Took out the kidship Hobie with G.
Century Club: Mario Santana
Distance race out to Thomas point lighthouse, though we shortened it in the end, to make sure we got back before sunset. Had a terrible start and terrible maneuvers, but we kept consistently executing better throughout the race. It was pretty gusty out there, and we weren't the only ones making mistakes, but we kept the sail up instead of reefing and we did a good job of managing power, playing the main and/ or feathering, though I should have thought to move the jib cars back. I spent a lot of time with my butt off the rail and over the water, hiked out like a plank, trying to remember that my son holds that position for hours every day during 420 practice and regattas. I'm more impressed than ever at his athleticism, and more jealous, too, at how much fun it is.
My favorite race of the year so far!
Took a Rainbow out for some solo tracking practice. Wanted to practice starts but the wind was laying down so I came in. Luckily it picked back up and we hard a great race on the West River aboard Specific Gravity.
Distance race to the bridge and back, WOOT. Had a great time with Paul and Clevin. I ruined the start by forgetting to round the first mark before heading out so we were 2nd to last, but we fought hard and clawed our way back to a photo finish for 3rd.
Mother's Day sail. Placed 1 1 4 1, with the 4 being when I drove - David and Nate were awesome, and I feel like all my reading about positioning and tactics are paying off. It was also great to see the moms and families out there.
Took a rainbow out with John in the morning, then evening races at PCRC on Specific Gravity
The afternoon started out at a pleasant 11/15kt at the NOAA buoy. I decided to do a few up/down laps to practice solo maneuvers. But then it built to 19/25kt, gusty and variable. I threw a reef in the main and went ahead with my plan, sailing the boat sideways with the gunwale in the water as often as not. One unexpected puff that hit just as I was sheeting in after a tack shipped a ton of water, soaking me. All in all, I put on a bit of a show for the tourists on the Harbor Queen, working myself silly tacking and gybing in that breeze. I'm exhausted and smiling - a perfect outing.
Solo practice and then monday night races on a stormy spring evening - the weather only just missed us so the wind was variable.
Sunday night races on a really cool and pleasant spring evening
Worked bow for some friends. Beautiful spring day. Learned a ton, had a blast.