[Public-list] Dauphin Island Regatta

[Patty Johnson]

Unfortunately I didn't receive the digest in time to use the sage advice
of both Allen and Gordon.   I did however finish 8 seconds behind the
third place boat in my class and won the perpetual trophy for the all
women crew fastest time.  The 19.5 mile race down the bay started out
slow, just a hint of breeze with the tide against us.  Wind out of the
wrong direction for the spinaker.  Had the 155 up.  Then all of a sudden
the wind hit 30 mph and we were overpowered.  Just four of us onboard
with one novice to boot.  We took down the 155 and put up the working
jib and made a run for the finish, turned around and made it back in 3
hrs.  Actually got the boat moving 9.2 mph during one gust and no we
weren't riding a wave.  Had the best time ever!

Now, here's my question about reefing the main....do you guys use jiffy
reefing or do you furl the main on the boom.  I noticed on the way home
that it looks as if the boom will spin.  Of course I don't have a clue
as how to do that or if it will damage the sail.  Any suggestions will
be greatly appreciated.

BTW, there were about 230 boats in the regatta.  When the wind first hit
us, two people of different boats fell overboard.  One man nearly
drowned (no life jacket, plus hypothermia, not to mention he is 78 years
old) but was saved by another boat and taken back to shore.  That rescue
boat had to drop out but received the "sportsmanship" award and the
crowd went nuts with applause.  The another boat that lost a crew member
had another member jump overboard to help rescue and that boat was able
to pick up both crew and received a second place.

Gordon, there is another "Surprise" here also.  Loved the movie!  Well
done!  

Patty
Timbuktu #461
Mobile bay, Al





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