153 replies to this topic

[FiveO]

It's only 8 weeks away to the best high performance dinghy event on the east coast.

Let's top last years record of 125 boats. http://www.hpdo.org/...te/Results.html

Register now at http://www.yachtscor...enu.cfm?eID=665

The first Irish entry is in.

[ortegakid]

This is for you Big D!

[eliboat]

The breeze last year certainly wouldn't have been good for Big D. Hopefully that will be different this year

[cantp1]

I'm so there! Already registered!!!
49er ACC's!

[Grump]

Fireball US National. I'm in

[Big D]

TACO (Texas Association of Canoe Owners) will be represented by AC209. Let it blow.

[FiveO]

The breeze last year certainly wouldn't have been good for Big D. Hopefully that will be different this year

The breeze is different every year but the chamaraderie gets better! See you there.

[Bowgirl]

We've got some new new-comers this year, too - The VX One (subject to confirmation of PY rating) http://vxonedesignracing.com


Weather is the variable that we cannot control. Good times, however, as FiveO indicates, are guaranteed. Get ±250 sailors, all interested in performance boats/racing and it's a recipe for a good time and lots of boat talk.


http://www.yachtscor...enu.cfm?eID=665 is the registration page, and early-registration discounts are in effect until September 1st.

[FiveO]

We've got some new new-comers this year, too - The VX One (subject to confirmation of PY rating) http://vxonedesignracing.com

VX looks like a cross between K6 & Viper? PY rating should be somewhere near K6 unless it's much heavier.

What about 470s? They are free of Olympics for a while and surely need some fun!

[wpbeardsley]

PY number for a VX should be a lot closer to a Viper than to a K6. The few times we've been able to get Vipers near K6s over the past 12 months in WLIS the Viper is significantly faster than the K6. Only aware of a couple of instances where the VX and Viper have been together but the performance isn't quite as pronounced as the Viper/K6 difference (though Viper still seems to be faster). Next issue is thinking about the actual PY ratings for these boats since they aren't raced PY very often. We have one Viper PY opportunity each year in WLIS, and it is vs. leadmines (not at the HPDO where we race one design) -- vs. Etchells, Shields, IODs, S-Boats. Depends a bit on the conditions, but in any case, either the Viper PY rating needs to be slightly slower or the Etchells PY rating needs to be slightly faster. Unclear which is the case, though 3 mile beats to windward on races around government marks in 15 kts of wind are obviously going to make an Etchells look good -- still haven't had "the perfect Viper government mark race" -- i.e., a broad triangle with two legs of planing reaches where we can massively extend. In any case, HPDO is an interesting exercise for PY each year, and I hope you guys are submitting the results to US Sailing's PY committee so they can look at the numbers and update the data as needed over time.

[Bowgirl]

Data does get submitted.

Just a reminder that the early-bird discount expires 1st September. That's less than 2 weeks away.
http://www.yachtscor...enu.cfm?eID=665

[FiveO]

Five-0
The 470's have the HPDO on their radar as a ACC event. At Nationals there was discussions of how many boats would attend. So you might see some this year.

Excellent news!! Join the other classes using the HPDO as their Championship venue. Or, if the ACC does not come off, join in the PY fleet start.

Great news from the 470s post.

[Bowgirl]

Only 7 days until the Early bird Discount ends ... Sept 1st. Register now. http://www.yachtscor...enu.cfm?eID=665

That deadline is also the deadline if you want to be billeted by a member of the Host Club. If you have registered, paid, and made the request by Sept 1st, we'll hook you up!


While you're at it, give us a LIKE on Facebook! It's a fast and easy way to stay up to date. https://www.facebook.com/HeinekenHPDO

[FiveO]

Only 2 505s registered!!
Come on guys I know lots of you plan on coming. Help the organizers and register now.
Message applies to all the othe classes as well.
Looking forard to another great weekend of sailing. See you all there.

[fastyacht]

Only 2 505s registered!!
Come on guys I know lots of you plan on coming. Help the organizers and register now.
Message applies to all the othe classes as well.
Looking forard to another great weekend of sailing. See you all there.

OK, ok!

[Grump]

Only 2 505s registered!!
Come on guys I know lots of you plan on coming. Help the organizers and register now.
Message applies to all the othe classes as well.
Looking forard to another great weekend of sailing. See you all there.

[Grump]

That's 100% more than the current number of Fireballs. Get on it folks!

[Reht]

The Vipers seem to be on the ball, and the Tempest sailors are all ready too (3 already registered and there were only 4 racing last year). I'll register once I know I'll have this cast off and be fit to race that weekend.

[sailwriter]

Do you need the "Ramp Guy" again this year?
And Rescue Helper?
I have a probable boat transport gig that will pay most of the gasoline from Florida, if interested in this volunteer.
Dave Ellis

[Reht]

Do you need the "Ramp Guy" again this year?
And Rescue Helper?
I have a probable boat transport gig that will pay most of the gasoline from Florida, if interested in this volunteer.
Dave Ellis

Why don't you come sail?

[sailwriter]

Thought about it. I sail a Raider Turbo.
Rates faster than a Contender. Upwind in a serious blow the Contender with trapeze is faster.
Off the wind I have the Asy spin.
But the rated 89.1 is not low (fast) enough for the HPDO NOR requirement.
Even thought about just letting them assign me the highest legal number.
Also, the Raider is faster with crew in anything above 10 kts of wind.
Finding a crew 1300 miles from home would be problematic.
Could put the 470 on the roof and pull the Raider.
Hmmmmm.
Dave Ellis

[kmccabe]

You've been a great help to the regatta Dave... I'd prefer to see you sail...(besides I'm dying to see your Raider).

[ortegakid]

If sailwriter is going to be there, y'all better attend!, You can learn so much just watching him sail! Wish I could be there, we'll see!

[cantp1]

The Vipers seem to be on the ball, and the Tempest sailors are all ready too (3 already registered and there were only 4 racing last year). I'll register once I know I'll have this cast off and be fit to race that weekend.

Tony, race with or without the cast!!!

[Bowgirl]

Sailwriter, you are welcome in whatever capacity you choose. I may have to console Tom Y., but he'll get over it, should you choose to race.

EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT ENDS TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT


Many thanks to all who registered over the past 2-3 days. You've kept my inbox full.

[Crump's Brother]

Thought about it. I sail a Raider Turbo.
Rates faster than a Contender. Upwind in a serious blow the Contender with trapeze is faster.
Off the wind I have the Asy spin.
But the rated 89.1 is not low (fast) enough for the HPDO NOR requirement.
Even thought about just letting them assign me the highest legal number.
Also, the Raider is faster with crew in anything above 10 kts of wind.
Finding a crew 1300 miles from home would be problematic.
Could put the 470 on the roof and pull the Raider.
Hmmmmm.
Dave Ellis

Go for it Dave!! I know you can sail th Turbo to an 87. You taught us all a lesson in Texas, Now its time to head up north and do the same.

KB

[Bowgirl]

Three hours 12 minutes until the early discount ends ... thereafter, add $40 per entry.

http://www.yachtscor...enu.cfm?eID=665

[sailwriter]

HPDO crew needed.
100 - 150 pounds
Some experience with jib, assymetrical spinnaker
Hiking, no trapeze
Both days, October 6/7.
Raider Turbo is a relatively stable dinghy. Downright comfortable compared to most.
Positive attitude more important than vast racing experience.
Dave Ellis
Tampa Bay, Florida

[sailwriter]

Got a crew.
Ready for a great weekend of sailing.
Dave Ellis

[GBR1100]

Well, I am on board. just got to arrange flights. woop woop.

[Bowgirl]

Excellent news for both SailWriter and GBR1100!

[cantp1]

Only 3 weeks to go! Can't wait!!!

[Bowgirl]

Only 3 weeks to go! Can't wait!!!

Don't remind me! Do you know how much there is still to be done?! I only need about 30 more beds, shirts need to be ordered .... and it's going to be awesome!

Please do not wait until 5th Oct to register. http://yachtscoring....enu.cfm?eID=665

It's either on your calendar or it's not - and by now you know the answer to that question so just click it. Get it over with, off your to-do list, and help to reduce the Event Chair's stress levels (!). http://yachtscoring....enu.cfm?eID=665

It's truly a great regatta with over 200 amazing sailors and fast boats every year.




And while you're at it, why not put it on next year's calendar already? It will be the Tenth Anniversary ....

[John D]

Excellent news for both SailWriter and GBR1100!

How are they going to manage the language barrier

[kmccabe]

GBR 1100 bailed he decided to sail a boat across the Atlantic...

Need a driver.

[Grump]

@Kevin - we could get you a Fireball!

[kmccabe]

I'm a bit big for 'Balling - Got a driver now.

[eliboat]

Would a Contender be able to race in the Portsmouth fleet?

[kmccabe]

Yes, a Contender can race in Portsmouth - her Bowness approves.

[eliboat]

Nice, I think a friend of mine will be making it down with me then with his Contender in tow.

[Bowgirl]

Nice, I think a friend of mine will be making it down with me then with his Contender in tow.

Excellent! Contenders have come and gone over the years and are always welcome/welcome back.

And it has nothing to do with my "approval" - the Contender's PY rating is within the range dicated by the NOR so they're in.

[Reht]

The Toronto contender fleet doesn't want to race (been making excuses all summer not to go to regattas outside TO). Next year I'm putting my foot down with them and insisting they travel more. they're a cool boat to race with.

[Bowgirl]

Hey gang,

Anyone know anyone who wants to crew? I have a possible cancellation due to inability to find crew on a multi-hull.

Anyone?

Please note, no guarantee implied or intended - I'm just doing some preliminary leg-work to see if I can salvage his weekend. He may kaibosh it.


ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, WE'RE PREPPING TO HAND OUT AWARDS AND IT'S ALL OVER UNTIL NEXT YEAR. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!
Registrations on YachtScoring at: http://www.yachtscor...enu.cfm?eID=665

[Reht]

I hope an order for wind and warm was put in well ahead of time. Regardless, I can't wait, this week will be a quick one. See you all in a few days!

[Bowgirl]

Hey gang,

Anyone know anyone who wants to crew? I have a possible cancellation due to inability to find crew on a multi-hull.

Anyone?

Please note, no guarantee implied or intended - I'm just doing some preliminary leg-work to see if I can salvage his weekend. He may kaibosh it.

RESOLVED - They're in!

[Sail_FAU]

Hey guys,

I'm probably going to be down to AYC Friday morning/afternoon to re-assemble our F18 after the journey back from Long Beach. If there is time I would love to give an IC or I14 a go. Sailed a moth and 49er, but also wouldn't mind getting out on either of those again! Let me know, can probably trade an F18 ride.

-Jeff

[RumLine]

Did the VX One drop out? Saw one or two on the entry list a few weeks ago, but don't see them on the scratch sheet.

[Bowgirl]

The two VX Ones did drop out. I don't know for sure, but I know one of them is the rep, and our weekend always coincides with the Annapolis Boat Show so a lot of guys who would love to race, can't. It's a hazard of both the job and event management - can't find a weekend that's good for everyone.

So ... did anyone else notice that the Vipers topped 30?! Holy smokes. And the 49ers have almost doubled their participation of last year, holding their ACCs at the HPDO again this year. The F-18s are coming up fast, too, in registrations.

The Fireballs are hosting their US Nationals and we have 10 entries of which 3 are US boats ... I'd say that secures 1st, 2nd and 3rd! Really? All the Fireballs are in Canada?

FDs are down this year - to be expected - they were out on the other coast (Santa Cruz) for their Worlds which ended on the 30th - they haven't had time to get their boats back to this coast.

So, it's shaping up to be another banner year!

See you all in just a couple of days.

[Grump]

Supposed to be 2 or 3 more CAN Fireballs from Ottawa and Montreal. I guess they didn't get the memo about register early, billets and make the organizer's life easier..... Sorry Bowgirl

[MR.CLEAN]

we'd love a report and some pics Carina of the best regatta in the NE!

[RumLine]

Sucks about the VX One, was looking forward to checking that out in person. I'll try to get some shots from the drysail area and the water

[kmccabe]

Sailing World is covering it again. .. ..

[ortegakid]

Hope all the IC/DC's show up, I know The only AC will be there! Go Big Dave!

[Reht]

I just realized (in reading the SIs) that as much as I was giving the contender guys shit about not showing up, they actually don't meet the required D-PN.

In other news, there should be some interesting boats down there. I count a tri foiler, a 49erFX and an AC. What happened to all the other canoes we saw last year?

And 110 boats and counting! Amazing job Carina, it's going to be an amazing regatta.

See you all in under 48 hours!

[kmccabe]

What happened to the merry traveling Clarks?

[Reht]

I heard (read?) rumour that they were going to show up, but that was a while ago. Maybe they changed their mind (and I know you guys are reading this, shame on you for not pre-registering, even more shame if you don't show up)...

[kmccabe]

I heard (read?) rumour that they were going to show up, but that was a while ago. Maybe they changed their mind (and I know you guys are reading this, shame on you for not pre-registering, even more shame if you don't show up)...

Is your dad sailing with Dave?

[Reht]

You got it. I was told off after not sailing my 49er last year, and Dave enjoyed it so much last year he wanted to do it again.

[kmccabe]

You got it. I was told off after not sailing my 49er last year, and Dave enjoyed it so much last year he wanted to do it again.

next year, I'll make sure there's another Tempest available for your use..

[Reht]

As long as I have my 49er I don't think I'd get away with that. I would love to race a tempest in a fleet and breeze though...

[eliboat]

3 clark IC's, My Ic, I think two others from Mass, should make 7 with Dave coming up from texas. Hopefully one or two more make it out of the woodwork...

[DaveK]

Go Big Dave!!! We be rooting for YOU!!

[kmccabe]

Just splashed the Tempest and saw an asymmetrical kite canoe... with Texas all over its bow. I wonder who that could be?

[ortegakid]

Good stuff, watch out for that guy, he is good!, 'specially down wind!

Attached Files

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[kmccabe]

what lake is that? I love it.

[taobsu]

Good stuff, watch out for that guy, he is good!, 'specially down wind!

How many AC in North America?

[Big D]

Fixing to be 2 in Texas. Yeehaa. None anywhere else in the country.

[Bowgirl]

I just realized (in reading the SIs) that as much as I was giving the contender guys shit about not showing up, they actually don't meet the required D-PN.

In other news, there should be some interesting boats down there. I count a tri foiler, a 49erFX and an AC. What happened to all the other canoes we saw last year?

And 110 boats and counting! Amazing job Carina, it's going to be an amazing regatta.

See you all in under 48 hours!

There is also, in the NOR, provision for "Invited Classes". The Contenders have, in past, been one of the Invited Classes.

The other canoes (the Clark Clan) typically show up and register on the weekend of. Stealth LOL

Amazing weekend ... but chilly - supposed to be 59F on Sunday - I've asked the boat-bit suppliers to come stocked with Wet Suits, Hats, Gloves, etc - anything good for cooler weather in case someone needs.
The "local" suppliers are too far of a drive away (I really don't understand that - seems to me like a captive market - but that's a discussion for another time)


ALL - Please come and introduce yourself to me - I'm a helluva lot easier to find, than me trying to find each of you out in the crowds. If you need to reach me, my phone number is out there in any of the number of emails I've sent to competitors. And if you've introduced yourself in the past 5 years - please come do it again - I only see you once a year and I do tend to forget names.

WOOHOO ... 10hr 50min until the table opens for Check In!!

[RumLine]

[John K]

5 IC's + 1 AC by my count. Pre-registration is not a stength in the fleet. Team Annapolis is not expected to make it this year.

See you all tomorrow.

Any word on the forecast? Sailflow does not seem to be in sync with the general forecst with light winds on Sunday.

Thanks

JK

[DaveK]

Fixing to be 2 in Texas. Yeehaa. None anywhere else in the country.

Hope ya do well!!!!

[Blackjack2]

Would a Contender be able to race in the Portsmouth fleet?

Would the Contender in Portsmouth then rate at 86.6 or.......... 90.1(the current USSA D PN number)
Thanks Jack

[Bowgirl]

Would the Contender in Portsmouth then rate at 86.6 or.......... 90.1(the current USSA D PN number)
Thanks Jack

Hi Jack - Contender would rate at its own PY rating. (90.1)
Is that you, the one that registered this evening? (if it was, thanks for the head's up on my omission on the form!)

[kmccabe]

This regatta is awesome. Great to see the boats and the people who love them.

[Bowgirl]

we'd love a report and some pics Carina of the best regatta in the NE!

I'm uploading pics to a public album on my FB - you don't need to be my friend to view them.
Onshore photos only (Photoboat will have the on-water shots) http://www.facebook....=1&l=2971c9a1c0

The energy at the club is tangible and the wind gods have smiled upon us this year. I couldn't ask for anything more than Mother Nature's cooperation like that.
I can't wait to hear the stories from everyone as they come in.
I'm pretty certain there were some spectacular wipe-outs out there, if the launching off the ramp was anything to go by.

And ... Canadian flags everywhere! Anecdotally, one of them shared the story that their border guard/inspector commented on how many boats were heading south on Friday. Wow - so many that the border guys notice! THE HPDO ROCKS !!

And a Spanish flag, and a Brazilian flag ... man those 49ers get around.

Loving this weekend!

[ortegakid]

So freakin awesome!, surely makes me envious, will make sure to come next year, with my new to usa AC!

Keep up the good work, and more pix!

[DaveK]

Yea!! On my way over to facebook!!

[DaveK]

The pics don't give credit to how windy it was. I see on windmapper that it was gusting to mid to upper 20's.

[kmccabe]

yup it was - the Mighty T dealt with it better than her crew. I've got muscle cramps all over the place. In words of two syllables... awe some. Downwind in that windspeed with the new bigger kite on the mighty T was an experience I have until now only dreamed of.

So many boats I just love this regatta.

[Big D]

Got interviewed by Sailing World. Got to fly Big Tex. Was given a new pullover by BowGirl. Life is very good. So much for light air. Later. DG

[kmccabe]

yea, so much for the forecast.. I'd really love to see some of the stuff on that helmet cam of yours from yesterday.

[Bowgirl]

The pics don't give credit to how windy it was. I see on windmapper that it was gusting to mid to upper 20's.

It was indeed. You should have seen the grins on these guys as they were hauling their boats out. Smiling through the pain, for many, but the Wind Goddess, she delivered the goods.

We had a number of boats towed in, and this was certainly a year where the Safety and Rescue team showed themselves. They were kept busy, even if it was just to standby while the boats righted themselves, they were "on" all day. As event organiser, I'm pleased with the communication that went on behind the scenes. In one case, the on-water guys were busy on the radio for one rescue, and the PRO grabbed the phone, called me so I could coordinate from shore to a.) be ready when they arrived in case of fatigue/hypothermia and b.) get 2 experienced members of their fleet on a RIB to go out and possibly sail the boat back in. Worked like clockwork. They got out there, they weren't needed, but there was no time lost had it been a necessity.

Again, I'm really proud, pleased, with the way things worked yesterday.

EXCEPT for the sailors I had to nag on at Dinner because they hadn't checked back in to the Safety Board. That meant they could have been floating around the sound for 1½ hours, now dark, and no one would know. Read them the riot act. Our S&R guys are very careful to be the last boats in, but ... if someone's drifted a good ways away and is turtled ... who would know. I really can't impress strongly enough how important the Safety check-in is to us. We want everyone to have fun and everyone to come back - not just back to the regatta, but back to shore after the day's racing.

Yes, I possibly take this to an extreme, but I honestly don't want to know what happens when someone goes missing. Not ever.

More racing and smiling faces today - and I even get to go out and watch! YIPPEE

[Bowgirl]

and of course, I thank my wonderful and beloved husband.. the most wonderful man in the world.

[Bowgirl]

and of course, I thank my wonderful and beloved husband.. the most wonderful man in the world.

Indeed ... the man who wouldn't think twice about sitting at my computer and posting as me ...

[kmccabe]

I feel so maligned...

[Crump's Brother]

Results?
Stories?
Legends made?

KB

[kmccabe]

Lots
Tons
Yea, that too.
You should have been there...

[fastyacht]

The pics don't give credit to how windy it was. I see on windmapper that it was gusting to mid to upper 20's.

Station 44022 - Execution Rocks

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•  Execution Rocks Sat Wind.png   23.46K   68 downloads

[Reht]

Thank you once again to Bowgirl and all the people who worked behind the scenes to get the regatta off without a hitch despite the breeze on conditions from the get-go. I unfortunately didn't get very far, but I did start the first race (that must count for something).

Amazing again to see the variety of boats and how everyone handled the conditions, there are so many boats there that I want to try that I can't count them (I really just want to try all of them).

I look forward to next year and screaming around the sound once again!

[fastyacht]

Thank you once again to Bowgirl and all the people who worked behind the scenes to get the regatta off without a hitch despite the breeze on conditions from the get-go. I unfortunately didn't get very far, but I did start the first race (that must count for something).

Amazing again to see the variety of boats and how everyone handled the conditions, there are so many boats there that I want to try that I can't count them (I really just want to try all of them).

I look forward to next year and screaming around the sound once again!

What were you sailing?

[SailHigh]

how about that great orange circle RC? fantastic job

[MR.CLEAN]

Lemme know when Photoboat's pics are up please!

[Bowgirl]

Lemme know when Photoboat's pics are up please!

They're up.
http://www.photo-boat.com/heineken-hpdo.html

[Reht]

Thank you once again to Bowgirl and all the people who worked behind the scenes to get the regatta off without a hitch despite the breeze on conditions from the get-go. I unfortunately didn't get very far, but I did start the first race (that must count for something).

Amazing again to see the variety of boats and how everyone handled the conditions, there are so many boats there that I want to try that I can't count them (I really just want to try all of them).

I look forward to next year and screaming around the sound once again!

What were you sailing?

My 49er, which we managed to crack the wing on as we crossed the start line of the first race...

[Bowgirl]

Reht, thank you again for the assist on Sunday. You and your friends were awesome help and great company.
BTW - I heard from the owner that the grrrrr was "not new"

[Bowgirl]

There should be something on the Front Page today. I have it on good authority that there is a Front Page and that sometimes it even reports quality stuff.
It even has its own web address .... www.sailinganarchy.com ...who'd've guessed!

[Reht]

Reht, thank you again for the assist on Sunday. You and your friends were awesome help and great company.
BTW - I heard from the owner that the grrrrr was "not new"

Any time (I'm not sailing)! I had a good time, and it certainly seems they enjoyed it too.
What grrr? Though it's nice to know we didn't do anything untoward...

[Bowgirl]

Reht, thank you again for the assist on Sunday. You and your friends were awesome help and great company.
BTW - I heard from the owner that the grrrrr was "not new"

Any time (I'm not sailing)! I had a good time, and it certainly seems they enjoyed it too.
What grrr? Though it's nice to know we didn't do anything untoward...

I didn't hear anything. I thought you said you had. Well, if I didn't hear it, and you didn't hear it ... tree falling in the woods syndrome?

[RumLine]

The pics don't give credit to how windy it was. I see on windmapper that it was gusting to mid to upper 20's.

It was indeed. You should have seen the grins on these guys as they were hauling their boats out. Smiling through the pain, for many, but the Wind Goddess, she delivered the goods.

We had a number of boats towed in, and this was certainly a year where the Safety and Rescue team showed themselves. They were kept busy, even if it was just to standby while the boats righted themselves, they were "on" all day. As event organiser, I'm pleased with the communication that went on behind the scenes. In one case, the on-water guys were busy on the radio for one rescue, and the PRO grabbed the phone, called me so I could coordinate from shore to a.) be ready when they arrived in case of fatigue/hypothermia and b.) get 2 experienced members of their fleet on a RIB to go out and possibly sail the boat back in. Worked like clockwork. They got out there, they weren't needed, but there was no time lost had it been a necessity.

Again, I'm really proud, pleased, with the way things worked yesterday.

EXCEPT for the sailors I had to nag on at Dinner because they hadn't checked back in to the Safety Board. That meant they could have been floating around the sound for 1½ hours, now dark, and no one would know. Read them the riot act. Our S&R guys are very careful to be the last boats in, but ... if someone's drifted a good ways away and is turtled ... who would know. I really can't impress strongly enough how important the Safety check-in is to us. We want everyone to have fun and everyone to come back - not just back to the regatta, but back to shore after the day's racing.

Yes, I possibly take this to an extreme, but I honestly don't want to know what happens when someone goes missing. Not ever.

More racing and smiling faces today - and I even get to go out and watch! YIPPEE

Bowgirl - Thank you for running such a great event! Spent both days on S&R for the Orange course and had a blast. We had a bunch of interesting experiences:

• F18 flying a hull over the bow of our rib while we were the gate boat for the 505s. Had a good laugh with the F18 guy about it at the bar afterwards.
• Watching a Viper broach, then turtle with the chute up, with no way to stop it. And then righting it afterwards...definitely an enlightening experience.
• Helping the 49er FX girls at the end of the day, and seeing just how tough those ladies are. The boat kept capsizing because of the breeze, but they kept righting it and trying to sail. Got them towed in and safe, but they had smiles on their faces the entire ride in.

I know I promised pictures, I did bring my camera and tried to break it out, but failed miserably. I got there early on Saturday to walk through the parking lot, but had so much fun checking out the boats that I forgot my camera was in my pocket. It kind of reminded me of walking through shakedown street at a music festival, people everywhere doing their own thing, some funky smells, and lots of good and funny conversation. On the water, we were busy and wet and my camera prefers to stay dry...I already know what I'm buying myself for Christmas.

Everyone should put this on their calendar for next year...no excuses.

[mustang__1]

great regatta. can't wait to go back next year.