Green Bay Recap 2014

Now into the heart of summer, the month of August brings with it family vacations, warmer weather, important holidays like National Left Hander’s Day, and for CRAW sailors, a month jam-packed with regattas. Our Green Bay event kicked off a four week stint in which some sailors will be hitting up regattas every single weekend.

The 42nd annual Windjammers regatta started off with a dismal forecast of what looked to be a two-day floater plus a chance of storms on Sunday. Our worries were confirmed when we woke up on Saturday to find that the air was cold and the wind was still. Lucky for us, however, Alyx was able to take advantage of the postponement to present the pre-registered boats with tshirts complete with a never before seen CRAW logo circa “1980 something.” Then after a bit more indecision we decided to head out and see what the day would bring.

Despite the light wind we really couldn’t have asked for better weather. Sunny and mid 70s meant I was happy just to be on the boat – even if it wasn’t going very fast. Fortunately the wind did end up filling in enough for us to get in five races. However it was clear on Saturday that because we are lake sailors, CRAW has developed a unique set of skills that don’t seem to come into play much anywhere else. There are few places where you can see sailors laying flat on their boats and whispering and still have it considered “racing.”

Sunday morning we were met with the all too familiar sight of more light air. But because Saturday had proven fruitful, and a light breeze was building just off shore, the sailors were lured onto the water. However, I soon learned that we had been fooled by a “suckers breeze” which resulted in 13 boats bobbing on a lake of glass. The opportunity called for a remake of a photo created a few years back where the boats lined up hull to hull to form a CRAW flotilla. It was thoroughly entertaining watching the sailors attempt to line up in the little wind that we had. There was some paddling, yelling, a few minor bumper boats but eventually we got the majority together long enough to take a few pictures. There was even some discussion about attempting the course in a single formation. Then right on cue, the wind picked up.

We ended up knocking out three more races in what turned out to be a great day for sailing. Even the rain was kind enough to hold off until we were back on shore. The wind picked up to over 10 knots at some points but then would drop down to around 6 at others which definitely kept things interesting. Despite the variable winds, consistency was the name of the game and there were very little changes in overall standings from the day before. In the end, Guy and JJ came out on top with Dale and Nick just four points behind in second. We’re still not sure yet what Dale’s secret is this season, Nick or the helmets.

The Wilcox’s may not be going on any family vacations any time soon, but for me, CRAW regattas are my family vacations. Green Bay was just another perfect example of that. We had kids of all ages playing with toys of all kinds, the moms making dinner, CRAW home videos, and what every family needs – the crazy uncle (and I think we all know who that is). Collectively, we came to CRAW for the sailing, but we keep coming back for the people. It’s a testament to that fact that this was the 42nd year CRAW traveled to Green Bay, and I hope to see that continue for many years to come.

Jenna Wilcox