Yesterday was the first day of Raritan Yacht Club's big annual regatta, the Red Grant. There were over 70 boats competing in 4 PHRF classes, 2 one-designs (J24 and Soverels) and a cruiser's race. I was racing on Knot Again in non-spinnaker PHRF.
The weather forecast was not great. No wind early and not much later with a storm blasting through at 11. There was a postponement at 9 am and the crews of the 70+ boats hung out in RYC's club and bar area, shooting the breeze, eating late breakfasts, telling stories, plotting their race strategies. I manned our race-wear booth, selling a fine array of T-Shirts and Golf Shirts. The postponement dragged on but that was good for business and I sold at least half the inventory.
At 10:30, the bar was opened and members pitched in with the bar staff to get Bloody Mary's flowing. The skipper of J24 from another club played the piano, cranking out jazz tunes like a pro. He was soon partnered by a young lady from RYC who sang beautifully- Latin jazz, some other classics. All in all creating a great, buzzy, happy atmosphere.
The postponement was lifted at noon and then it was mad scramble for the launches to get under way for 1:55 pm start. The winds were light and not favorable to Knot Again, a 35' C&C. Over a couple of races we finished in the middle to back of the fleet.
Conditions today look better. I won't be sailing as I have to take the son and heir to the airport and sorry I don't miss the World Cup Final for anything.
So how many times have you observed great sailing winds — after putting the boat away, or when the skipper is gone, or when you have to take the son to the airport, or …?