Race night Wed 11 Aug 2021

Only 3 boats showed for race night with very light winds but when we approached the start line the winds picked up to 12 kts or so and gave us a great couple of races. The odd configuration sent Carla in the wrong direction not once but twice with Ken in the steady lead. She caught him on a few legs but lost the challenge after a tough fight. Jean gave Liz her first intro to Cat sailing with smiles all around. They put in a competitive effort but the diminishing wind offered no breaks for the Hobie in the end and they were not able to finish the last race.

Results

1. Ken S  Race 1&2
2. Carla Race 1&2
3. Jean and Liz Race 1 and DNF Race 2

12 Mile Island Race Sat 14 Aug 2021

The morning started with promises of moderate winds WSW at 15 km. By start time for all 8 vessels, the rounding of 12 Mile Is. was going to be putting all of their sailing talents and skills to the test as the winds picked up from WSW 25-30 km.  The first of the sailboats set out with fair winds and hopes of glory, the Harry Adderley trophies for the taking and hopes of a stop at the Poutine Barge just up river. That’s what lured Leopol out with his mum Corinne in the Tasar. Until of course Corinne, in her eager bid to show Leopol how you sail in big wind, forgot the most important task on hand, PUTTING HER  FEET UNDER the hiking straps. Finding herself out of the boat and her son alone in the boat, Corinne’s attempt to not be totally left behind, discovered the hand grabs on the inside of the Tasar cockpit and hung on for dear life while being dragged alongside the sailboat for some distance. Round and round they went. Her desperate pleas to head up wind and un-cleat the Jib went unanswered as Leopol reminded her that he couldn’t with her demands by exclaiming “Mama my hands are much too sore, I can’t do that!.”  until finally Corinne found her way flopping onto the sailboat. A short trip was had as they eventually made their way back followed by another capsize pushed by winds of 25-35 kms that drove them to shore and Leopol again exclaiming “I cannot help you  Mama, my hands, Too Sore!!” Frank and Jean headed out in the Hobie 16, eager to finally get going, equipped with everything they needed for such a long arduous journey, including a full lunch spread prepared by Jean. Did I hear wine glasses clinking? NWN 30-44 km strong winds and driving waves forced the pair to turn back at the Marina, dashing any hopes of a beautiful lunch on board and trophy in hand. Steve set out in the “Farr 3.7” home built. Attempting to be Farr and away, Steve also made it as Farr as the Marina but decided that hanging off the trapeze wire with the winds now blowing a steady 30-35 kms with gusts and large waves that left him at times dangling and swinging off the wire like a puppet in a circus act wasn’t worth the long journey.  The other sailboats passing nearby did comment that he made trapezing look easy despite the winds.  He managed to stay upright all the way back and quite enjoyed the ride until the last minute, in front of a waiting crowd on shore, he proceeded to capsize while lifting his rudder. We enjoyed that for sure!. Devin rang the shore crew from an area still unknown further up river saying his large sail on his windsurfer type sailboat was too much for the conditions and decided to quit while he was ahead and turned around but not before informing us of Tom’s cruising in the Laser near the Quebec shore. Several capsizes later, we were informed by a nice guy on a SeaDoo that Tom needed rescuing. He was found doing his Blue Heron impersonation, wading along the sandy shore line in the  marshes looking for fish and any way out of not having to sail the Laser back. Cold and tired he was greeted with smiles by the rescue boat of Frank and Steve where he happily traded seats with Steve who sailed the Laser back. Glad you were OK Tom. Heidi, Zsombor and Csanad, sporting scant but fashionable swimsuits and life jackets, set out for their fun in the sun adventure in the Albacore. Armed with nothing but a jug of water and several granola bars, they reached the welcomed shores of Port of Call Marina. Half Frozen and in need of Poutine refuelling, they were found doing the lizard thing, baking on the rocks for 2 hours to absorb enough radiant heat to sustain them for the remainder of their trip around the Island. Returning in just over 7 hours and 5 mins, the crew likely set an all time record of the longest rounding. The rescue squad, AKA Frank, Jean and Steve were kept waiting for their safe return.  Frank, who was ready to leave hours beforehand, resorted to being a permanent fixture on his recliner beach chair yet again. Ken S. set out to have a leisurely fun sail in his laser but decided after the strong winds carried him practically to 12 Mile Island that he might as well just join the pursuit and continue in the hunt for that prized 1st place finish. Carla, the PRO, was convinced he had headed in the opposite direction and had likely gone to a pub somewhere to celebrate the nearing of the end of training season, when he failed to return after 2 and a half hours. After several death rolls and practice capsizes, Ken appeared unscathed to capture 2nd place.  That left the 8th vessel , the other Hobie 16, carrying Newlyweds Robert and Bianca, fighting for top spot on the leader board. Nearing the Island, the couple went searching for a secluded romantic spot to stay but left empty handed.  Armed with a competitive spirit, the newlyweds decided to head back to the KSC on a blistering fun, fast surf in a mere 2h 29 mins to capture 1st place.  Congrats!

Results

1. Robert and Bianca  1st place
2. Ken Skublics,  2nd place
3. Zsombor, Heidi and Csanad 3rd place
4. The rest:  survived!

Carla—KSC Sailing Director