Tuesday morning, under clear skies, we began
with very shifty, puffy north wind in the 8 to 12 range, ate lunch while
it dropped, and continued when it backed to the southwest sea breeze in
the 12 to 15 range. Five races were completed on the first day. We
regrouped at 1800 for dinner at the club. Wednesday morning began with
very shifty northeast wind in the 8 to 12 range which backed to the
northwest. We completed the scheduled 3 races. Courses varied between
windward-leeward, triangles, and triangle-windward-leeward. It was a
most enjoyable regatta for the competitors who probably had more wind
for this event than during most of the summer! I enjoyed watching the
420's use their spinnakers and trapezing in the gusts which ranged
higher. We set the Opti course with their own marks inside the 420
course marks, and it worked well with very little time between both
class finishes. Using the 3 minute starting system worked well.
Continually resetting the marks and start lines consumed much time!
After years of resistance from several clubs to hold our GSBYRA midget
eliminations in 420's, we know that this was the correct move. The 420's
which capsized were able to right themselves and continue racing. The
smiles on their faces said it all!
MaryAnn Deering, RC Chairman and GSBYRA 2nd Vice President
