Park City Sailing Association, Fall Regatta, 2012 Race Report.
Five Swift Solos attended the Park City Fall Regatta in September, held on Jordanelle Reservoir close to Park City Utah
The weekend was a fine success with competitive racing throughout. Saturday began with a gusty but directionally stable south westerly breeze at about 8 - 10 kts. The direction held all day, but the wind steadily dropped to 2-5 kts by the end of the third race. The racing was competitive and we got three races in before we decided as a fleet to abandon due to ever lighter gusty winds. Everyone was pretty tired from constantly trapping out fully and then diving to the center of the boat. We were all doing some sort of knee bend about once every two seconds! Keeping the boat flat was truly a challenge.
Sunday started much like Saturday but the wind built all day as a front moved over the area. The wind was out of the South and was extremely gusty and shifty which made racing exceptionally difficult. Paul went to the beach early with main sheet troubles and Mark, Robert and I raced in a difficult breeze ranging from almost glassy to solid white caps. Mark was done dealing with the gusts after the first race. Robert was wise and said "I'm not going to catch you in the standings, so why beat up on the boats and our bodies." The decision was wise but a bit late. The sail back to the beach was the roughest part of the day as all three of us got pummeled in the building storm that supplied us with gusts topping 30kts. Plenty of hands made the lee shore landing acceptable if not enjoyable, and we got the boats put away with no damage to gear or people.
The difficult conditions forced all of us to display our best efforts and use all of our skills. It was a fine thing to see. It was impressive to see the way Mark sailed with as little time as he has had in the boat. Paul is still in the steep part of the learning curve and shows enthusiasm second to none. Dave came out and sailed on Friday. He speaks of getting on the boat regularly, with determination. Robert's sailing shows the kind of mental tenacity and clarity that we should all strive for. This and the consistency and steadiness of his skills made it impossible to consistently keep him in my rear view mirror. A couple of times I felt lucky to cross the finish line while I happened to be leading.
Close racing is FUN.
Many thanks to Park City Sailing Association for organizing a great regatta.. good times .. good lake ... very well organized .... we will be back next year!!
Philip Ryan #002
PS check out the video of Mark and Robert on You Tube..... great crash Mark!!
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