Saturday, September 21, 2013 - RYF

The morning meeting got off to great excitement because Chuck has a new library card.  What that has to do with the racing, I don't know, but it was fun.

We left the harbor on time, with two people on each mark set (Rick & Karen at the gate and Gaetan and Martin to windward)  and a small but experienced team of Darcy, Janet, Scott, Collien, Nikki and Lisa were aboard Carrier.

NW wind shifting to north (more on that later), usually 12-14 knots but as low as 8 with plenty of 16 and 17.  The waves were 2 to 3 feet, with occasional monsters, but the sky was very blue and it was pretty!

8 Etchells

11 T-10s

5 Shields

2 Luders

about 130 sailors

Pretty, yes- and good sailing, but it was not an easy day.  We set the first race for 335 (or something like that, I'm going from memory) 1.25 and 1.0 and went into sequence.  But we had to postpone before the first start because the P flag did not come down on time.  The timer was interrupted and there was much conversation because several watches had been set off one stopwatch, which we THOUGHT was synched to the GPS, but somewhere a mistake was made.  We decided to keep rolling and were only delayed 5 minutes.  We had 3 OCS on the first start, only 2 returned.

The boat that didn't come back was a past RC Chair, so we decided to give him a professional courtesy by abandoning the race on leg 3.  I'm kidding about that, but we did abandon because the wind shifted and we signaled a change to 350, but the new yellow marks went in at the wrong place.  Seems there was a math problem when calculating the reciprocal.  This is an easy mistake, especially with only one experienced person on the markset.  Unfortunately, the RO and DRO realized it too late, and we were unable to correct it fast enough, although Argo was racing around and doing their best.  Lessons learned:  have those wheely things to help out on each boat, use the chart in Erik's Booklet, check sooner and maybe having extra marks in each mark set boat would give more flexibility.  The sailors were not happy, I'm sure, but they understand and we did not get any unreasonable complaints.

The next race, the re-sail of Race 1, got under way when the boats returned, and when we got the course set up.  The team on Argo had all their marks in the water at point, so there was a lot to pick up.  We considered a longer course, but decided to keep things short and the boats all finished in about 70 minutes.

The last race things got tricky!  After the Etchells started, we postponed and considered abandoning because a 40 degree left shift came in.  Would it go back to the northwest or stay north?  The breeze at the top of the course was 30 to 40 degrees different than the start area for about half an hour.  But it came back and the Etchells did end up with a beat.  After a postponement we started the T-10s, but it was not a pretty picture, as the northwest wind came back.  Several tried to start on port tack but were very early and had to jibe around.  They couldn't lay the skewed line on starboard once they got more than a boat length to leeward.  The best starts were the boats that stayed clean on starboard and then tacked to port,  The line was more square for the final Shields start, which had only two boats left.  One of the Luders had a break down, so they both had gone in.  The breeze came back to the course we'd set at 360 (couldn't find enough zeros for a 000 course).  

Things settled down after that first leg, and all the boats finished, except those that had equipment failures.  We decided that the sailors had had enough bouncing around in the chilly fall like air after the two completed races.  We returned to CYC to watch some America's Cup racing.

The debrief in the bar but upbeat, and Collien was awarded the blue star for her work getting us back on track and then managing multiple postponements on her first day as timer.

Janet B.

Sat & Sun Aug 25 and 25 - Inshore Verve

What a fun weekend we had!

Not that it was easy.  It was challenging and while we didn't get it 100% right, the sailors gave great reviews of the race committee this weekend.

We had the biggest Inshore Verve in recent history:

J 70 - 19
Etchells - 12
Soling - 6
Colgate 26 - 3
J24 - 5
Shields - 4
Luders - 3

and on the B circle:
Laser - 8
Vanguard 15 - 12
Rhodes 19 - 9

Truth be told, it was the weather that made the regatta.
On Saturday winds 8 to 10 from the southeast and blessedly steady, made it seem easy to get 3 races on the A circle and a bunch on the B circle.  But that's what the sailors saw.  Sunday was shifty and although Tom Skilling predicted "gusty", the other forecasts were closer, at 6 to 12 knots.

Race Area A:
Saturday, a nervous Janet B, as Race officer, had great support from Helle and Darcy and never had a concern about the starting sequence due to a dependable timer, Karen M and a supporting cast.  Setting the course was pretty simple because the wind didn't really switch much, although we talked about it every leg.  Bob and "his women" kept things square at the top, while Rick and Joanne raced around the bottom.  An nonscientific poll said that most sailors did not want a fourth race, but it was not unanimous.  They didn't get one, so it doesn't matter.  Warm and sunny with good breeze made it a great day for sailing.

Sunday we had our first Southwester of the season.  It wasn't a blower, but about 6 to 12 over the day, with plenty of shifts.  Chicago's predominate breeze is southwest, but this season, we haven't seen it on a race day.  Hot and sunny, with the upwind view of the city.  Nice!

But shifty. 30 degrees difference between the top at the bottom.  Olaf signed on last minute, Thanks! and helped Helle keep Janet from jumping off the boat as the breeze acted like a typical southwest shifty breeze.  We worked the markset boat teams hard, demanding wind readings, even as they were moving to new locations or pulling marks,  But Bob and another set of women (Mary and Stephanie) kept up a cool conversation on the radio and never missed a mark set or a change.  All marks got in place in time, which wasn't always easy.  On the bottom, we had Rick and Joanne moving the line, squaring the gate and signalling changes.  Just two people- they had a busy day and Joanne drove most of the day.  Not bad, having joined the RC after Mac this year!

At one point the the windward markset had 220 and the signal boat had 250.  In fact, that lasted for a while. So we picked something in between and had a few changes.  We set the third race of the day as a 5 legger.

Almost unanimously, the sailors liked it - another nonscientific poll.  We stuck an extra 5 minutes between the J70s and the Etchells for all races on Sunday, which made the sequence longer, but it was appreciated by both fleets.  On Saturday, the first  few Etchells crossed into the back end of the J70 fleet.  The Etchells seem faster upwind in the lighter stuff but the J70s seem faster downwind.  Either class could start first, but with the same boats again, I would start the Etchells first.  The J70s had a bigger spread from first to last.  Something to consider- it can go either way.

Race Area B
I wasn't on this course, but short staffed, they were pressed hard because running 3 different classes on various courses makes for a merry-go-round of sailboats.  The first sequence goes off, using the "Ollie" for a dinghy start.  The Lasers want a long course, the V-15s love it short and the Rhodes add another dimension.  So the RC is starting one fleet, finishing another and monitoring winds and making changes throughout.  They got in lots of races and all the sailors I spoke with seemed very pleased.  The Race officer there was Lynn with only 2 other people on the signal boat.  I can't imagine how they did it.

Ashore
Nancy A did a great job getting the scores in - emailed from the A course from Melissa. I think Lynn entered the scores from the B course.  B got in earlier, having exhausted both sailors and RC.  Saturday there was pasta dinner, and the usual Verve sponsored cocktails.  Sunday had awards at 4:30 and a very lively bar crowd that drifted out to the docks by about 7:30pm.  I can't say what happened then, but people were pretty happy.

Another successful showing of the CYC RC.  All that training and pressing people into service is worthwhile.  It was fun for me, and I think for all that helped this weekend.  Your service is very appreciated - let's do it again.

Janet B,

Results: http://www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=899

Janet B - my photo's too!

Sat Aug 18 -RYF on a Very Busy Saturday on the Lake!

In addition to the J111 Championships, Corinthian Match Race and the Air and Water Show, we did have RYF racing on Saturday 8/17!

Upon boarding and getting underway upon the fair ship Latham, we noticed we had an extra gear bag with a lovely tankini top.  We wondered who would be swimming.   We soon found out the boat boss of the leeward markset was planning to (and did) take a quick dip in the cool Lake Michigan waters after the first race was underway.

We had great weather - for Air and Water Show spectators; but had to AP due to very low winds.   After about a 40 minute postponement, the first race started with wind speed close to Pi.  (3.14159).

The check in process went smoothly while photos were taken of the aircraft doing tricks and acrobatics, we had 7 Etchells, 1 J-70, 4 T-10's, 1 Shields and 2 Luders.

After getting the first race started, and despite bouncy conditions that tend towards seasickness, everyone ate lunch.....chicken curry or chicken curry and no one lost their lunch!  The best part being the fudge stripe cookies.  Love those cookies from the tree house!

Winds picked up in the second race to about 5-6 knots which was great for everyone.   The PRO did hear the DRO's concern for a square course and had the finish mark reset prior to the finish for the second race.  

One lesson learned, confirm that the windward markset boat knows that there is no offset for the short mark.

Finally the quote of the day...."Never leave the wheel when it's in gear."   What happens on the RC boat stays on the RC boat.   I'll never tell.....

Thanks for a fun day on the Signal boat Nick, Janet, Amy and Stephanie!
Joanne G.

Monday, August 12 - Tall Ships Race Start

A unique opportunity to see the ships sail off to South Haven.  Don G. was the PRO and Bob J was the boat driver.  They were assisted by Todd and Lloyd setting marks, Marge and Mimi recording and Janet B doing flags (Todd did that too).  We also had some guest experts from the American Sail Training Association (ASTA), Erin and Patty, who kindly gave us some flags to add to our collection.

It was a fine end to a long weekend of the Maritime Festival, featuring 14 Tall Ships, The Grade 1 Chicago Match Cup event and unofficially, our own Verve Cup.

Saturday, August 9 - Verve Day 2 Circle B

Leftover sloppy waves and not much wind combined to foil the best attempts to get a race off on time.

Can you read the flags - postpone and abandon!  Can you read the body language?

But all was not lost and after a patient (?) waiting period, two square races were run.

Out of Order- Sunday June 8 NOOD Circle C

Sunday is tradition day at the NOOD on some circles. First tradition - the circle C team picture!

Then it was off to the race course in glassy waters. Fortunately, the breeze filled in from 140 and a start sequence was initiated but the wind was too unstable and the start was postponed. A new course of 125 at 1.5 nm and 1.25 nm was set up and all classes were able to start. There was an intentional 5 minute postponement after the T-10 start to increase the separation between that fleet and the J/105s and Beneteau 36.7s that started after them. This reduced most of the mixing between the fleets throughout the race and was well received by the fleets based on comments from a small sample of competitors.

As boats came down the run the breeze had continued to build to around 8-9 knots so all sections were extended to new yellow marks at distances of 1.75 nm and 1.5 nm, allowing for 70-75 minute races for the fleets.

For race 2, the J/111s and J/109s were started on a 120 course while the T-10s and other sections were still finishing. By the time all remaining sections had finished and ready to start, the wind had walked to 110 but the RC was locked into the 120 course the first two sections were sailing towards. The start line was reset square to the wind at 110 but the T-10s had their first and only general recall of the weekend. On the restart, the RC displayed the India flag and were able to successfully start the largest and most stressful section of the circle on their final race. The other sections also started without much incident.

The wind in race two looked left of the course from Carrier’s perspective but the spread of the boats on the beat and the run told a different story about the wind up the course. A wide spread among the boats with plenty of crossing was a great way to end a successful regatta. All were pleased that the light winds, rain and storms predicted just a few days before the event largely never materialized.

Back at the dock, there was one more tradition observed. Helle arranges a champagne toast for her circle, complete with a second team picture. Lots of compliments were spoken, all well deserved, to a true team that enjoyed each other’s company.

Erik S. written then and posted later

Monday, July 29 - NACC Day 3

NACC BLOG Day Three of Racing July 29, 2013

• Wind conditions on the course saw calm seas – 1 to 2 feet, 5 – 7 knots. Winds started at 010 and clocked over to 030. There was one General Recall for the SONAR fleet, and one Charlie, +, Green for the SONAR fleet.

• The RC performed very well. Many thanks from the competitors as they crossed the finish line.
• Thanks to all the RC members who served, and a special  BIG thanks to Lynn and Grant who stepped up to the plate and chased around the course as our single MS boat!

Submitted by Bob J

Sunday, July 28- NACC, Day 2

NACC BLOG

Day Two of Racing July 28, 2013

·      The bottom line - 4 races were completed for the SONAR’s and the 2.4’s; and 5 races were completed for the FREEDOM 20’s. A total of 24 races completed to date for the two days of racing.

·      Wind conditions on the course started with fairly calm seas – 1 to 2 feet, 5 – 6 knots and increasing and the conclusion of racing to over 10-12!

·      The RC performed very well.

·      A big thanks to all the team members for a well orchestrated “well done” for the sailors, and I know on the Signal Boat we had fun!

·      Winds were oscillating around 285 degrees – no change of course was required!

·      P.S. We think we experienced a seiche today!

Submitted by Bob J

Part of the NACC fleet after Day 2

Saturday, July 26 - NACC, Day 1

NACC BLOG

Day One of Racing July 27, 2013

·      The bottom line -  4 races were completed for the SONAR’s and FREEDOM 20’s; and 3 races were completed for the 2.4m

·      Wind conditions on the course started at lumpy, 5 – 6 knots and increasing and the conclusion of racing to over 10-12!

·      The RC members were  able to handle the different challenges very well

·      A big thanks to Lynn for keeping the PRO and the DPRO out of (reasonable) trouble.

·      Winds were oscillating around 305 to 310 degrees

       Bob J

Facebook Group: NORTH AMERICAN CHALLENGE CUP for photos and comments

Saturday, July 20 - RYF

Saturday, July 20, 2013

It was an exciting and beautiful day as I attended my first Chicago Yacht Club racing event. With full sun and a light breeze, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to enjoy Lake Michigan and have some fun in the sun.

As a guest observer aboard the 41 foot twin diesel boat (that interestingly enough used to be an off-shore oil rig tending), it was interesting to see how all the positions on the Race Committee Team worked so efficiently together, like a well-oiled machine. With Liz N. as a first time DRO, JoAnne G. as chief recorder, and Denise K. as flag hoist, it was an impressive first day for all of us.

The first race began at 11:00 am, with the wind at NW 350, and about 3 knots. We watched as it steadily marched to 208 by the end of the day. Our highest velocity was 9 knots, with majority of sailing at approximately 5 knots.

Our race was 8 Etchells on a long - long course, with two boats that couldn’t break the custom of a long – short course apparently. Both withdrew after finishing. It was a mixed variety of one T-10, five Shields, and seven Etchells.

There were a total of three races sailed on Saturday, along with a few valuable lessons learned. Some things we learned were to check flag inventory at the beginning of every day (the Mac crew left out an X ray and Lima flag) and to have our signal flag waving in the correct direction (right side up). Our final docking time was 16:20, with the ending of the day just as picturesque as the beginning. 

Katherine T., RC Rookie  

Look for more PR work from Katherine, who is an intern working on the NACC

Mid Summer Party

Mary M put together a delightful event for the Race Committee to celebrate the mid point of the season and of course, the Mac race.

Thanks Mary, and thanks to all who were there!  Here are some snapshots I took when I remembered towards the end of the party.

    Janet B

Saturday, June 29 - RYF

The forecast for Saturday called for building N winds and waves but both conditions were on the moderate side as the RC set the course up for racing. We chose to go stay closer to harbor than normal given the wave forecast and the slight possibility for weather and set up about a mile SE of the CMRC races taking place at the same time.

    Race 1 started in 7-9 knots and set on a course of 005. During the final minute to a start for the Etchells, two boats on opposite tacks made contact near the top of their masts, resulting in a broken mast for one of them. The disabled boat was towed in by the leeward markset boat while the other boat involved in the incident was able to start about 3 minutes late. As the now 7 Etchells made their way up the first beat, a dense fog rolled quickly down from the north, reducing visibility to just over a tenth of a nautical mile. Starts continued, however, with 4 T-10s, 6 Shields and 2 Luders sent off into the mist.

    The fog began to lift as boats continued up the beat and the signal boat could see the lead Etchells’ spinnakers as they rounded the weather mark located 1.5 nm up the course. For the duration of Race 1 and 2 the wind stayed fairly steady in the 000 to 010 range with some kicks to the right. There was talk about moving to 010 during the races, but the wind always returned enough to warrant no change. Reports from the sailors indicated that the breeze was right shifted as they neared the top of the course, an observation that was consistent to what the RC experienced.

    The Etchells started Race 3 on a 010 course, same distances, but all T-10s and Shields retired before their 3rd start. The two Luders, however, had just came off a tight Race 2, with a rare loss for Bill Simpson, and were game for a third race. They were started almost 25 minutes after the Etchells at 1350.

    By now the breeze was consistently in the 12-18 knot range with 2-4 foot seas, including some occasional 6 footers. In fact, the conditions were such that a sick volunteer was taken ashore off Carrier by Keelboat Director Chuck N. during Race 2, but recovered well once on shore. As will happen with a new course set, the wind, which had been creeping right the first two races, banged left and held rock steady at 000. A Charlie to a new mark at that bearing was made and the final beat and run were square. The Luders, in another heated battle, finished Race 3 around 1455.

    The race committee executed well in somewhat trying conditions, especially late in the day. On the signal boat, a remaining crew of 5 were able to provide quick turnarounds to the sailors while boats were finishing in Race 2. Robin F. handled the flags and was helped by Lisa G’s friend Jason, Rosemary I. recorded, Bob J. drove Carrier and was timer/sounds while PRO Erik S. and DRO Lisa G. called starts and the finish. Marine Superintendent Scott S. and new Interim Race Coordinator Grant E. on the leeward mark boat not only assisted in towed the disabled Etchells to harbor but were fast and prompt in executing directions, At the top of the course, Jeff G. fought off a some discomfort with the help of his crew Cynthia S. and they were fast and accurate in their actions. A really good day that ended with the clouds had mostly gone and a sunny ride back to Belmont.

Erik S.

    

Friday, June 28 - Hamilton Club Trophy, Chicago to Racine

Twelve yachts ranging from 34 to 70 feet raced the 50 miles to Racine in a freshening norther.  One set of RC started the boats at 6:30pm off Belmont, and a skeleton crew (Rick L, Lynn L and Janet B) drove to Racing, set a finish mark using a borrowed boat then took shifts on the sea wall, waiting.

Setting an 8 foot mark can be problematic when away from home and in the dark.  We powered our inflator by plugging in at a friend's boat, but it didn't fit so well in their cockpit.  Got the job done though, and our friends on Endeavor collected the mark after crossing the finish line.

Sometime after 4am the boats began to arrive and continued almost to the 9am time limit.  Two boats withdrew, but finished under power.  The fleet endured light wind, rain and then a heavy beat, perhaps as much as 20 knots.  

This event is part of CYC's Annual Cruise and the racing fleet was greeted by other CYC members from the Cruising Sail and Power Fleets, who had arrived Friday.  A breakfast for all members was held and a day of activities such as kayaking, biking and swimming pool lounging are planned.  Private tours of the local Kringle factory were sold out and a 3 yacht club cocktail tour ends with dinner tonight at Racine Yacht Club.  All boats will head back to Chicago on their own schedule, and an informal delivery/race is expected Sunday.

    Janet B.

Tuesday, June 25 - All RC Meeting

A meeting was held to update on RC volunteers on the latest happenings and to get some feedback on topics, such as communication.  Some "get psyched for Mac Race" facts and photos were included, courtesy of Rick L.  The meeting also included an educational session on Start and Finish Lines.

The PowerPoint presentation will be posted under meeting minutes.

The RC meeting was followed by another meeting regarding the procedures to be used at the finish of the Mac Race.  It was only for people assigned to the island team.  The session included members of the Mac Committee and was run by Janet C, the PRO of CYC's Race to Mackinac.

Next meeting will be Thursday, August 1 at the Monroe Station.

All RC mid summer Party will be held on Wednesday, July 10 at Monroe.  That's the Wed before the Mac starts.  That's not a business meeting, just a get together and celebration.
     Janet B.

Saturday, June 8 - NOOD Circle C

Saturday began with a postponement on shore for all circles due to a lack of wind. The AP was lowered at 1030, allowing for a 1145 start, but the velocity did not meet race standards for another hour. At 1131 the first warning was signaled for the fleets. With a light but building breeze, the course was set at 060 with weather marks at 1.5 nm and 1.25 nm.

As boats were on the first beat, the course was nearly set when the offset mark got fouled in the weather boat’s prop. They were able to set an anchor, raise the Mike flag (indicating that the boat itself was a mark) and made repeated sounds. That effort maintained the required course configuration and boats rounded the makeshift offset without incident.  The sailors made no complaints, although it was an odd situation and the mark/boat was slightly low of its normal position.  This move saved the race and if we'd had to abandon, we would have lost at least two hours in addition to the postponement.  A Blue Star for Jeff G.

The situation allowed Captain Lynn L to show her best today, after spending most of the morning with the judges on an ORR scoring question (Circle C has no ORR boats, but Circle A has some). Meeting the weather markset boat on Kay Baxter, with Sue R, the rep from Sailing World, aboard, Lynn made 20 diving attempts to free the mark from the prop but unfortunately without success. Jeff G. is also to be commended for making repeated diving attempts as well. 

With the mark unable to be freed from the windward mark boat, Independence, the circle’s leeward boat captained by Jane M, set a new start line before going to weather to re-position the long course marks for the second race of the day. Kay Baxter was able to obtain and set the short course marks before heading down to help call the line for starts. Accurate, efficient adjustments were also made to the gate and finish pin in fashion throughout the day by the leeward mark boat team - a tremendous job that was performed in an upbeat manner.

At the weather end, Lynn and Sue keep track of the wind, provided valuable feedback on the course and eventually towed the Vanenna back to harbor. The quality of the races would have been considerably compromised without their exemplary effort.

In all, three races were sailed by the J/111s while all other sections sailed two. Race 3 maintained the same 040 bearing as Race 2 but the 111s raced a shorter 1.25 nm course. Overall, that fleet has completed 7 races, compared to 6 for the J/109s and 5 for all other sections. 

Friday, June 7 - NOOD Circle C

A solid 9-11 knot NNE breeze greeted sailors on Circle C as the race committee set up the course for the first race. While such a breeze is usually consistent, the wind steadily backed left throughout the first series of starts, prompting the RC to change the 020 course to 005 and lengthening for the J/111s, who were the first section to start. There was some separation between the J/111s and the J/109s and as the latter approached the gate the wind has veered back to near 020 so there was no changed signaled for the rest of the fleets.

The wind had freshened to 12-15 knots for the start of race 2, which was set at 005. The racers helped keep the action moving by behaving on the line as the X-Ray flag was raised only three times all day. Races 2 and 3 were extended to 1.75 and 1.5 nm, adding a quarter-mile to the course lengths from the first race. This gave ~75 minute races for the J/111s and ~85 minute races for the T-10s. The wind continued its walk left and a change to 355 was signaled during race 3.

The relative speed of the J/111s and J/109s allowed the RC to provide a shorter fourth race of 1.25 nm at 355 for them. Others fleets finished their day after 3 races.

Overall a solid day for both sailors and race committee. The Blue Star Award went to Debbie N, who noticed that a large log was floating in the middle of the start line during the sequence for race 4 of the J/111s. This caused the RC to postpone and then restart five minutes later, when the obstruction drifted to leeward of the starting area.

Erik S, DRO for Janet B, RO

Saturday, June 1 -RYF

Shields, Etchells & Luders.  Small fleets.  3 races for Etchells, 2 for the other classes.

Saturday, May 25th - RYF

For the 2^nd Saturday in row your Race Committee, fully staffed with the usual fun seeking, talented and wise staff, lived up to their well deserved reputation, despite the (lack of and variable) wind conditions!

After an AP on shore for the Etchells, Shields and Luders at 0910 hours, the RC set “sail” for the starting area.

The bottom line is that the Etchells, Shields and Luders, after the lowering of the AP on shore, decided not to race, leaving 2 fleets for the day – ORR1 and Beneteau 36.7’s.

At the end of the day 2 races were completed for the 2 fleets.

 Race 1 was 4 legs ( with a Charlie -) for the ORR1’s, and 3 legs (with the Charlie – and an “S”) for the Beneteau 36.7’s

Race 2 was scheduled for 4 legs, but resulted with an “S” to finish – a 2 leg race for both fleets.

Janet and Nick were the “STARS”of the day.  Janet for stepping up to point out that the RC needed to take corrective action when shortening at the Gate (Carrier looked like a finish line outside the gate) in order to avoid a possible journey to the protest room, and Nick for aggressively, and tactfully, assisting the RO in avoiding a few (senior moment) errors.

  Bob J., RO

Sunday, May 19th Rickover Invitational

The 4th Annual Rickover Invitational Clinic and Regatta was held today at the Chicago Yacht Club's Belmont Station.

The 11 competitors hit the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan for the 1045 hours warning. Two races were completed before a break for lunch was called. After lunch, back on the waters (calm), 2 more races were completed. The wind, what there was of it, challenged the sailors, and the Race Committee to read and re-read the SI's for the posted time limits.

The results were Loyola Academy 1 ; Loyola Academy 2; New Trier 3

The Star of the day was Mike who set 4 perfect courses!

Bob J, Race Officer

Saturday, May 18th - Racing Yachts Fleet

Saturday, May 18th - Racing Yachts Fleet

First RYF of season and first ORR of season. Three boats were represented at the skippers meeting announced in the NORs. Still a good idea to hold such meetings to get a few minds in the game and great as RC “butt cover” for those racers who later race and might claim ignorance.

Entrants consisted of:

-          9 Etchells

-          5 Shields – no Luders

-          5 T10’s combined with 2 J/70’s

-          3 36.7’s

-          3 J/111

Strong SE winds never materialized. Wind died at start. AP went up for 40 minutes while we searched for stability. I sent our windward markset on several wind chases and two false marksets prior to starting. Great hauling by Karen K. With the wind still unstable, we started on an average of 090, 1.25 long and 1.0 short. Line and course was off for the first two classes and the last two classes, but thankfully dead square for the Etchells who were the third start.

Saw wind ranging from 020 to 120 during the first race.

Observed J/70’s on maiden sail. They are slower than T10’s in light air. Started second race while T-10’s/J/70’s were finishing resulting in a gapped starting sequence. T10’s all started 5 minutes early, ignoring section flags and broadcasts. All came back in time to properly start.

Wind died at end of second race leaving many in a drifting finish.

Could have been a cold day but it turned out to be shorts and polo shirt conditions. Small RC crew of veterans got the job done. It would have been a great training day for newbies.

No issues with coincidental ORR and RYF racing. Boards were clear to all.

Rick L, PRO and the day’s RO

Saturday, May 11 - High School Doublehanded Champs - Mallory Trophy

20 high school teams from around the country arrived on Friday to compete in the Doublehanded National Championship for the Mallory Trophy.  Chicago put on quite the show today with temperatures in the 40s all day and the winds doing every single thing possible.  We started the day at 210, 5-7 knots and incrementally walked right 200 degrees throughout the day.  The breeze reached as high as 30 knots for one race.  Needless to say it was a very long and cold day on the water but allowed for some great racing.

We had an all star team of RC, Judges and Volunteers to make the whole thing happen and they were amazing.  Hoping for some more consistent winds tomorrow!

And can someone please get the kids from the USVI some warmer clothes????

Lynn L.

Vlad - Sunday, May 5

More fun was had at the second day of the Vlad.  A great group was out today and we were able to get the full series completed for both fleets.  Although a short day - a lot of good RC work on the course.

The Blue Star Awards for the weekend went to the gate sharpshooters John H. and Tim S. for consistently setting square and even gates.  To quote Mr. S, they were the "Best. Gates. Ever".

We also had time for some class photos of Bob J.  :)  Thanks to all for a really fun weekend!

Lynn L.

Vlad Regatta - Saturday, May 4th

We had a GREAT day of racing today.  With some last minute sign-ups this morning we ended up with 8 V15s and 11 Lasers out on the water.  6 races in for the Laser fleet and 8 for the V15s.  After a light air start with some shiftiness, the wind settled in at 355 for the rest of the day.  Wind speeds were variable in the morning and built to about 7-10 for the afternoon.

High five to an excellent crew on the markset boats!  Nick B ran the weather mark boat with a rotating crew of Scott and Chuck while Tim S. and John H. held down the bottom end.  A short stalemate occurred when the markset boats refused to move any more marks until they received hot pot pies but it was resolved with the arrival of fresh, warm popcorn from the shore crew.

The signal boat was kept in stitches with the robust signing of Bob J. and Melissa C. and much fun was had playing the name game.

Overall, a great day to be on the water!  Tomorrow, only 4 races for the V15s and 3 for the Laser to complete the full series.

-Lynn L.

Saturday, April 27th - Race Committee Refresher

Saturday, April 27th - Race Committee Refresher

More than 50 people gathered at Belmont to spend the day refreshing their RC skills and learning new ones. 

The day started at 9:00 for boat operators who were reacquainted with the CYC fleet by Lynn L and Scott S.  New features were pointed out and we received many reminders of log sheets and check out sheets.  Then it was to the docks to practice in each boat, starting of course with the check out sheet and ending with the log sheet for each boat.

The rest of the Race Committee volunteers gathered for lunch then launched into a day of sharing information, skills training and stories.

Erik presented his booklet of information.  Behind his back, we changed the Book's cover page to read "Erik's Booklet" so that everyone can appreciate the work he has done on this and many other RC projects. Thanks, Erik!

New apparel for RC was presented.  This is pretty cool stuff and you can order online - see "RC Resources."

 We held several groups sessions and some modules where each person had to pick a topic to attend.  Thanks to all who volunteered to speak or run a module.

Topics included:

- RC Apparel

- Mac Race sign up

- Inter Committee Challenge

- Knots

- GPS for beginners

- For the record, including revised forms

- Wind Wand Party

- Radio Protocol

- Changes in the Racing Rules of Sailing for 2013

- Scoring

- Weather

- Race Documents

- Redress hearing

- Race documents

We ended the day with a social event, complete with drinks and some fancy appetizers.  Several stalwart volunteers then moved to the Smelt Party for more entertainment.

 Each participant went home with a copy of Erik's booklet, a day's credit and a Blue Star Award.

 Hope to see you all on the water soon!

  

     Janet B, Chair 2013

 Thanks to Tim S. for all the photos and for the photo on the cover of Erik's Booklet!

Sunday, April 21st - Frostbite Sailing

Sunday, April 21st - Frostbite Sailing

Morning Lasers and V-15’s

In the beginning Race Committee created the race course 'WL 4' for a 10:00 first warning. The RO saw that the course was good, and separated the Lasers from the V-15’s. The RO called the starting line square, the weather mark to weather, and the RO said, “Let there be sound,” and there was sound. 

The signal boat was stationed northeast of Belmont Harbor's red nun buoy. The course started @ 155° with a distance of approximately a ¼ of a nautical mile. Winds speeds ranged between 9 and 13 kts, waves at around 3 to 5 feet.  As the morning lead on, oscillations dominated  left on the puffs at approximately 15°, and the aggregated backed around approximately 10°. With the puffs and pressure on the left, so went the favored side of the course. RC adjusted the course throughout the morning, working to keep the legs true, and the course as competitive as possible.  Average race times of approximately 18 to 20 minutes provided.

Six Lasers and seven Vanguard 15’s came to the starting area, only one capsizing of a V-15, however, no foul - no damage. The competent skipper and crew weathered the remainder of the morning with the sunny skies, drying off the fridge lake chill.

Generally happy smiley faces, plenty of thank you’s and other pleasantries exchanged from the sailors to the RC. The X and G flags were kept down, as the racers exercised disciplined starts. Well that’s how I remembered it…

Five races were had by the Lasers, four races for the V-15s. Outstanding work on the mark-set and safely boats. Belmont Station was warm and welcoming upon our return off the water.

Afternoon 420’s – In Harbor

The signal boat stationed on mooring can in the Northwest corner of the harbor, with her stern off the bike path, giving enough room for a competitive starting area.   The weather mark was under the CYC yardarm, with approximately three to five boat lengths of maneuverability from the seawall and floating docks

Two boats came to the line, five races were had. One capsize at the leeward mark, crew performed a text book scoop as our safely boat team kept an outbound keel boat from creating havoc to our 420 crew whilst they righted their hull.

Winds were SE at approximately 135°, oscillations too vast and variable to calculate. Pressure favored the left, therefore, having speed and rights at the line was quite critical. Best starts would best the day...

Tim M.

Sunday, April 14 Frostbite Sailing

Morning and afternoon series had boats racing in all fleets. The morning Laser fleet completed a total of five (5) races, races 14-18 of the series. Five (5) boats competed in each of the five (5) Laser races. The V15 fleet also completed five (5) races, races 11-15 of the season. Seven boats competed in the 11th V15 race. Six boats competed in each of the remaining races (races 12-15). The morning Sonar session completed race numbers 6-10 within their series. A total of three (3) boats competed in each of the five (5) races.

The afternoon session consisted of races for the second Sonar series and the 420 fleet. Three (3) races comprised the afternoon Sonar session (races 15-17). Four Sonars competed in each of the three races. The 420 fleet also completed three (3) races (races 5-7), with a total of six boats competing in each race.

Saturday, April 13th - Powerboat Class

There was a great turnout for the US Powerboating Accelerated Safe Powerboat Handling, Safety and Rescue class that was held for the Race Committee.  After two classroom sessions over the last few weeks, it was finally time to head out on the boats for some on the water training.  Despite 30 degree weather, strong breezes and a little snow, everyone showed up ready to go.  We had a great morning session with plenty of close quarter maneuvering practice, docking and some intense reverse slaloming.  The weather just wouldn't break though so we spent the early afternoon doing some knot tying and review questions and called it a day.

The grand champion of the coiling and heaving contest was the Monroe Dockmaster, Michael D.  Rumors of a rigged competition not withstanding, we all congratulate his heaving expertise.

Lynn L.

Sunday, April 7^th, 2013 Frostbite

Sam V, Frostbiting PRO, Daily RO Lasers and V15s, DRO Afternoon Sonars

The day began with fair weather, temps in the low 50’s and westerly winds at around 12 kts.  With the High School Invitational taking place in the harbor, as well as frostbiting on the lake, Belmont was abuzz with activity.  Despite the shifty west winds, we were able to start the dinghy course on time with 9 Lasers and 7 Vanguard 15s in attendance.  Nick B. assisted me on the signal boat as DRO, Lynn L handled the windward mark set, and Gaetan C. and Jeff G.i handling the start, finish, and leeward gate.  After the first race, the course was shortened slightly to keep the races to around 20 minutes, with the goal of getting 5 races started before the 12:00 cut off time.

The racers were kept busy with rapid turnarounds.  In order to start and finish fleets simultaneously, Nick and I had the mark set boat come alongside the signal boat to provide an extra set of eyes.  The day went smoothly, in spite of one general recall for the Laser fleet, with no course changes until the wind shifted 120 degrees during the first beat of the 4^th race.  Race committee quickly located the N flag, abandoned the race, and reset the course for a 5^th race.

After lunch, Nick took over the lead role as RO, and we headed back out for the afternoon Sonar session.  After a 5 minute postponement, the wind settled in and were able to get in 5 quality races.  The first two races saw some aggressive starts with multiple boats over early, but after lengthening the starting line slightly, the excitement diminished and the racers fell in to line.

Back at the club afterwards, several racers approached the race committee with thanks for the quick turnarounds and great racing.  Nick B. took home the Blue Star award for his great service in quickly turning the fleets.

Sat & Sun, April 7 & 8 - High School Invitational

Sunday, April 7 ^- High School Invitational

After completing the full round robin on Saturday, today's racing was for the championship.  27 more races were run in a shifty breeze that eventually settled in from the east northeast.

Saturday, April 8 -  2013 High School Invitational

Ten (10) teams from Minnesota, Michigan, and the greater Chicago area competed in the CYC High School Invitational.  The competitors completed nine (9) flights for a total of forty-five (45) races.  Following a Block “N” pattern, the sailors maintained an average race duration of 11-13 minutes/course.

During the earlier portion of the day, winds remained an average of 150 degrees with a fifteen (15) degree margin. The wind velocity ranged between five (5) and seventeen (17). 

Later in the day winds grew increasingly shifty with intermittent puffs, some up to twenty-eight (28) knots! The number of capsizes increased as the day wore on, allowing sailors to test the thirty-nine degree waters.

There were aggressive starts within individual round rotation assignments in order to cover a specific competitor and compile the lowest combined score possible.  

The Star Award was earned by Jill D. for orderly finish sheets, and keeping the boards up to date.

Sunday, March 31, 2013 Easter Frostbite

Sunday, March 31, 2013

AM Lasers & Vanguards - Wind 255 at 12-15 knots.

There were 5 racers for each fleet. Tim M was the RO.  There were 3 races for the lasers and 5 races for the Vanguards. The last race for each class was finished upwind successfully.


PM Sonar Races - Wind  265-275 at 18-22 knots.

Four boats raced in the PM session and four races were conducted. First warning was delayed 11 minutes due to no racers on the course. Today's race officer was Nick B.  There was a time during the 3rd race that the remaining races were almost abandoned due to sustained winds nearing 25 knots.  One of the sonars tipped during the final race but was able to regain control without race committee assistance.

Tom K is recognized for advising the RO on the proper race distances for the Sonars race.