As predicted by the weather forecasts the front that came through the Central Florida are on Friday took the wind with it on Saturday. The LESC team did a great job of keeping the spirits high as competitors awaited the wind to fill in from the west.
When the wind came in, the Fleet battled as they usually do in the evenly matched one designs. Some competitors were anxious as Irish Juan piloted by Mike Loughlin tried to squeeze the line hitting Pivot at the start. 720 for Irish Juan as the competitors took off. Some really great action on the downwind of race one as Irish gained three positions to battle for third against Old Yella, as Fisk Hayden took third by a foot. Bill Holstein took the first spot followed by Randy Pawlowski and then Fisk Hayden.
The second race of the day saw another slight collision as Jim Geompel on El Gato hit Mike Loughlin’s Irish Juan and hooked his boom to El Gato’s shroud. Took a few seconds for the teams to untangle themselves and continue. This race Randy Pawlowski took first, Fisk Hayden second and Mike Loughlin third.
Race three, was a very quick race as Randy Pawlowski grabbed his second bullet, followed by Fisk Hayden and then Bill Holstein.
After Saturday’s races, all of the competitor went to the MDYC for some adult beverages and cocktails. A huge surprise of the night was the appearance of Willie Blevins! It was great to see Willie out and about as a lot of sailors were asking about him. Heal quickly Willie, we are going to need another SJ21 out there soon.
Sunday was like Saturday as competitors sat around and waited for the wind to fill in. The wind came in with you 20 minutes to go on the noon time, “NO MORE RACE” rule in the SI’s. It was a light breeze that was out of the west but as soon as everyone rounded the wind built and was now out of the south.
Irish Juan got to the top mark of the shortened course and was headed to the finish with what looked like a bullet only to be rolled by both Hayden and then Holstein.
It was a four race regatta with some short one lap races but the competition in the fleet was strong. Sailing in the fleet has made all of the San Juan Sailors better and more competitive. The competition has built over the last three years with the travel series.
Our next stop on the travel series should be at Lake Weir but we have been informed that the lake is way too low for us to launch. We will be searching for an alternative venue for the April Race and let everyone know where it will be held.
If you are looking for a fun and active fleet to sail, ask any of the SJ21 sailors and you will find a spot to come out and race.
The Travel Series scores are attached.
- Travel Series 2017 040217.jpg (140.03KiB)Viewed 16797 times