Plus, the weather at SSC somehow turns out good on Wednesday nights no matter what it has been doing all day in town. I will also provide FREE BEER! So make the trip down This week to the Wednesday Night Windsurfing Races. We always have fun.
Last week we had Barbara competing in Sweden so she gets a pass. Where were the rest of you? It had been storming some last week but as usual, it cleared for the evening races. Unfortunately, we only had three racers. Hauk showed up with his newly repaired centerboard gasket. It was stiff to get through at first but once on the water it loosened up and was easier to use. Hauk did well for being out of practice. Joe and Rene were the other competitors. I ran the races with Peter and Dave.
The first race was out to 6, up to 8, and back. We specifically wanted them to run the channel because the tide was going out and the wind was creating this wild looking chop in the channel. It looked like waves crashing on a reef. So naturally we wanted to see what windsurfers sailing on it would look like. I'm sure they didn't mind. The wind was kind of weird last week blowing more from the north so we made the first race start crossing north and then turning out to six. Joe made it across the line first to lead the pack. They tacked their way up to 6. Hauk seemed to be going way out. I'm sure he was just trying to get back into race form. They made their way down the channel. Joe was leading the whole way. Rene had decided to go the far side of the channel to avoid the friendly chop. Hauk was not far behind. They all survived the channel and made their way back to the finish line.
The second race was over to Hell's Gate and back twice. We decided to have a downwind start. They all did well not getting blown over early. Rene said something about his boom being set at the height of a small child. Evidently it slipped. He will do anything not to be sent to Hell's Gate. Joe and Hauk did well as they made two circuits around the course. Rene, not so much.
The third race was to pick the nearest crab trap (racers' choice) and back twice. Start however you choose. This was a free for all. The racers could start upwind or downwind. So if you were over early you just reverse direction and say you were starting the other way. Hauk was off to a great start. He went to nearby trap. Joe, not far behind, went to a different nearby crab trap. On the first lap Hauk had the lead. Joe started closing the distance but Hauk was able to keep the win.
Here are the Kona Results:
1st Joe M (blue sail)
2nd Hauk W (green sail)
3rd Rene B (green sail)
So, make plans to show up this week for the Wednesday Night Windsurfing Races 8-9-17. There will be plenty of free beer and good times. I hope to see you there.
Cheers,
Tom the Windsurfer Dude