by cchatain » Mon May 04, 2009 2:27 pm
For the regatta that almost didn't happen, I am happy to report that: (a) it did happen and (b) it happened in a most excellent manner. Frank Vella (and his wife Linda) organized a truly terrific event, supported by Ted Flack who cheerfully gave up his weekend (but not the neighborhood Eucre game) to be the Race Director.
This was my very first EC-12 regatta. I learned many things:
> gosh, how I love those port tack approaches to the windward mark, but boy, are they a mess with the 4-boat length circle, 20 knot gusts with A-rigs, and marks placed a long, long way away.
> Note to self: keep practicing crash dives below a row of on-coming starboard tackers
> Don't try to hit a homerun at the starting line in every race
> Big day-glow orange marks really play havoc with your depth perception
> Don't hit marks
> Boat racing is not ice hockey; no checking is allowed
> Don't hit other boats when sailing around between races
> Don't hit other boats when racing
> Bring a supply of new booms to replace those you break on the boats you do hit when sailing around between races
> Remember that the "mast abeam" is no longer in effect
> Remember not to hit other boats
> Finally, as the Gold Standard for Retirement, etch in your memory Frank's garage, with the rafters full of RC airplanes, a dozen or more RC sailing models just ready to go (EC-12's, IOM's, Footies, modern and vintage Marbleheads, One Meters, and the rest) surrounded by a very fully equipped workshop.
Thank you to Frank, Ted, and all the fine competitors I was priviledged to sail with.
--- Chris Chatain
AMYA 7984, Chicago RC Model Yacht Club