Petenwell Recap 2009

“Wind at 2 ……”

Thirteen boats participated in this year’s event, with an increase in the single-handed fleet. Welcome, Tom!

Saturday morning brought light and variable conditions. We waited at the start line for ninety minutes hoping for something to build. Nothing materialized. Back to the beach for a lunch break. As the local sailors predicted, the bay filled in enough to start racing at 2pm with light winds of 3 mph for the rest of the afternoon. Dave and Michelle ran off four races that each had a different winner.

Racers enjoyed a square starting line, square courses with equal winds on either corner of the course, and generally slower conditions in the middle. This setup really put a premium on getting a good starts and finding clean air quickly.

The evening festivities involved our fund-raiser raffle – thanks are due to our Barnum Bay hosts for allowing us to circulate amongst their patrons – and later, a great bonfire (thanks, Dale!). Winds also picked up considerably about 2 … (am – this time.)

Sunday morning was a repeat of the day before: morning thermals giving a hint of a breeze, but calm conditions prevailed by the 11am decision time. Races for the day were abandoned. So, the fleet set about packing for an early departure.

At the awards meeting the top three places went to skippers Chris Blake, Ed Winders (by tie-breaker, by managing to win a race in which he took a penalty for hitting a mark), and Mike Hill. Their Nacra 20’s were light air marvels.

Mike and his crew, Holly, were also heartily recognized for traveling the farthest to attend. Additional new CRAW members Carolyn T, and Todd(Tex) were also recognized.

Next up, Lake Mendota in two weeks.

Wally Schuette