Reggae Regatta Report

[TheFrog]

First to repeat something I have read here and other forums many times. You will learn more racing a boat one weekend than pleasure sailing over many weekends.

Lake Lanier Sailing Club hosted the Reggae Regatta this past weekend. It marks the first time I have ever raced my boat. I prepped for it by crewing on another Flying Scot the weekend before (in a dismal race with no wind). Got one of my friends with a strong background (from 18 years ago) in racing dinghy's on the North Sea to be my crew. The Reggae drew 100+ boats in 13 classes. The dinghies, catamarans and Optis raced close to the club, the PHRF boats were out in the main part of the lake.

Needless to say, the starting area was a mess as there were catamarans that had just raced the Tybee 500 mixing it up with Optis. Even the separate starts didn't prevent a few close calls.

Well, on to the good bits. We had 9 Flying Scots out for the race. Saturday the winds were nice and strong (weather data says 17mph with gusts to 25). Despite having problems with the chute and my inattention to sail trim a few times, we managed to place 5, 5, 4, and 5 on Saturday. Not bad for my sixth day sailing my boat. Sunday found a lack of wind (<5mph). We did get in 2 races. I blew the start on the first race by starting on port tack with a couple of others and not having enough speed to get in front of the starboard tack boats. Gave way and fell behind, never to recover. I think we scored 7 on that one (fleet was down to 8 and the boat in the lead crossed the finish on the wrong side of the committee boat and did not recover). The last race of the day was our best. We got a good solid start and had a series of perfect mark roundings and spin sets. We crossed the line in 3rd.

If my unofficial scoring is right, we placed 5th overall behind 4 guys with much more experience. Much better than I thought I would do.

I think I have caught the bug...

Sorry, no pictures. My camera would never have survived the wet ride on Saturday.

[Bubb2]

Good for you, Frog!

[Giulietta]

Frog that is absolutely true, plus the camaraderie and friendships that arrive from that are awesome..
Thanks for posting that, I share that opinion, too.

[saildork]

Must have been an awesome sight, all those boats out there at once. How's the water level on Lanier this year?

[TheFrog]

Must have been an awesome sight, all those boats out there at once. How's the water level on Lanier this year?

Lanier is much better this year than last. I believe we are 4 feet below full right now. The navigational marks are back in the water instead of sitting 20 ft up the shore.