The storm now several days passed with all damage repaired, we can set our sights on a smooth week of sailing. Nearly all schools are now out for the summer, our entire staff has descended upon
Chatham, our whalers are all functioning perfectly, and many more boats have made their way down to the club. The fourth of July glimmers in the distance at us as we begin our week of sailing on Monday.
Glancing down at the wristwatch, there's 1:40 left until the starting gun. The sun is hot today - Saturday June 27 - and the wind is light but steady from the SW. The sails are hoisted, the mooring is jettisoned, and after a few minor modifications to the rig, we join the others approaching the line for the first start of the season. The 420's are on a dead run to Barker, spinnaker's full. They oscillate back and forth, passing
each other, protecting air, and preparing to make their moves at the Jibe mark. Behind them 1/4 of a mile are the Sunfish, rounding Head. The
daggerboards are yanked out of the deck and the sails are allowed to breathe after the first beat. 0:30 until the start now, sails out, head on a swivel. The Beetle Cats are converging on the favored end. Cruising patiently 5
boatlengths off the line are a swarm of Optimists. Their start is now just over 6 minutes away. The SW breeze is alternating between cool gusts of nearly 10 knots, and hot lulls of just 3-5. The last few
Optis have left the shore, and quietly squeeze between the dock and the guide pin (Inner). HORN! The starting gun has sounded, and the sails are trimmed.
Across the Bay - Orleans side - the 420's are finishing a tight reach to Ewing. Up to about 8 knots... cruising now. The shoots are close in, and the skipper and crew both sit heavy. Centerboard up only 1/4 of the way. A
righty puff approaches, trim! Trim! ... A fast minute passes, and with Ewing 10
boatlengths away, it is time to stuff the shoot. Pole down. Board Down. Shoot in both hands. Okay...Douse! The
shoot's down, and the sails are trimmed as the boat sweeps up to close-hauled. The sun glares down into the skipper's eyes as the eyes try to concentrate on the heading. Waves splash over the side of the deck. The workable 8-10 knots on the run feels more like a difficult 10-12 with the apparent wind and waves on the beat. Sweat drips down the neck, and the boats fight amongst
each other with tacks for positioning as they can feel the finish now, just over a few hundred yards away back at the Club.
The Saturday Series races began with a bang on June 27
th at 1400. Conditions were great, albeit a bit light for the liking of many veterans, and turnout was strong. The first Tuesday Series race begins at 1300 on June 30.
Willis