Attempt at Race 2.1
photos by Janice Ryder, Mike Sharkey, Dave Nickels
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"Oh ye of little faith!" (or words to that effect) cried PRO, Bruce Nowak, as we stared with disbelief at the glassy waters in front of the club , for Bruce had just announced that we would race in half an hour, start around 6 PM?? "There's a lovely breeze on the far side of ...

... Eagle Point" Bruce continued, " and we'll have a short race there!" Full marks to Bruce for his enthusiasm and willingness to put in an effort above and beyond the call of duty. Too bad that the wind was not equally willing to go that extra mile! By the time Larry and I rounded Eagle Point, mark #1 had been relocated (see chart above), an offset mark added, and a course of 1-offset-5-finish posted. Unfortunately, the setting sun had convinced the winds it was nap time, and our starts got underway in what could at best be described as fitful breezes. After about half an hour, most of the Interlake fleet had rounded #1 and Dave Nickels and Shannon Shanks were run-away leaders in the Rebel fleet, with Kevin and Ryan lying 2nd and Al and Larry's 3rd being threatened by Mike and Riley Smith who were coming up so fast that we checked for weeds. It was pretty unsatisfying sailing though, and getting calmer every minute, to the point where the abandonment signal was greeted with universal cheers - even from those who were winning! No one actually got any pics of the racing but I expect that this was no great loss!
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In the golden glow of the setting sun, there were some lovely shots taken after the race, however.
Here, Dave Nickels has captured the fun of getting a tow home from the RC raft.
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It was all very peaceful - except perhaps for Joe's galley slave, Brian, who is once again pressed into service so that W1115 won't miss the tow! (Reminds me of the good news/bad news joke where the bad news is that, after lunch, the captain wants to go water skiing, or perhaps the old book titles jokes such as ...
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... The Rush to the Outhouse by Will E. Makit)
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As the tow reaches home, the ...
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... golden glow increases.
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Here was one instance where being late for the race was a virtue that was indeed its own reward:
Mike Austerberry and Todd Pascoe (W2951) were among the first to get back.
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Always up for a bit of healthy exercise, Neil Robb (4162) paddled all the way back and would have beaten the tow ...
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... had it not been for Bob Puckey trying to cut too close to Eagle Point and running R4162 aground.
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Dave keeps a careful eye on things as Shannon is about to cast off from the tow.
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Any later and we would have needed running lights!
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Uh, Riley! When you get to steer, you need to watch where you're going!
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Sheri gets to steer Tailhook while Brook supplies the power.
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Steve Aspery and Mike McClinchie (r): Good thing Mike didn't have to paddle like this all ...
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... the way in from the course! Gail follows in her Sunfish, making sure the board is well raised.
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Neil Robb: a long paddle in from the course and he's not even breathing hard! What a guy!!
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Mike Anspach finishes putting W4271 to bed.

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