by Pam
 |
| Getting under the boom when tacking was a challenge! |
This past weekend Doug and I
sailed in a small regatta at the Dallas club which is always a
special experience for Doug when he returns to sail in their open regattas.
First of all, the Laser fleet that sailed was
excellent. Small fleet, new blood, really good group of sailors and they had to
work extra hard to stay on the course because it was a breezy weekend with gusts
near 30 mph. It was so windy that a young 4.7 sailor took second place while a full
rig or two had some swimming lessons.
Second of all, although we sailed
on the same course with the Lasers, we opted to sail Sunfish instead. The local
Fish fleets have top notch competition and Doug was on the receiving end of
sailing with sailors more talented than himself. I hiked for all I was worth
and am proud to say I didn't tip once. I even stayed on the course with gusts
to 28 mph and I swear one hit the minute I turned downwind to come in for lunch.
I was launched, bow 3 feet in the air, a wall of water spraying out the back on
both sides and as I neared the docks I was coming in hot and hollered for Doug
to catch me. After a couple of unplanned gybes, I rounded up two feet from the
docks as Doug jumped in to grab me. Back on the docks catching my breath, the
kid I me said 'holy crap that was fun, let's do it again' and the old lady in
me said 'ouch, I'm done.'
After lunch, I abandoned my boat
and joined Doug on his boat and Greg Gust schooled us on the art of balance. Two
people hiking like heck and Greg goes by us, sitting up, not hiking, and probably
even had the main cleated. Doug couldn't believe his eyes. Our tacks were pure
entertainment. I watched Doug slide back and press his face to the deck as he
switched sides and got to laughing so hard I almost didn't make it across. I had to quit watching after that. We learned that Doug has never chicken
gybed in his life and hadn't a clue how as we came to a dead stop at the lower
mark.
Afterward, Greg was more than
willing to share information on the art of getting the boat balanced so that it
wasn't so much work. Doug missed his Laser. I loved watching him be challenged
and puzzled. I think the Fish has something to teach us and the Fish sailors are wonderful. We'll be sailing it
more this year. I'm betting it will make Doug a better Laser sailor.
Shout out to young Laser sailor, Caleb and his
parents. Awesome job! Keep it up.
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