Updated 5/19/10 — Sunday was a day when the weatherman promised much and delivered so little. The forecast was for partly sunny and pleasant conditions, a high of 76 degrees, and winds from the northeast at 8 – 10 MPH. Seven Lightnings, six Albacores, and three Hobies splashed and made their way up to the race course, while PRO Bob Astrove and RC crew set a windward-leeward course along an ENE axis, with the windward mark close to the deepwater channel and the leeward mark close to the airport shore. But they only got off one race before the wind died. At 2 PM the N flag went up and boats were towed back to the dock. Results after the break:
Tag Archives: Albacore Class
PRSA Spring Series # 5 Sunday, May 9
UPDATED May 10! Two days of strong northerly winds had pushed a lot of the tidal Potomac River water south, and that, coupled low tide around noon, made for the lowest water level we have ever seen on the river at the marina. The mud flats adjacent to the airport pier were actually above water; a windsurfer was seen walking his rig upstream in chest-high water in the middle of the channel; the ribs of the sunken wreck were two feet above the water surface. The AccuWeather forecast had called for sunny skies, with winds from the NW at 15 – 20 MPH, and gusts to 25, and they got the sunny skies part right, but the wind turned out to be stronger and gustier than predicted. Three Lightnings, four Albacores, and two Cats splashed, and RC did set out for Haines point to try to set up a long windward-leeward course as far upriver as they could, but the strong gusty winds and low water made them change their mind, and racing was canceled at 11:30 AM.
PRSA Spring Series # 4, Sunday, May 2
Good wind, good temperatures, good waves and good race committee work made for great sailing this Sunday. We had 4 or 5 Bucs, 2 hobies, and 5 albs out on the race course sailing 4 windward leeward twice around races and 1 Triangle. 5 races total. With the wind picking up later in the day only Heinsdorf, Harris and Hesse stayed for the final race. Must be something about ‘Hs” The albs brought a ringer skipper from Toronto and a ringer crew from California. Harris, in his new state of age, showed a little mind slipping as he overstood the finish in race 2 and wanted to go around again. Don’t know what that was all about. Heinsdorf once again demonstrated his quick reactions as he dunked his brother crew while he scrambled to the rail for safety during a leeward mark rounding capsize.
Thanks to the race committee: Bill Buck; Susan Graham, Nathan Marsh, and mystery girl (Heinsdorf’s brother’s friend). And to the use of a GW crash boat. After racing, Lee pulled out the leftovers including BEER from the monster party on Friday for everyone to feast on. Thanks to everyone for the good time. Results after the break:
Spring Series #3 04/25/2010 Results
The forecast was glum, which I am sure caused a lot of people to stay home. Shame on you if you did! The weather turned out to be beautiful, with near perfect sailing conditions. Winds were from the south at 8-12 knots. What more could you ask for. We got three races in before the RC, believing the erroneous weather report, sent us home for the day. What a shame, we could have gotten a fourth race in. Lesson learned – Never believe the weather man over the evidence of your own eyes! Oh well, a good time was had by all anyway. Scores after the break:
PRSA Spring Series # 2, Sunday April 18!
UPDATED 4/19/10 — The AccuWeather Forecast called for sunny skies, a high of 60 degrees, and winds from the NW at 14 – 18 MPH, and that’s about what we got, except that it was cloudier and chillier than predicted. The river flow, at 9,150 CFS (gage height 3.9 ft) was below normal for this time of year, and the water temperature was down to 62 degrees. High tide was at 11:26 AM. 10 Lightnings and 3 Albacores came out. Yates Dowell and the Hobie fleet set up a triangular course and got off three races in quick succession, and we were all back at the docks by 3 PM. During docking on the return, Erich Hesse in his Albacore came screaming straight in to the slot between two of the crane docks, made an incredibly tight U-turn, and stopped the boat along side the north dock with bow pointed out — stunning! Crew Lars Rathjen, standing on Eric’s forward deck, then stepped neatly off the deck — and right into the water! It was a site worthy of a bloopers video. Fortunately, no injuries, other than to Lars’ psyche. Results after the break:
PRSA Spring Series # 1, Sunday April 11!
What an outstanding day, weatherwise, for the first race day of the 2010 season — sunny skies, a high of 75 degrees, and gentle breezes made for Bermuda shorts attire and fun conversations. Erich Hesse and his ace Albacore RC crew got off three races in somewhat challenging wind conditions — a 9 MPH southerly at the start of the first race, but dying off to an ESE at 3 MPH at 2 PM, then coming back up later in the afternoon, reaching 12 MPH at 6 PM, well after we were off the water. The river flow was slightly below normal for this time of year, at 12,500 CFS (gage height 4.2 ft) and the water temperature was 62 degrees. Low tide was at 1:42 PM; High tide at 7:31 PM. 8 Lightnings came out, along with 3 Hobies, 2 Albacores, and a Flying Scot. Results after the break:
PRSA Spring Series # 1 Sunday, April 11!
UPDATED 4/11/10 — Today’s AccuWeather Forecast calls for sunny skies, a high temperature of 74 degrees, and winds from the SSW at 6 – 9 MPH. The river flow is slightly below normal for this time of year, at 12,500 CFS (gage height 4.2 ft) and the river water temperature is 62 degrees. First high tide is this morning at 7:09 AM; Low tide will be at 1:42 PM; Second high tide at 7:31 PM. Take off your winter covers and get ready to race!
Video of the Week: Screaming Albacores!
Here are a couple of videos shot 03/21/2010 at Sarasota when racing was called off due to high winds. Wow! SCREAMING ALBACORES!!
PRSA Spring Series # 1 – Sunday, April 11!
Time to remove our winter covers, shake out the cobwebs, and get ready to race! Sunday April 11 is the date. Skippers meeting at 10; first gun at 11:30. Be There!
Albacore Mid-Winters!!
The Albacore Mid-winter Championship was held this past week, March 19-21, in Sarasota Florida. 19 boats came to compete, with 5 teams of our own to carry the banner for PRSA: Chris Gorton/Mathew Edwards, Khin Thein/Thant Thein, Mike Heinsdorf/Matt Rhodes, Peter Duncan/Stephen Duncan, Rolf Zeisler/Daphne Byron, and Barney Harris/Lee Mullins all made the trip. Barney was the overall winner of the event with 8 points in 8 races. There was one throwout. Chris Gorton was 4th, Khin Thein was 6th, Peter Duncan 8th, Mike Heinsdorf 11th, and Rolf came in 15th. Great job guys! And special congratulations to PRSA’s very own Champ – Barney Harris!! See all the scores after the break: