Sooner or later wind predictions, like a stopped clock, will be accurate.
It was quite breezy when I went down to the harbor without beer, I was so confident I would not sail. Once on the boat, I wavered, thinking two years ago we would be going; two years ago we would have prepped by backing into the slip to guarantee we could get out if we wanted to. Before even then, I would accept Rob's offers to tow us out with his outboard. Sometime between those good old days and now I made a rule that if we couldn't power out of our slip, we flat out wouldn't go.
15 knots in the harbor meant 25 outside. Worth a try? A gust of 28 rolled Das Boot noticeably in her slip. We declined our date with destiny and adjourned to the bar to watch. We had lots of company.
It was quite breezy when I went down to the harbor without beer, I was so confident I would not sail. Once on the boat, I wavered, thinking two years ago we would be going; two years ago we would have prepped by backing into the slip to guarantee we could get out if we wanted to. Before even then, I would accept Rob's offers to tow us out with his outboard. Sometime between those good old days and now I made a rule that if we couldn't power out of our slip, we flat out wouldn't go.
15 knots in the harbor meant 25 outside. Worth a try? A gust of 28 rolled Das Boot noticeably in her slip. We declined our date with destiny and adjourned to the bar to watch. We had lots of company.
At 3PM yesterday, the Race Director emailed all skippers:
ReplyDeleteHello all, it is currently gusting into the high 20’s at the yacht club while just 10 minutes ago it was absolutely dead. The wind is very unpredictable this afternoon and the swell is large. Each competitor is reminded that you are solely responsible for making the choice for whether or not to go out in any given regatta. It is advised to always err on the side of caution. If you have any questions about the current conditions, please feel free to call or email me.
I've never seen that before.
I bet that is one fun place to be ... when you can't be on the water...
ReplyDeleteTeresa, it was actually painful for me, personally. Two years ago, I woulda shoulda coulda been out on those waters.
DeleteRacing paper boats across wide Margarita glasses is sometimes the better part of valor.
ReplyDeleteMai Tais, Panda!
DeleteYeah, 20 kts is fun, 25 is getting dicey, and 30 is survival sailing. Big difference between 20 and 30. I'm a big fan of 10-15 myself. If you spill your beer, how much fun is it?
ReplyDeleteYou showing up here, CT, has raised my spirits!
Delete