Daily Masters MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Merrily

Administrator
Hi all. I've just arrived at Clearwater, FL for Masters Midwinters East. I won't have much time to moderate this week, so be nice to Bradley and don't be mean to each other! So says I. Yikes! The Gouvernail is wearing off.

My husband John and I drove down with the Laser on top of our GMC Sierra truck. I had to climb up on top of the truck using a stepladder to get the Laser in place. There was a cold biting wind in Ohio when we got the boat, and I'm glad to be out of there. We also brought our 15 foot Boston Whaler for John to cruise around while I practice tomorrow. John has a Laser now that he will start sailing this summer. For now, he is a powerboat man. That suits me when I need safety patrol.

Tomorrow we go to the Clearwater Sailing Center to get a spot for the Laser, and I will practice as much as possible. It has been 3 months since I sailed, so I have some "rust" to get off. Before that, though, we have to do a little stopgap repair on the Whaler. On the way down it bounced on the trailer at the bow and wore away the gel coat and into the fiberglass. The trailer setup is faulty, we realize now, and John had to do some alternative strapping down on the highway. He is going to epoxy the two inch hole in the morning. I hope the work doesn't cut into my time on the water! The Whaler has to be taken care of though, so what will be, will be.

This will be my biggest regatta so far. I've only sailed in one regatta away from my club, and that had only a dozen Lasers, four Force 5s, and 6 Radials in staggered starts. Already at the Clearwater Yacht Club there are 44 people signed up for this Masters event, including three women.

I was reading the Laser Class rules on the trip down and started to get nervous about the rub rail on my boat. I had forgotten about it. I put it on there with 5200 when I first got the boat and thought I wasn't going to race. Then when I got excited about racing, I e-mailed Jeff Martin, ILCA class secretary. He replied at first and asked for details on the rub rail. I sent the info to him with pictures and he never gave an answer. Next I posted about it here on the Measurer's Forum, and Gouvernail/Fred Schroth said that he would let someone with rubrail sail, but he would question their boat handling skills. :rolleyes: No kidding, Fred. That's why I put it on there. So anyway, here I am wondering what will happen in the real world. Wish me luck, it's a lot of time, effort, and money to come here over 1000 miles.

Just so you know, I am seriously considering trying to get the rub rail off of the boat before the spring sailing starts at home. For one, my boat handling has improved. :) And I suppose, having a strip of rubber all the way around the gunwale slows you down when you roll tack. It has to have a bit of friction over smooth gelcoat.

So I'm off to review the Racing Rules of Sailing now and looking forward to tomorrow. The weather will be mid 70's, sunny, and light breeze. Wonderful.
 
Re: Masters MidWinters East

Have fun Merrily and keep us posted on the news out of Clearwater!
 
Re: Masters MidWinters East

Merrily

You "shoulda" set the GPS for Jensen Beach and joined us yesterday at Masters Midweek Madness. Ryan Minth put 16 of us thru the paces of starting, tacking, gybing, mark rounding and some great tips on rigging, boathandling, and sail shape.

Today, we hit the water for a bunch of short course races in perfect sailing conditions -- 10 to 15 and 70+ degrees. Everyone in the group who had never been to the USSCMC was really impressed with the facility and sailing area. We will all be lobbying to do a Midwinters there in the near future.

See ya in Clearwater!
 
Re: Masters MidWinters East

Go USSCMC
thats were i sail out of. dont we have a nice peice of the river. but all we need is a locker room. How was it out there my Mom was PRO for it.
 
Re: Masters MidWinters East

What was I thinking?

I woke up when it was still dark this morning. I was rested and even stoked and ready to grab some breakfast and get going. Looked at the clock. 4 a.m. Well, I didn’t want to wake my husband so I lay quietly and fell half asleep. I finally started to really doze when a car alarm went off. 5:30 a.m. My husband still snored. Whoever owned that car never went out to turn off the alarm. Every 15 minutes it went off like clockwork.

I wanted to get an early start because we needed to go to West Marine for supplies to fix the Whaler before going to the Clearwater Community Sailing Center. We did a light check on the Whaler trailer before heading out. There was a burned out turn signal, which led to some unpleasant language on John’s part. The taillights on the trailer are a closed system to prevent water infiltration, and he couldn’t get it pried open without destroying it. So we were off to West Marine for a whole new taillight, too.

The West Marine on Gulf to Bay Blvd was HUGE, and we found out that it was the third largest one in the country. It even does boat repair and has certified mechanics. There was no time to explore, even though I love hardware stores. We bought our goodies and headed to the CCSC.

The CCSC is on Sand Key. Inside is Clearwater Bay and outside is the Gulf of Mexico. I checked in and signed a release absolving them of any liability in the case of my death. You know--the usual. I paid my 5 bucks, which got my boat storage and use of the restrooms and showers, and launching rights down a nice shallow ramp into a sandy area. Clearwater has beautiful fine white sand that draws people to the area.

We got the boat off the top of the truck with the help of a passerby that I snagged—it’s not wise to start off exhausted. Then I proceeded to rig my boat. It had been 3 months since I sailed it, and it seemed like I’d forgotten everything. I was s l o w. I kept having to go back to the truck to get the next thing that I’d forgotten.

As I rigged the boat, a young woman who was getting ready to go out came over to talk to me. Paige Railey!!!!!!!!!!!!! She asked me how I liked sailing the Laser and why I was sailing the Standard instead of the Radial. At 165 right now, I’m just too heavy for the Radial, I think. (Note to self—lose ten pounds.) She also introduced her coach, Kai. Unfortunately, I had just spritzed my face with that liquid suntan lotion and gotten some in my eyes. The distraction from the stinging made me forget to ask for her autograph. DANG!! John and Paige had a great conversation about their mutual alma mater, Clearwater High, while I cried. What a nice young woman. Maybe she will train again tomorrow while I am there. I’ll have a marker ready just in case.

I launched and sailed for about half an hour. My goal was to sail the rust off; however, I seem to have forgotten how to sail altogether. And the carbon tiller recently acquired with the purchase of John’s used boat kept coming out of the head on the rudder. I did a lot of spinning. So I went back in for a sandwich and to switch tillers. I was chowing down when who should come by to shoot the breeze but VTGent, from the forum, AKA Al Russell. He is sailing in the Master’s regatta too, and he checked out the carbon tiller situation for me. He said the line is too big for the cleat, so I’m going to switch it out tonight for some smaller stuff and see how that works out tomorrow.

Al and I went sailing together for a while, and he told me I was slow and I wasn’t pointing. Ow. He gave me some pointers before we sailed our separate ways. I practiced gibing and tacking for at least an hour and came to a meaty conclusion. I was hoping to not come in dead last in every race. My conclusion is that I’m going to be lucky to not have to be towed in so that they can start each race in a timely fashion. Yup, oldfart, I shoulda gone to Midweek Madness and practiced. What was I thinking? Pray for me.

John worked on the Whaler while I sailed. He got a layer of epoxy over the damaged area to keep water out of the fiberglass. He also switched out the taillight, and crimped and put sealant over the wire connections. When we did the light check, however, there was even louder swearing. The turn signal still does not work. Must be some connector.

When I pulled the boat out and hosed it down, someone said, “Rubrail. You must be Merrily.” One of the Clearwater Yacht Club race committee members had read the first post of this thread this morning. He seemed to think that they would let me sail. I also learned the sail to the racecourse is 45 minutes. I repeat, “What was I thinking???”

We had dinner at one of our Clearwater Beach favorites--Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. The waitress was shocked when I asked for French fries as an appetizer. Just give me greasy starch and give it to me now!

I am tired and sore. Hope I get a good night’s sleep.
 
Amendments to yesterday's post: The light bulb in the taillight was visibly burned out. The filiment was fried and broken.

Paige Railey ties her outhaul to the boom, and she doesn't use a clew hook either. The outhaul block was tied to the grommet with several strands of tiny line, and the inhaul was tied through the grommet the same way, I think, with tiny line. I reckon if she has trouble tying it in high winds, she easily finds help with it.

The water temperature is 58 degrees and I wore my dry suit. Good thing, too. I capsized 3 times in 8 mile an hour winds.

Today the quest is for strap on hiking pants, more practice, and a visit to Sarasota.

I got some sleep.

I'll tell you about today's sailing tonight! Have a great day, everybody.
 
Good luck in the races Merrily:)...I would love to feel sorry for you with only 3 mph winds:( but i'm having difficulty since I had to chop a 1/2 inch of ice off the car to drive for 2 hrs :eek:to get to work(usually takes 20 min.)

I'd rather be sailing

Best of luck sounds like fun:D:D:D
 
Ah good ole Clearwater it can blow 3 kts one day and 25 kts the next day. Good luck and make sure your husband tows you out to the starting line it will save you a lot of energy!...
 
Hey! I got Paige Railey’s autograph! She signed my copy of the Laser Sailor that has her picture on the front. I also explained to her that I was trying to do fundraising for my district regatta series, and she is willing to sign more stuff. Stuff to give as prizes or stuff to auction. Let me do a little market research right now. Would anyone be interested in buying something she had signed? It’s for a good Lasering cause. What sort of item might you be interested in?

Today the winds were lighter than yesterday. It was a drifter when we arrived at the Community Sailing Center at 11. I took my time rigging the boat and met a few new people, including “Michelle” of the Laser Forum. Hi Michelle! She wasn’t too enthusiastic about sailing in the light winds so we didn’t get a chance to sail together. She will kick my a*s tomorrow. I also met a guy from Bermuda who walked up to my boat, looked at the rub rail, and said, “Rubber bumpers. That looks like a good idea. I should do that.”

It was 76 degrees with those big cotton ball clouds. The wind started to build, a bit, and I put on my dry suit and set out. I was still in chicken mode with the dry suit, but I had a bad experience last year being in water that cold, and I don’t want to repeat it. The water is warming each day by a couple of degrees Fahrenheit, so I’ll be perfectly happy to wear my hikers and a light fleece shirt tomorrow. Soon after I started VTGent sailed out and helped me to tune again. I pointed better today. I had a shackle on the clew yesterday that lifted the sail off the boom quite a bit, and I replaced that with a line and a clew hook. I also restrung the tiller retaining line with some smaller stuff, and it worked out really well. You really don’t need the pin with the right setup.

I’m still slow and Al stopped and waited for me quite a bit. Thanks for your help, Al! At least I did not capsize today in the 6 mph winds. That would have been really pathetic.

I had to go in around 2, because we had a commitment this evening. I wanted to wash and polish my boat before setting out. Paige Railey was out on the water with her coach and some other young contenders by then, and VTGent said he was going to sail out to them. It was awful tempting for me to chuck all commitments and head that way too, but I didn’t do it.

I did the boat cleaning and polishing and got a shower. By that time VTGent came back in. He had sailed out to Ms Railey and half a dozen girls in Radials, along with their coach, and was invited to sail with them! I LOVE sailing and the collegial spirit of it. He did some short races with them on a very narrow starting line and usually was mid-fleet. He even won one!! You go, Al! I have got to stop being so damned responsible.

John helped set up my boat as shore crew today and ran some errands. He scoped out the ramp at Bellaire Beach for tomorrow’s Whaler launch. The plan is that he will tow as many Lasers out to the Gulf as possible and also take photos. The trailer light issue is on hold. Hope we don’t get a citation.

We drove to Sarasota, about an hour south of Clearwater, and had dinner with a friend—the commitment. I’m really glad we did as we had a great time. We ate at the Old Salty Dog restaurant on Ken Thompson Parkway. The patio is right on the Intra-coastal Waterway, and the water reflected silhouetted palm trees and an orange sky. No need for French fries today. I had seafood gumbo and peel and eat shrimp. There was a Yellow Crowned Night Heron that flew up and perched on the railing a few feet from us. He was begging, and he paid for a piece of fish by allowing his picture to be taken. The flash didn’t scare him at all.

So that was a nice wrap up to the day. I’m going to lay my stuff out and head to bed. I may get my butt kicked all the way up and down the Gulf of Mexico tomorrow, but it should be a blast. I don’t know when you’ll next hear from me. Tomorrow? Depends on if my fingers still work at the end of the day.
 
Weather update--it shouldn't be a drifter. Winds at 10 gusting to 20. I may sail radial just to give myself a break.
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Thank you Merrily for such great and detailed reports! Your reports are causing me to start making plans for next year's Masters Midwinters East. Good Luck (and get some sleep).. Peter Drasnin D25
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Hey Peter,
Are you planning on going to Mid Winters West this year... Love to hear about it here on the Forum!
Regards,
Fishingmickey

P.S. Wishing I was there sailing with you, Michelle and Vgent... Have a blast Michelle!
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

I don't even have my first Laser yet (will soon)and these are making me want to go next year.
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

I don't want to be the poster child for DFL, but I am! That's Dead Freakin' Last, to the uninitiated. I did have a couple of triumphs today. I did not capsize, and I did not need to be towed in so that they could start the next race in a timely fashion. We headed out late, just before noon due to light winds in the gulf, and it was a 45 minute sail from Clearwater Bay to the starting line. It was really cool to sail out the pass. The tide was coming in and there was wind and current on a scale this pond sailor has never experienced.

I got to the starting line about two minutes before the starting gun, and I was totally intimidated. I didn't even sail up to the RC boat, which was a 40 foot cruising sailboat. I just decided to follow the crowd. Also, I have never been in a race in which the windward mark was so far away that it was invisible. They gave us a compass bearing. At the gun I was about 20-30 seconds away from the line. This was a very bad sign, I knew, but I'd decided to just sail, to get my sea legs, so to speak. So follow I did, and as these things go, the wind died at the tail end of the course, and I was waay behind. They shortened the course, and the winner crossed the finish line to windward, and I was at the leeward mark. I rounded and thought about quitting, but decided to stick it out. It may have been near the half hour limit for finishing after the first to cross by the time I crossed.

I sailed back to the start and an RC boat came by a tossed me a sandwich and a bottle of water. It was the BEST sandwich I have ever had in my life. I think that means that I was really hungry, because I've had some great sandwiches.

The second race I got a fantastic start, and a few seconds off the line, the race was postponed. We started two or three more times, due to winds below 3 knots at the first mark and also massive numbers of boats over early. There were 48 boats, BTW. Finally we started and I was only so-so, but better than my first race. I even rounded the leeward mark ahead of one person--a shining moment. Then I fell behind and sort of lost track of things. I rounded a windward mark and sailed up close to some people who I thought were way ahead of me, including Michelle, and it turned out they'd moved the mark, at least that's what I thought. I went back and rounded the other mark, and headed downwind. I was trying to figure out where to go after that. It seemed like there were boats everywhere, kind of milling about. Then an RC boat came by and offered me water, which I thought was weird in the middle of a race. I asked where the next mark was. The incredulous reply was, "You finished the race when you rounded the last mark!"

Well, thank God for that. It did seem to be going on forever.

Third race, I really seemed to zone out at the start. The five minute gun went off, and then suddenly it was one minute until the start. So I got up to the line and got an OK start. I tried following one of the rock stars, but he was pulling away like he had a motor on that thing. Those are illegal, right? I rounded the windward mark last, but pulled ahead of a couple of people downwind. Then at the leeward mark, some joker on starboard cut across me and another woman without really giving us a chance to tack in a timely fashion. We had a little pile-up, but hell if I was doing turns. It wasn't worth protesting either at the back, I guess. It ruined whatever rhythm I had going, and I finished last again, shortly after those in front.

John took the Whaler out, and I hope we have some great photos, but the wind just wasn't there to make it really impressive. We shall see after the return to Ohio (brrr). John towed a few boats in because the wind completely died. I was first in line and got plenty of boat exhaust. I had a headache that I noticed at the end of racing.

We got to the Clearwater Yacht Club and had a nice carbo laden buffet. Great potato salad. VTGent had arrived just before us and was there with his girlfriend, and we dined with them and the CLYC Fleet Captain. VTGent did OK. In the third race he took a 10th right behind the rock stars. Congrats, Al! After dinner some people had coffee, and it made me realize why I got a headache. No afternoon caffeine. Yikes! Tomorrow I'm stashing some diet Coke on the Laser.

Note from Al concerning racing with Paige Railey. "It's a good thing they had those itty bitty sails."

The best thing that happened today--I had mainsheet cleats installed on my boat. Tackleshack did the job. I bought the cleats and they installed 'em for free first thing in the morning. It really saved my hands, and it's why I'm typing right now.

Oh yeah, the ocean was pretty cool, too.
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

BTW, I sailed the Standard rig in those light winds. A woman with a Radial beat me. :(
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

I was awakened at 4 a.m. with a persistant caffeine deprivation headache. Five hours of sleep is plenty, right? I'm drinking multiple cups of tea now.

The weather calls for 5 to 7 knots today, better than struggling for 3 yesterday. Here's your gem for the day: Sailing is more fun when there is wind. :cool:
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Thank you for all your stories, Merrily! I can't wait to reach the age of a master! It must be great to sail out there, even in the back of the fleet (just blame the darn rubrails). I am sure you - as everyone else in an event like this - learn a lot!
To avoid the headaches: drink a lot of water! it is warm out there and you are active. Caffeine actually de-hydrates, so stay away from coke and drink water or some energy drink instead.
Good luck!
GWF
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Keep the posts coming Merrily. Great reading, whatever your lacking in your sailing experience you more than make up for with your writing skills!
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

at my first regatta in clearwater i finished DFL to because i was way to light for the winds we had and i had never sailed in the ocean with waves before. and don't you hate it when the windward mark is rediculously far out there. I think long races takes the fun out of it. Maybe i should do a report on the washington's birthday regatta we had over in palm beach this weekend.
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Hey Janet,

This is a great running commentary of Masters Midwinters East. Makes me feel like I was there! Wait...

Sailor327;
Yeah, write a report of Washington's B-day regatta! That was one of the first regattas I did, and it was blowing 25+. I capsized 8 times just waiting for the start and was so tired I couldn't actually race. Good times!
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

yes sailor327, you should write a washingtons B-day report! and include who won first in 4.7 fleet! ha, just playin with ya! but you did reall well out there! see you at naples! (hopefully)
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

I had clear air.

The day started off foggy, with a very light breeze. It was 11 before it started to clear, noon before we got the horn to go out and the wind built to maybe 6 mph. I hustled to my boat because I didn’t want to be sailing up to the starting line after the gun. I sailed along with a guy named Jay, from Bermuda, and tuned a bit. Too much vang on the reach. While we were waiting for wind someone told me to two-block, put the vang on, then sheet as I pleased. Oh, yeah, they meant on a beat. Well, I didn’t have that much vang on while reaching—I know you can break the boom that way. I did speed up and keep pace with Jay after tuning.

We sailed to the pass and the tide was coming in. Most people were sticking to the south shore but I followed Jay north. I figured there’d be a good angle to catch the north wind on a reach and plenty of room to maneuver away from the rocks that way. We made it clear across the channel and headed back to make it under the sixteen span bridge. We sailed halfway back, but didn’t make it under. We tacked back to the north shore again and the current was really chugging through in the middle of the stream, right where we were. We set our sails for the next span. Jay thought maybe we wouldn't make it. I pointed as hard as I could with all the vang and mainsheet I could put on, and I made it through and on past the bridge. Jay followed and said I inspired him. Here's another hint. It was my shining moment for the day.

After we made it through the pass, tow boats showed up and everybody lined up. Everybody was struggling to get out. It took 45 minutes or more to get to the race site 2 1/2 nautical miles out in the Gulf. It was far out, but the Race Committee did a good job in choosing it, because there was a fair amount of wind there and two foot waves.

The first race everyone was over early, including me. We had reverse line sag, more like line bulge, and you couldn't see the orange flags on the RC boat and at the pin end for the Lasers. We restarted in about 10 minutes, and I felt like I had a fair start, but once again, even though I had on plenty of vang, everyone around me pulled away. :( I tried driving through the waves and reckon that was my problem. I've not had any practice or coaching with it before. I got to the windward mark last and rounded and surfed some waves back, making pretty good time. It was really awesome fun! I gained on the back of the fleet, but when I approached the leeward mark, I noticed that I hadn't lifted the centerboard. :eek: I could have gained even more! Then when I got to the mark I had an extremely clumsy rounding, did some swirly stuff right in front of an RC boat, then got control. So back again jiggety jig, up, down, up, crossing the finish line last, again.

The lunch people tossed me a sandwich which I WOLFED on the way back. It was an identical sandwich to the previous day, and it was really good. I ran back to the start line tearing off bites, barely chewing, wishing that maybe my boat wasn't so fast in the growing wind, so I could finish the darned sandwich! I also sucked down water and diet Coke. The gun went off before I finished the sandwich. I threaded my way precariously through a few boats. Two minute gun. Remainder of sandwich a gift to the fish.

OK start again. Weaving through waves. Hiking hard over waves. Falling behind again. Thighs burning, will knees survive? Windward mark. Alone.
Sheet out for the run. Sheet whizzes out, out, out, out-- The mainsheet free of blocks and sail flogs over bow. Stopper knot now unstoppered.

Turned the boat to get the boom within reach and threaded the sheet again and tied another stopper knot.

The fleet was gone.

Sailed on, jiggety jig.

Two races. Two more DFLs. As Michelle said, at least I had clear air.

Each leg of the windward/leeward courses today was half a mile. So we sailed 2 and 1/2 mile races. Everyone headed in as they finished, so I sailed in alone. John powered alongside me at a good distance, and it was an awesome sail on a broad reach. The wind and waves had grown. 10 mph and 3 feet? I can't imagine at this point sailing in 15 out there.

When I got back, the winner, Chris Raab, met me and helped to bring my boat in and get it on the dolly. Nice.

We saw the awards ceremony and at least two LaserForum members got them--old fart (David Hartman) and Dollymeister (Peter Seidenberg). Maybe there were more and I didn't make the connection.

All in all, John and I had a fantastic time. We met some really cool people that we'll be happy to see again. Nah, it's not easy to lose, but it was gratifying to be able to sail in conditions I'd never seen before, and not fall over! :D

Thanks for reading the blog. It's added to the fun for me. We're anxiously waiting to view the photos that John took when we get home. I'll post the better ones, and maybe if they are really good, we can get them in the Laser Sailor! :cool: Tomorrow we're going to go relax on the beach before heading home, where I heard it is 8 degrees F.

I can barely keep my eyes open, so I believe I'm finally going to get some sleep. Good night.
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Thanks for your great reports Janet! Your story telling is excellent.
Enjoy your day at the beach tomorrow!
 
Re: Daily MidWinters East Reports from our own Merrily in Clearwater, FL

Amendment to my last post: It was not Jay of Bermuda that I tuned with and sailed out the pass with. It was David of Minneapolis. Sorry Jay and David! My only excuse was my exhaustion and my wine befuddled brain.

It also has come to me why I was hiking so hard in 8 to 10. I forgot to put any cunningham at all on. There is no emoticon in Bradley's repertoir to express how this makes me feel.

Well, there are compensations. I'm off for a day at the beach! Have a great day, all!
 
good luck janet,with the racing,sorry i havent been on the forum much had lots of personal problems at home,sailing season starts in two weeks here just cant wait to be on the water last season was frustrating with weed and the boat getting damaged. My,sails and foils and sailing gear in car,there be no cruising for this laser sailor this year.we are either racing or practising ,best wishes sean
 
Afterthoughts

This shouldn’t be an afterthought, but better late than never. Thank you to the Clearwater Yacht Club for making the event happen, working hard to find us wind, and especially thanks for your kindness to the person obviously in over her head. (Not literally, thank God.) In addition, thanks to the staff at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center for their help with trailer storage for the Boston Whaler. (Note that no powerboats besides the CCSC’s are permitted to launch from the CCSC. John went to the launch area at Bellaire Beach.) Also, the advice to eat at Shell’s Restaurant for moderate prices and good food was spot on.

I just learned that the Whaler trailer taillight started working after John launched the boat. Guess it was just pining for some saltwater. It must have done something for the connectors.

Useful bits—we stayed at the Days Inn on Gulf to Bay Boulevard. With Triple A, it was $72 a night plus tax for a room with two double beds and a kitchenette and wireless at no additional cost. The downside is the distance from the venue, about 8 miles. Don’t go at rush hour. Tackleshack was onsite for all your Lasering needs, and another place we like is Masthead Sailing in St Pete. They sell boat and sail covers and have a great selection of clothing, and a little bit of hardware.

What I learned from this event: I must get coaching for wave sailing—that means even by this summer for my district’s Grand Prix on Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie on June 24-25. Gouvernail AKA Fred Schroth says Sandusky Bay has perfect Lasering waves.

“Gem” of the day—If you are dead last in every race, even with a throw-out, you are still dead last. At least I believe I made 5 people very happy!
 
I've got John's photos downloaded to my computer and will get some onto the forum ASAP.

If there is anyone who participated and would like me to check for any good photos of you, PM me with your sail number and I will get to it.
 
Merrily said:
Afterthoughts


“Gem” of the day—If you are dead last in every race, even with a throw-out, you are still dead last. At least I believe I made 5 people very happy!

Hey, don't despair; you were 49/56 and way ahead of me ....:eek:
 
Wavedancer said:
Hey, don't despair; you were 49/56 and way ahead of me ....:eek:

Well, it doesn't look so bad on paper, does it? I cannot tell a lie--the 7 people behind me never sailed at all as far as I know. They signed up but didn't show. As far as being way ahead of you, were you one of those who signed up but then couldn't make it? That would be a bummer.

I've been looking at the photos and it is depressing, mainly because my husband loves me! So therefore, there are scads of photos of me, and I'm incidentally sailing all alone behind the fleet. Picture an emoticon with enormous tears here! Not really. :rolleyes: Hmmm, maybe I should experiment with Photoshop. So much for not lying.
 
Don't despair, Janet! You get kudos for sailing the event, regardless of your placing. You've come a long way in a short space of time. If this were American Idol, I am sure Paula Abdul would have VERY nice things to say about your effort and diligence.
 
Merrily, Merrily, Merrily you are living your dream!

What a well-written commentary! But most importantly I completely commiserate with you as I myself just started sailing Lasers in October (full rig). Every feeling, every frustration, every silly mistake, being dead last or worse having to be rescued on several occasions is my reality as well. Finally, someonelse understands! I seem to be surrounded by all these Laser Gods and Goddesses who just seem to be endowed with the effortless ability to sail this freaky little boat except me. The same question, "what have I got myself into" has been my mantra, but it is always over powered by the shear exhilaration of finally getting something right for the first time, I am staying on the wind, keeping the boat flat or rounding the leeward mark without making some crazy circles. Better yet staying in my boat! I too am still so far behind and my goal as well is not to be last. Finding out at the end of the day there was one person behind me, could it be? Did I not notice someone else out there? Finding out that they were a no show, oh the humanity of it all!

Reading your commentary provided me with a much-needed laugh before a big regatta this weekend. Just knowing that I am not the only one out there trying to get this and struggling with the same issues was just the salve I needed.

Thank you and I would like to thank my fleet mates and yacht club for the constant help, coaching and rescuing. One member and friend in particular has provided me with extraordinary amount help, his famous line "deer in the headlights" probably will never leave me. These guys know who they are.

Anyway, I hope you have plenty of support and if you are doing this your own then even more power to you! Please keep writing and hopefully I will get out to FL for Masters and meet you in person.

Windwahine
A.k.a Lisa Lebold
 
Windwahine said:
Merrily, Merrily, Merrily you are living your dream!

I seem to be surrounded by all these Laser Gods and Goddesses who just seem to be endowed with the effortless ability to sail this freaky little boat except me.


Windwahine
A.k.a Lisa Lebold

Hi Lisa,
I'm really glad that you enjoyed the commentary and especially that you gained some encouragement from it. I reckon I am living my dream! On Sunday, we have our first club race, and I'm really looking forward to it, but as they say, it may be deja vu all over again. I have been really fortunate at my club too. I just kept practicing last year, and gradually some excellent sailors took pity on me, inviting me to practice and showing me a lot of stuff. I didn't realize, though, how truly bad I was last year until I tried a club race, and one woman who was supposed to be in the race turned around from ahead of me and started coaching me as I sailed along. A deer in headlights, indeed.

Now the scary thing is that there are a few new Laser sailors coming on, and I am Laser Fleet captain. Yikes! Well, we will have fun.

Hope to meet you sailing somewhere, sometime, living your dream too. BTW, what's a Windwahine?
 

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