TESOD Series off to exciting start – 5/11

A small but brave group of sailors showed up despite the windy rainy weather predictions…

By the time the RC headed out to the course, the rain showers had stopped, easterly winds had picked up to a gusty 20 knots and Severn River had kicked up some good incoming waves for the Lasers and Johnson 18 participants to play in. Not so perfect conditions for the Race Committee or some of the more fair weathered fleets and sailors, but the sailors did not seem to mind and had a great night sailing at least 5 races to return back to the dock for HOT Dark N’ Stormies.

The evening made for some interesting spectating with breakdowns, Dr. Crash potentials, and recoveries - broken masts (going upwind!), death rolls, sailors and equipment separated by their boats and interesting prestart collision-capsize-entanglement. But, Rob Murphy’s Johnson 18 came out unscathed and got tactical on using their roller furling jib to control the conditions. The undaunted remaining 7 Lasers made the last race and some even stayed out for some screamin’ blast reaches.

The bumpy ride SSA rib with Nan stayed busy, therefore warm on safety boat and recovery duty and let the RC of PRO John Quay, Doug Palmer keep warm and dry in the new Parker cabin house. The team worked great together to communicate potential sailors in trouble and gave Karen Long’s friend a great show.

The SSA lot was a buzz after racing as well with some of the SSA Masters (12) packing up trailers to head down to Charleston, NC for the Masters National Championship this weekend May 14-16. Follow their progress on link from Laser site http://www.laser.org/index.php?option=com_helios&view=ShowEvent&eID=1295.

So just when you think you can put your drysuit in storage, the Annapolis Spring weather challenges the bravest with Gavin O’Hare even sportin’ surf shorts. Brrrrrr

Lasers 12
Johnson 18 1
Total 13

Next Week we hope to see ALL the fleets out on the water with sunny skies 8-15knots (you can only hope) – First Gun at 6pm

We are still looking for volunteer RC help so contact Nan at office@severnsailing.org if you can help out at least one night.