Windward, no Leeward

The rain stopped so the racing could start. (c Ron Jenkins)

Message from the crew: “It’s raining.” People who are new to racing don’t understand that a race is different than a sail. Racers are different from sailors. My reply: “Yes I know it’s raining and I am ready to go.” 

After clarification about the value of weather reports, the crew was ready but the PRO wasn’t. We went into an onshore AP which ended at 18:00. We and the two “winds” headed out but we were the only ones to stay.

It was difficult to set a course as the northerly wind shifted 180 degrees south after the start pin had been set. I was a  bit worried that the PRO would be frustrated and call it a night. He eventually moved the start south and we had a race. Well a sort of race as we were the only starter in our division.

The upwind leg was more of a beam reach as the wind had shifted once again. The wind was enough north that we were able to fly the chute on the downwind leg. A great practise event. The wind again shifted near the end of the last leg; we were once again going leeward on what started out as a windward leg.

An unusual race and I think the crew can all now say: “We are racers”.