Oshkosh Recap 2013

Out of the asylum and into the zoo.

We returned to Lake Winnebago, but this year from a new launch site. With a concrete launch gently sloping to a hard packed sandy bottom, on-site showers, and neighboring zoo, Menominee Park was a big improvement over last year’s launch site. While Jim Young was busy Friday giving advice on boat tuning and replacing worn lines, some of us got a bird’s eye view of the race site in a Robinson R44 helicopter. After boat setup and dinner, we gathered at the campsite for what we do best.

Light and variable winds Saturday resulted in 4 different winners in 5 races, with everyone except Ben and Tyler having a finish of 8th or lower. Finding the wind and staying out of the waves was reminiscent of Winnebago in 2012. Back at the campsite we shared in a home cooked BBQ with all the fixings prepared by the Jane Wilcox. Shortly after sunset, mosquitoes chased away all but the bravest to dreams of a perfect start and a quick spinnaker set.

Sunday’s feeble winds brought thoughts of an early teardown. While we waited for the race committee to make deals with the wind gods, we made up for the previous night’s abbreviated time together with stories or ventures into the zoo to see the terrifying animals like cougars, wolves and turkeys. 
When the wind gods were appeased we ventured onto the lake for 3 more races. Shifting winds required the course to be reset between (or during) each race. The F17’s took first place in all three races – if only every race day could have these winds!

Only 2 points separated the first three finishers with Chris Blake with his new crew (new, meaning first time ever crewing) Eddie Hansen taking first place, followed by Ben and Tyler, and then Kurt and Cole rounding out the podium. The trophies made by Wes inspired us all to work a little harder to sail faster next time. Thanks to Wes and Jenna Wilcox for their organization and help from Steve Eliasen, Carley Korte, Dave Repyak, Jim Young and Marine Brogger.

Sean Brown