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:
Tag Archives: Lightning Class
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!
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!
Video of the Week: Sailing Action From Greece
Yes, they do race Lightnings in Greece. Check out this Video from the land of Ouzo. Some good footage here. enjoy:
Video Of The Week: Cool Lightning Action from Lansing Michigan
Found this on Youtube as usual. Some good footage from Lansing Michigan’s Tune Up Regatta. Check out the guy who hits the pin on a start and keeps on going! Winds reported as NW12-20 kts. Enjoy.
Video Of The Week: Sean Fidler race start & first windward leg
I found this pretty cool video of Sean Fidler sailing a race from 2008 @ Pontiac Yacht Club. The video picks up during the start sequence and continues as he sails the first windward leg. Like the Skip Dieball Vids, the camera is mounted to the tiller, so catches all the action from the back of the boat. I’m going to have to try this next season on my boat. Enjoy:
Video of the Week #2: Skip dieball sailing up wind
A few weeks ago I shared Skip Dieball sailing a Lightning down wind, so here is the other trip. Upwind in a Lightning. Enjoy.
Would You Rather Have a Boat That Sucks Or Stinks?
Now most of you may think that is a distinction without a difference, but I learned on Sunday it most definitely is not. Let me explain.
On Sunday, my crew and I went out for an end of season sail. We were joined on the river by Laura, Will, and Brian sailing Lightning 14627, whose owner graciously let them borrow her for the day. Now, everyone in our fleet knows that 14627 rarely gets wet, and usually can be found sitting forlornly in its slip over by the PRSA committee boats. That area of the marina is also known to most of us as a bastion of mouse activity, and 14627 is a case in point of what happens when you leave your boat over there and never take her out. Mice got aboard and rather than the usual destruction of her sails due to being eaten, the mice decided to make a home in the rolled up jib. When Laura and company opened up the boat for the first time in weeks they disturbed a veritable metropolis living in said jib. It did not take very long to notice the reeking stench of mouse urine that emanated from the sail. It was so bad you could smell it from 2 boat lengths away. So much for the “Stink”, now for the “Suck”.
Continue reading Would You Rather Have a Boat That Sucks Or Stinks?
Great Video on how the back stay affects sail shape and speed
This is a terrific video on how back stay tension changes sail shape and affects power and speed in different conditions. Check it out.
Cool Lightning Video from Skip Dieball
Came across this video on Youtube and thought I’d share. The camera is mounted on the rudder and gives a great view of Skip and crew sailing downwind. Enjoy.