Rock & Roll Recap 2014

This recap comes to us from two of our sailors, Eddie Hansen and Christopher Blake, who sailed together on F16 USA 233, finishing in fourth place overall…

Shifty Conditions 
Pinwheel effect on starboard tack 
Diamond wire on 33 
Cold air=harder puffs 
Average wind 7-15 mph–gusting to 18mph= 3 boats tipping 
West shore clear of trees 
Shifts south around 1:00 
Trim jib while mark-rounding ~ watching the leeward telltales for correct trim 
More wind on South and East side of lake 
Rotator on 1 and a half up, down loose 
Downhaul on 6-9 going up wind 
Recommended dry suit

Saturday was very cold, full foul weather gear on. Tipped over, thankful for dry suit!! Met some great sailors and learned a lot from Christopher. Sunday was much better sailing. Weather warmed up and was a beautiful day for sailing. Wind on Sunday wasn’t as strong as Saturday, but much warmer and very enjoyable. Saw some great sailing maneuvers and really enjoyed being a part of such a great group of people that were incredibly hospitable and very nice–see you soon! 
~~Eddie H. (age 12)

Eddie has done an excellent job journaling the Rock Lake regatta. I have suggested he make an entry after each event noting observed conditions and what he learned. He is serious about his schooling and will be a formidable competitor. Congratulations to JJ and Guy. They demonstrated how important it is to have your head out of the boat constantly looking for pressure and shifts which were abundant. The cold dense air can really pack a punch on a puff. Eddie experienced his first pitchpole on Saturday and a save Sunday when a shift and pressure hit just as the chute was raised. Blowing the chute and scrambling to the high side provided Andrew a photo of of Eddie’s “deer in the headlights” moment. A special thanks goes out to Dave and his entire race committee who ran an excellent event along with Judy who graciously opened her house to weekend guests. CRAW works because of the hard work and generosity of its members and should never be taken for granted. As CRAW members we are all blessed with this special extended family. 
~~Sincerely, Christopher Blake (age 62). –Eddie is LIGHT and I am SHIFTY

Chris Blake