1 September 2010

Lickity Split had a crew size of six.  The wind predictions from the internet noted winds at 5PM at 7 knots, at 8PM to be 4 knots, and 11PM to be 2 knots.  This suggested that the regatta may be canceled because of too little wind.  We prepared for sailing and headed out to the big lake, but we kept our sails down. As we approached committee boat and announced our boat was in the race.  They smiled and waved back, and then announced over the radio that the race was canceled.

In my humble opinion, I believe te weather predictions are getting more reliable.  Lickity Split is a J35 and she requires 7.5 knots of wind, and it depends on the waves.

Till next week, Study Winds.

Captain Jeff reports:

Wind out of the SW…around 15k…. started out about 2 to 3ft lumpy seas…quieted to about  10K…1- 2 ft at race end…perfect skys…clear visibility…just a perfect evening for sailing…We had 7 onbord, three short of full crew.

Tom drove….  I think our winsdpeed is off as it was showing a steady 17-19k…which prompted a call for the #3 headsail…which was the wrong call as we were slow the 1st upwind leg…   Other than that, the race went fairly smooth… 4 ..1 mile legs….            We were 4th out of 4 in our division….

This will be my second year sailboat racing on Lake Macatawa (Holland) since 1976 .   We race with the Bay Shore Yacht Club, an all volunteer organization.  Last year I spent half my time on the race committee boat with Charlie and crew, and the other half on Lickety-Split, a Hobie Cat (monohull) 33′ racing boat.  This year I will be considered regular crew and not a substitute.  Pretty cool.  And Tom and Jeff, the co-owners have purchased a slightly used J boat 35′, and are selling their Hobie Cat.  A new experience for all.

The weekly racing will give me about 20 days on the water, and I am hopeful to get a race crossing Lake Michigan.  The racing time will help me acquire more days-on-the-water, which is required with the USCG requirements.  I will miss the race committee crew becuase they are great bunch of people.  But actually, I will see them after the races in the yacht club.