Sunday at the US Laser Masters saw more wind as it built through the day. We went out on schedule and sailed the first race in similar wind to yesterday in the 8 knot range as the wind bounced around between 200 and 220 before finally settling in at 210. I had another bad start and had to pick my way through the fleet to finish 26.

By the 2nd race of the day, the wind had built to the mid-teens.  I cramped up on the first downwind, wasn’t practiced enough in the wind and waves and ended up with a case of the flipsies.  I sailed a little more conservatively downwind after that and kept the boat upright, but would finish 39th.

In the 3rd race of the day and 7th total race the wind was a bit steadier in the 15-20 knot range, I had a good start, but struggled getting the boat dialed in and sailing fast in the stronger breeze. Part of it was being out of shape and the other part of it is probably doing 90% of my sailing in the 5-12 knot range over the past couple years and not having enough time in the boat in those conditions.  I would go on to finish 41st.

By the 4th and final race of the regatta the wind was the same, I was a little more comfortable in the boat and making it go in the wind. I sailed conservatively until the very last leg – I passed two boats on the short reach, had the inside track on the pin when a gust hit and I started to round up into the pin boat.  I did all I could to dump mainsheet while rotating the boat around just enough so that as I tipped over to windward my mast fell just to leeward of the pin boat. I hadn’t hit anything, I cross the finish line and I even found I could stand up.  I righted the boat and sailed in exhausted.

Back on shore we packed up and the awards ceremony was held.  I finished 24th overall and received the award for the top Apprentice.

Eric, Mike and everyone at Brant Beach Yacht Club put on a great regatta all the way around.  I had a great time visiting with all of the sailors there and enjoyed 3 days of sailing. I’ll be back next year when Brant Beach hosts the open North American Championship Regatta in July.

RESULTS | PICTURES

Saturday’s forecast at the US Laser Masters called for more wind even though it wasn’t looking promising in the morning.  We went out anyway and it built to 5-10 out of the south.

In the first race I had a great start and won the pin.  I worked left and found more pressure.  At the first mark I was 7th out of 67 boats.  I tried not to loose too many boats downwind and held my own upwind.  I ended up 13th.

For the second race I had a terrible start and parked it on the line while the fleet sailed away. I was in the 40’s at the top mark.  I went low downwind and picked up some boats and on the 2nd beat I picked some shifts up the middle right of the course and passed some more boats.  I caught another boat or two downwind and finished 20th.

The 3rd race saw me with another terrible start – this time at the boat end.  I had a lot of trouble finding clear air and was towards the back of the pack at the first weather mark.  Unlike the last race, there weren’t as many passing lanes and I managed a 35th.

By the 4th race I was tired of sailing in dirty air and determined to get a good start.  My start wasn’t just good, it was fantastic and I sailed hard to hold my line upwind and stay in the front row.  I found my speed to be on par with anyone around me and as we worked our way out to the middle left of the course I found myself crossing fewer and fewer boats and having all the clear air I desired.  I was in 3rd at the top mark and sailed just as well if not better downwind by going high and passed another  boat by the gate.  Upwind I sailed fast, picked shifts, and found myself in 2nd again but to a different leader at the top mark.  Downwind I sailed fast but conservatively so as not to do anything stupid.  I again went a little high of the guys chasing just to ensure I had clear air.  When we came back together, one boat slipped by and I was able to finish in 3rd.  It was pretty amazing to hang with some great sailors and gave me a thirst to try and do more of that tomorrow.

That got me to 15th overall after 4 races with more planned tomorrow. In masters scoring, my handicap as an Apprentice Master (35-35) means 3 points is added to each race finish. Older sailors get fewer handicap points.  That evening I enjoyed another dinner at the club restaurant while we watched the sun set over the water and retired early to rest up for more wind promised tomorrow.

RESULTS | PICTURES