Spring is the hardest time for me to sail because unless I've been sailing all winter I'm out of practice and the winds are more likely than not to be strong, gusty and still a bit cool.
We've had not so great weather the past day, very windy- above 20kts, and cloudy. A front passed through overnight bringing north winds. The forecast yesterday was for 10-15 out of the NW. Now it's for a west wind.
That is the hardest case to handle for the RC, I think. (I could be wrong) It is because it's not supposed to happen much. Like an east wind it takes the starts away from the beach club. finishes are still there, but with the winds being blocked by the near by ashore, it makes finishing interesting. More like real lake sailing.
The other pointis that lows are not often positioned directly to the north. Well, it seem that's what we may have today. I can recall other times, too. It will mean a run downwind to the start and a beat home afterwards. Not what one would call a comfortable way home, but it's better than not sailing.
The other concern is the lake levels. When north winds come through the lake empties. We've had a very low level in the lake on April 2, but we're heading for the spring tide, and the water levels look to be higher.
Get out the boat! It's time to sail!
Posted by Bob at April 6, 2005 10:13 AM