Sept 7 Race: Good Wind, Quiet Lake

 A window into our race 

This was our last race of the 2025 season, and  the second race in a row with a good strong wind (for the most part).  It was cool as well, so there were very few other boats on the lake. A perfect day for a race and an after-race gathering.  Up above is Sarah Cartwright in the window of  the mainsail as Tom Cartwright navigates the start.

We had a well staffed Committee Boat with Nate Schloss, Arlene Truex, Cindy Bartlett and Tom Schroeder. Jim Riffle kept track of things from the safety boat. Kevin Preuss and Beth Auld organized the race, and Arlene hosted us for the protest meeting.  Thanks to all! 

Kevin Preuss, with assistance from Tom Schroeder, set the course for the strong north/northwest wind.  The course from the starting line to the first mark is supposed to be straight into the wind, requiring multiple tacks to get to the mark.  However for the first race, the wind shifted to the west, making for a fast, "close hauled" straight shot to the first mark.  In the second race the wind shifted back to north/northwest as the course intended, but weakened near the first mark making it very difficult for sailors to round the mark. 

Laura Garrett won the first race and Matt Bartlett won the second race.  

Before we get to the pictures, just a note to sailors and volunteers past and present:  The Awards gathering for the 2025 season will be Sunday, Sept 21st at Arlene's patio at 3pm (In the event of foul weather, it will be at Tom and Julia Schroeder's).  Bring a snack to share and BYO beverage.  If you haven't participated in a while, we would be happy to see you. Just let us know so we can make sure we have an extra chair for you.  You can do that by leaving a comment in the comment section below - although it says "post" a comment, only the webmaster will see it and will not publish your RSVP comment. 

Back to the race:  

2nd race, looking north into the wind. The three Lasers on starboard tack after a great, simultaneous start 

 

Tom and Sarah hiking out in the mighty Thistle, taking a bit different route than the Lasers

 

Tacking back and forth into the north wind, this is when right of way rules come into play as the boats cross each other's paths.

Matt, left is on a port tack (wind coming across port side) so he will have to yield to Laura, who is on a starboard tack, such that she does not have to alter her course. 

 

Close quarters!

 

 Laura (front) neck and neck with Dianne on way to the 3rd mark

 

Meanwhile, Matt rounds the third mark with the Cartwrights in hot pursuit. Jim in the safety boat enjoys the show.

Nate, in foreground gets ready to blow the "you've finished" horn as Matt is about to finish just ahead of the Cartwrights.

 RACE RESULTS: