.

Doug Kell Sr. made his initial shake down cruise and first race all in one, and showed great single handing skill in the blustery conditions. The Mike Meagher cat picked up a breeze along the shore to pass everyone on his way to class victory followed closely by Mark and Janet who played the shifts as well as the equally hampered cats could.

I owe Bob and Scott Fraser an apology for getting in their way at the finish. Though we had the right of way, we try not to "mix it up" with the cats as they can cut you in half when an inopportune puff hits. I know it cost them valuable time and negated their excellent upwind work.

With crew Barry C. we had an excellent duel with Harry and Josh in the Albacore to the end, when we tried to "slam dunk" Harry and he forced us into a double tack as he accelerated away to victory. Sorry, Barry, the JY helms work was not up to the quality of its crew.

On a scale of 1 to 10 on the "fun o meter", this race rates a 9+. The only detraction was the lack of more entrees.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL at the Kell's after the August 7th race. BYOA(appetite)

Any other get-togethers, let me know soon.

Race results for this week may be delayed as DK Jr. is out of town on business so DK Sr. can play. Come on boss, lighten up and give him some sailing time. Update those Email address changes to DK Jr. I'm sure that Bernie Gaff, Anthony Anderson and Steve Ashe need their addresses sent to Doug.

See you on the water,

Mike C.