7/1/2007

                                                            Race Five        

If we calculate the status for the season with TWO drops, I’m still tied for first place.

Just kidding.

It’s tough back there all alone, waiting in perfectly good wind watching everyone go for Three Lonnnnnnnnggggg minutes. But what a great day to sail.

We had a record 17 boats out there today.  I think Jim called everyone to make sure they showed up since I was 5 min behind he could and did gain the maximum number of points. Good planning, Jim. If there were only 8-9 boats show up today, I could have gotten an 8th or 9^th, but instead I get a 14^th????

There were 5 boats on the scratch start and I was very impressed at how well each of them started. Walker, Bill, Dave, Des and Hallie all up on the line and going as the horn blew. They all headed left but as soon as the wind shifted most shifted right. I can remember saying to myself, “I’ll take Walker on this one” and he didn’t disappoint. Clean air and taking the shifts Walker took it all the way to a strong finish. Very impressive considering Bill was on his butt for 3 and a half laps with a much newer boat and sails. We can’t say enough Walker, an extremely well sailed race. Hat’s off. Bill got the second and Hamilton climbed up to third. Considering John had a dismal second race last we, it was great to see him back in form. Unfortunately for John, he will be moving back with me next week to watch the fleet sail away. Kind of hoping that Jim and Jack could have been in the top three if you know what I mean.

To be honest I was keeping my head on the water looking for any opportunity to pass anyone. After two laps I finally got around Dave, Hallie and Joe. They did not have a good race today, but they were all moving well. Joe had the best start of his career, starting with the 2 min back group. He nailed the pin end of the line at full tilt. Nice thing about being back is you can watch the line. Joe had the clear air and boat speed, timed it just right. Not sure what happened later but I expect we will see Joe up on the line from now on.

Speaking of Joe, I would like take a minute and thank Kevin, his son, for going to help Hallie and her crew before the race. It looked like they were going to miss the start but Kevin, not being bashful around bikini’s took it upon himself to get them sorted out in enough time to have them on the starting line on time. Thanks Kevin.

Later in the race I caught up to Bruce and Rachelle, his grand daughter. So to get further up in the pack I first need to pass them. So I tried, and I tried and I tried and tried for 2 and a half laps I tried but they were not having any of it. I simply could not catch that team for love nor money. That is a fast boat and I don’t know how they got in the back of the pack, it must have been a few mistakes early. But I tell you what, there were no mistakes made in the last two and a half laps, none. I never gained a bit regardless of what I did. I took a flier on the last leg to keep from being covered but every time we crossed, he crossed ahead and then he covered at the end and that was it. Nicely done Bruce and Rachelle. Nicely done.

There were so many boats out there that many of the power boats stayed off the lake and went elsewhere. It was a beautiful sight seeing all those boats out in that glorious sunshine, low humidity, and just enough wind to go fast, but no one tipped over. Doesn’t get any better folks.

Contribution from Mike

Peter
I didn't see the write up yet on the web.  If you want to add that
Jaeger on the second leg upwind was 30 yds behind Walker and he was
astonished to note that Walker was pointing 10 to 15 degrees higher the
Jaeger.  Not able to gain speed by footing or get higher Jaeger tacked.
 Jaeger was amazed but also impressed that at the start Peter said
repeatedly " I like Walker"  I like Walker."  Jaeger wondered what he
was talking about but found out shortly.

Thanks much to our Race committee, Judi, and Ken and Betsy Ingle. With those two Ingles on the RC boat and the guys from Ingleside taking the top two spots, there must have been a great feeling around Ingleside point all day long.

peter

Finish order

Walker

Bill

John

Mike

Jim

Jack

Doug

Rob

Dave

Scott

Curt

Des

Bruce

Peter

Hallie

Joe

Dave C