Saturday, August 20, 2011

Summer Regatta Series #4


Original Windsurfer Summer Series Regatta #4  July 30, 2011

The regatta site has a large grassy area for rigging and a beautiful sandy beach.

Original Windsurfers were supplied for all sailors along with regatta t-shirt, lunch provided by the Boathouse Restaurant, a BBQ dinner and wine supplied by J Henry Vineyards.
Randy returning to beach.

Stephen watches a sea plane take off.
The morning was calm so several people went SUPing on Original Windsurfer boards.

No harnesses, not even with 18 knot gusts.


After lunch the wind picked up to 6-9 knots and then increased to 15 knots with gusts to 18 knots!



Of course no one was taking pictures when the wind picked up because everyone was having too much fun sailing!


Randy having some fun mastering the agile Windsurfer and entering a power jibe.

The first 2 races were moderate wind and once the wind really picked up the guys in the group declined to use harnesses and decided to hang tight and go “iron-man”.
The race committee counted down to the start so everyone could improve their timing at the starts and boat handling.

Six races were held on a triangle course; a long upwind to the weather mark and 2 reaches back to start/finish line. There were some excellent swells and chop to surf on. The light weight sail makes it easy for steering to catch a wave. And the maneuverable board also helps positioning on a run or reach to catch swells.

Alison hanging on, big smile.
Leading the fleet.
By the sixth race all sailors had improved their start, upwind boat speed, tacks, jibes and mark rounding ability.

Alison at start mark
For some it was their first time on an Original Windsurfer or was their first time in 15 years. No one missed a beat. I guess it's like riding a bicycle, you never forget.


Stephen at finish line.
After the races, we had a BBQ on the beach and trophies were awarded.

Standing left to right: Randy Bass 1st place medium weights; Alison Rowe 1st place light weight; Paul Sandstrom 1st place heavy weights. Below: Dave Dalquist 3rd place medium weights; "Roscoe" and Ted Schweitzer 2nd place medium weights. Not pictured: Gary Kosch 3rd place heavy weights; Stephen Wiele 1st place B fleet/Sport fleet.