Recap – Petenwell 2020
I was happy to get the call that CRAW had found a venue and racing in 2020 was commencing on Lake Mendota! When we arrived we were to find that Clay and Guy Selsmeyer had just beaten us and everyone else to the lake, it felt like it might be a harbinger of things to come. Indeed it was a lead they maintained till the end. Saturday had promised storms and it delivered on that promise. However we felt grateful that we had an open window at race time and Principle Race Officer Kurt Korte set a true course with the pin just off a high bluff. A bluff that seemed to create a geographic left shift which Daniel Hearn took advantage of by starting at the pin and crossing the fleet on port helping to earn two quick bullets. Randy and I had the lead one of those races but for not the first time failed to round the mark to port and were left with a DSQ (disqualified) woops. After the second race a couple boats looked at the weather and decided to seek shelter. I’m not sure why Clay didn’t heed the pain in his new titanium leg signifying a pressure drop and go in as well? Indeed it began to rain and the wind picked up, but it was great racing for those who endured a little warm rain and cold steel limbs. As it was to be the final racing of the weekend we felt fortunate to get them in.
Brian Hearn who just bought a wonderful mansard roofed Empire home on a great street in a neat, walkable neighborhood hosted a Saturday night pizza party for the recently dried sailors. We enjoyed a deck about the footprint of the house as he eyed his garage which appeared to be remodeled into a yoga studio. Ever the architect, he eyed it dreaming how to remodel it into a home he could move into when not off sailing the world. The whole “compound” and neighborhood seemed to invoke fun, whimsy and creativity, a special place indeed. Well done Brian and thank you for hosting Randy and I.
It felt great to get out and see everyone again. Ed Winders stopped by on Friday to check in with everyone and let us know he was well on this sickly year. I got to meet Kate and Matt who seem awfully keen on this magical sport, I hope they stay around to experience even a fraction of the fun the rest of us have enjoyed. I’d like to thank all those who helped pull this event off. Of the three+ clubs I sail at CRAW was the first one to get it together and invite me out! I hope everyone stays well and makes it through this time safely. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and getting back to Petenwell for only my second time. It’s a special venue as well, camping on a high bluff which becomes stadium seating for sunsets and races. A great beach and a restaurant with a packed Wisconsin Friday fish fry, everything you could hope for.
Sean Delany