2017 T-10- NAC Day 1 Summary
By Susan Backus Starr
2 races
2 general recalls
2 I flags
2 weather mark course changes
2 different race winners
ONE storm to talk about for years!
Race one started in 5 knots from the southeast with hazy skies and classic Lake Michigan rollers. Defending national champ, Ted Pinkerton, led wire to wire.
The wind increased a few knots for race two and continued to shift between 120 and 150 degrees. The 2014 and 2015 champions raced each other to the finish line. Don Wilson edged out Greg Kinney for the win.
As race two ended, storm clouds were brewing to the west. Anticipating rain, almost all donned foul weather gear. Anticipating a big breeze, a few dropped their mains. Soon more boats wished they had done both.
The first blast had lots of rain and a little wind. As the storm seemed to pass through, keener eyes observed water spouts closer to shore. (In what seemed like minutes) the system spun around and hit the fleet from the north. Rain, hail, zero visibility and wind...lots of wind. The Race Committee registered 67 knots!
All sailors have a bar story to tell for years. Only the MASH crew can say they lost their rig. Safely back onshore, everyone quickly recovered and enjoyed CCYC's hospitality.
Ron Kallen's M*A*S*H* dimasted when winds peaked at 67.3 knots
Ken Schram driving thru the storm with the crew below!