from Michael Wagner

We’ve been waiting for a nice day with good wind for quite a while. Last weekend for the Bay Jam Invitational down off of Still Pond, we got wind and then some – 25 to 30 knots which pushed the few who sailed right to their limits. It seems that the Wind Gods kept some of the left-overs and dropped them on the North East River yesterday. If only they had been dropping them consistently – at times it seemed we were almost becalmed, only to be hit with a 25 knot blast just seconds later. It certainly made things challenging, especially for the boats in the Spinnaker class. Just after rounding the first mark, First Love put on quite a show for everyone able to watch when they popped out their spinnaker just seconds before getting blasted with a huge sustained gust. Watching their struggles convinced us quickly that we weren’t going to even try. The other boats seemed to agree until Lottery finally popped their spinnaker out south of Charlestown, although they then put on a show for the rest of us with a near broach, wild round up, and a run-away spinnaker for quite while. The second downwind run was a little kinder to some, although when we (Solaris) had ours up for about 3 minutes, we got blasted so hard the committee boat could hear our spinnaker flapping in the wind from a half mile away. Needless to say, we took it down after that.

Many thanks go to Bill Dallas (and Josie, in absentia) for hosting the race committee aboard El Gaucho Del Mar, and to Steve Dougherty who filled in for Josie, helping Bill get the boat anchored in all the wind. It was nice to see the Dinsel family on Redemption make the leap from Thursday night racing to Saturdays, the return of the ‘ and their group on Fireworks after some time away, and Bill Johnson and his crew from Hance Point Yacht Club sailing Crazed Weasel, a Soverel 27. Saturday’s results are attached. Please note that since we are 3 races into the series with only a single PHRF-B non-spin boat, there won’t be a separation in the non-spin groups, so all non-spin boats are scored together (and previous results will be re-calculated).

NEXT Saturday we are starting earlier – skippers meeting is at 11:00, with an on-water start at Noon. Our race committee hosts will be John and Jan Sergeant with Angelica. This change in time is to accommodate the Member’s Picnic which starts at 3:00 when we come it. This is a fun event – and the price of admission is a covered dish, salad, side dish or dessert to serve 8. What a great way to enjoy a day’s sailing and then have a potluck lunch for your entire crew. Everyone is welcome, and the Sail program is providing the beer so plan to stay and enjoy the afternoon. See you there.

PS: Don’t forget to send in your registrations for the Havre de Grace Invitational race which is on Saturday, September 29th. This is one of the best events on the bay – you don’t want to miss it.