December Fleet Racing at Lake Eustis

Saturday, December 20 brought wet, thick, pea soup fog and cancelled racing to Lake Eustis. A number of Scot sailors were at the club, but ultimately we were all disappointed by the weather.

On Sunday, December 21, though, the weather was wonderful – sunny skies, temperatures in the 70s and a steady 10 MPH breeze. It was the kind of weather I once heard someone call a “$200 day” – since snowbirds will pay that much to enjoy that kind of weather in December. Of course, I heard that a long time ago. At today’s prices, Sunday was more like a $500 day.

Even so, if Sunday was a $500 day, Fleet 150 did only $1,500 worth of racing because only three Scots sailed: Ray Laguna and Dean Grimes on 5770, Randy Boekema and Joe Lobato on 5697, and Rich and Tina O’Brien with me on 5810. (This was just Rich and Tina’s second time racing and they did a great job. I can’t wait to see how well they do after a few more times on the boat!)

Those who missed Sunday missed a great day of sailing. Our starts were combined with the C Scows so we had a busy starting line. And, our three boats were fairly even in speed (at least on Sunday), so we had some great fun. Each race ended up with the same result – Ray and Dean on 5770 in first, Rich, Tina and me on 5810 in second, and Randy and Joe on 5697 in third – but each race was a bit different. In the first race, Rich and Tina and I led the whole way until Ray and Dean split with us on the final beat to the finish and won by about a boat length. Arrrgh! In the second race, Ray and Dean stretched out a pretty good lead and won comfortably, but Randy and Joe on 5697 and Rich, Tina and I on 5810 had a great time battling over second place. We on 5810 managed to stay between Randy and Joe and the finish line on the final beat and held on for second, but it was close, and a blast getting there.

Here are a couple of pictures Francois Simon took from the chase boat.

This is Randy and Joe on 5697 in the first race:


Here are Ray and Dean on 5770 and Rich, Tina and me on 5810, also in the first race (I like this one because Rich, Tina and I were in front – barely, but at least for a while):


Our next club racing will be the weekend of January 3 and 4. I hope everyone can get out and race. We don’t want to squander these $500 days!

Finally, everyone has probably seen Chuck Smith’s announcement that he is stepping down from his longstanding role as Fleet Captain for Fleet 150, and that I’ll be assuming that position (perhaps an inauspicious choice of words) on January 1. A heartfelt thanks to Chuck for the hard work he’s done over many years for Fleet 150. He has been instrumental in building both our Fleet and our Florida District.

More personally, I want to thank Chuck for providing me with such a warm welcome when I e mailed him several years ago for information about the fleet, the club and the Flying Scot. Even though I had little experience, Chuck made me feel like I could easily become a part of our group, and he made a special effort to introduce me to others in the club and in the fleet, including Ray Laguna, Randy Boekema and Don Browning. Because of Chuck’s hospitality it was obvious this was a group I wanted to be part of. Thanks, Chuck.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all! We’ll see you in January.

George

Fleet 168 Sailing and Christmas Party

Our December 20th Practice Races and Christmas Party was by most accounts a tremendous success!

We set a fleet race attendance record with 14 boats on the line Saturday, nice!! This was in part due to the generosity of numerous fleet members who loaned out their boats. Big thanks to Mike Roberts, Mark Taylor, Dave Thinel, and Mat Wey.

After a very tough Summer weather wise for our races, we had picture perfect conditions Saturday. Temps in the mid 70's 10k of breeze from the South West and only a "moderately annoying" chop.

From my perspective, Team Linton's boat was sailing above the chop, and the straight bullets they amassed would seem to support my view. All that was left was for the mortals to battle it out for position 2-14, and battle they did!

Results:
Boat R1 R2 R3 R4 Tot
Jeff and Amy Linton #4925 1 1 1 1 4
Andy and Lisa Hayward #38 4 2 3 3 12
Dave and Kim Thinel #5544 2 3 6 7 18
Paul Silvernail and Leslie Fisher #5026 5 11 4 2 22
Nate and Melissa Velardebo #2007 3 6 7 12 28
Gail and Shannon Heausler #812 12 7 2 8 29
Dave Bell and Susan Cintron #4156 6 4 11 9 30
George and Pat Haynie #2339 9 10 5 6 30
Al Thompson and Cameron Salmon # 504 7 5 9 10 31
Dean Bell and Judy Hanlon #5477 10 12 8 5 35
Ed and Penn Ruark #4321 14 9 14 4 41
Brian and Michelle Watts #4921 11 8 12 13 44
Bill Adikes and Crew #3998 8 14 13 11 46
Matt Dalton and Dawn Narramore #2262 13 13 10 14 50

We also had some new faces, welcome George and Pat Haynie and Gal and Shannon Heausler and crew! These folks weren't just out for a day sail, they both ran in the lead pack in their borrowed boats! #812 was a rocket in race #1 until her outhaul failed, ahem, Mr Thinel?


So, in case you ever thought about trying to tow another boat using the outhaul shackle attached to the towee's side shroud, hmmm not so good. Oh did I mention the boats were traveling in opposite directions. Worse yet, the boat owner may then suffer the Fleet Captain's ridicule!


Post repair, Piggy never looked so good as with three ladies abord! Woo Hoo!

Huge thanks to Rod Koch for running the races all by his lonesome!, awesome dude! The breeze was bouncing around and Rod must have weighed anchor on the Mako a half dozen time or more! Also thanks to Ed and Penny Ruark for the us of their Mako!


Here we have the fleet stalking the RC boat, Rod (at the bow) is resetting the anchor, again (solo) and probably cursing, A LOT!


Fleet Captain; Andy (Lisa, wisely is hiding her face from view) after the third race where he obliterated us (port tack) at the weather mark. I think I detect a little smirk...


The post race party was the bomb, the "Heavy Hors' D'oeuvres" were a meal. And the homemade desserts, man, I'm thinking that my blood sugar got close to 500. Thanks to Cameron Salmon and Kim Thinel for the "dessert guidance". Amy Linton's slide show kept everyone's attention, and Lisa Hayward's gift exchange was a riot, keep a close eye on Cameron's lips, he's got lip serum!


Al and Cameron, pre lip serum, of course


Masthead Sailing Gear donated some great and highly sought after bags, (Yea! I got one) for the exchange. If you haven't been to Masthead, you are missing out on the best sailing shop in Florida, perhaps the World.
www.Mastheadsailinggear.com


Returning to the club under colorful spinnakers. OK I thought the sun hitting only the third boat was kinda cool.

Lastly I would like to thank our Fleet Secretary, Leslie Fisher for all her hard work she does for Fleet 168.


Leslie and Paul thinking "We had Jeff in that race....and then...oh shit"

Leslie made all the arrangements with DIYC, mailed the invites, and handle most of the RSVP's and the
paperwork/data collection at the party, Leslie, you rock!

Ok, we don't have much down time, put your relationship to the test this Saturday, @ 1400, DIYC,
for the Winter Couples Race. We are sure to have a bunch of Scots. www.diyc.org

And January 17th we are going to have a Scot class at DIYC's Keelboat/One Design regatta, one day, $30.
trophy's and beer! Heaven! www.diyc.org


This one has nothing to do with sailing, just some fun with the Missy dog trying to be cute and score a food scrap from the table

Flying Scot Friends

As we approach the holidays, our thoughts are drawn to reviewing what we are thankful for. Under the topic of why we are thankful to be in the Scot Class, some regatta stories paint the picture.

Saturday am, David Bell and Susan Cintron departed from Tampa and Ron Pletsch and crew, Barry, hit the road from Sarasota. They both were headed toward Jacksonville on highway 16 and David and Susan had stopped for breakfast. As they exited the parking lot they spotted the tell tale red truck and boat that was Ron and his Sidewalk Express. Dave followed Ron, but missed a light and lost sight. Down the road apiece, David and Susan noted the same red truck and boat on the side of the road. It was just before 8 am, and stores were just opening. David had the forethought to equip himself with his tool box complete with crescent wrench. He stopped; the diagnosis was a broken serpentine belt. They were able to purchase a replacement belt, and with their collective DIY-ness, both vehicles and Scots were back on the road. They made it in time to rig for the regatta.

The will to race was also evident in those from "up north" who attended the J-ville regatta. After trudging through (and dragging their Scots –and dog- out of) the snow and across many miles, friends from WI, MD, VA, and NC descended upon the Rudder Club. Others have conflicts with work, considerations with family, and the general business of this time of year, but the camaraderie of an event is special. It's amazing what folks will do to attend. On the subject of family, I was impressed by something Mark Taylor said. He is fortunate enough to be able to sail with his father (Tom) at some events and, at others, his children. He loves it either way!! We are so thankful for family support, and while at a regatta, there is a sense of "Scot Family" too. We observed that family support at the Sarasota Regatta. The Taylors arrived with extra crew, Ron came up with an extra boat, extra sails and sail tape (to subtly alter the sail number), and some expert riggers were provided. The scurrying Scot family resulted in another boat on the line! Mark sailed with son #1, and Tom got some quality time with Drew and Lilly on the put-together boat! (more on that in a future Scots - n –Water.)

On the way home from J-ville, we were following Cathy and Fred Strammer. As we approached Ocala, it grew darker and we noted their trailer lights began to flicker. Soon after, they were out more often that on and needed attention. A handy rest stop, another toolbox and a quick fix had everyone back on the road safely.

In closing, keep in mind those who may be traveling near you, with you, or at the same time as you. Let's exchange as many cell phone numbers as possible, and keep looking out for each other.

Dave and I are truly thankful for each one of you.

Happy Holidays.

Gator Bowl-Flying Scots-Jacksonville FL

We will post some reports from sunny jacksonville, actually we have had drizzle Friday night but are hoping for sun.

The La Quinta is quite a deal. We booked a room for $39 through Orbitz, normally $39 would raise the red flag, or at least mean some yellow crime scene tape will be involved. Having stayed here last year we knew the place wasn't bad at twice the price. Anyway the room has free wifi, microwave, fridge, coffeemaker, an iron and board (who uses those?) and is clean. I couldn't locate the coin slots on the mattress though so....

If we could just get all the jovial, 3am parking lot hangouts to stop telling jokes and get some sleep it would be ideal.

Saturdays forecast is for clearing and breeze around 8 to 10 so that should work pretty well. Later.

SATURDAY EVENING UPDATE.

In my next life I want to come back as a weather forecaster.

The 11:00 am skippers meeting was held behind the club overlooking the glass smooth St. Johns River. The sky was overcast but last night's rain was gone so that was a step in the right direction. After about an hour shoreside postponement the flag is dropped and we leave the dock in wind averaging about 1 knot. The trip out to the course was slow but the current was helping so we were fairly sure we would actually get there.


Proof that there were actually some puffs...

When the breeze kicked up to 2 knots with gusts to 4 the sequence was underway. The pin was favored to start with and the wind sghifted left during the race so that was the place to be. Ryan Malmgren edged John Damagala followed by us, Jim Egan and Harry Carpenter.


and plenty of glass, Note; Rons new RED paint job.

Shortly after the race concluded the southeasterly shut down, leaving the 19 Scots to drift and socialize. On the bright side the sun was out and the day was shaping up nicely, aside from the breeze. We loitered until about 3:30 when the RC abandoned racing for the day. The current had reversed so it was helping us on the trip back to the club. A westerly appreared long enough to get the fleet back to the club and it shut down.

As always the Rudder Club more than satisfied the racers with an abundence of homemade entrees and deserts. The Florida Gators did their part to entertain the group by defeating top ranked Alabama in the SEC Championship.

We will see what happens tomorrow, 10 am start with a 12:30 limit for the last race. Anybody's game.

SUNDAY UPDATE

Sunday morning was cool and brisk, we were happy to see some breeze at the hotel at 7 am. The sky was clear so it appeared that we were in for a nice day.

The breeze was NNE around 10 but shifty and gusty. The current was flowing to the north against the breeze. For the day I think there were 3 general recalls and quite a few individual recalls as well. We ended up getting in 3 races for the day so we had a lot of starting practice.


The Winners! Ryan and Carrie

Ryan Malmgren with Carrie Carpenter crewing won the regatta with very consistent results and 9 points. Close behind was John and Susan Damagala 11 pts, Jim Egan and Richard (reigning FL District Champs.) were 3 rd with 14 pts, we were forth with 18 and Judy Hanlon was fifth with 30 pts.

Full results will be posted soon along with updated FL District Standings.

P.S. Wally Gator returns to Florida!

Flying Scot Thanksgiving Regatta - Tampa

10 boats registered and 7 sailed in this year's Thanksgiving Regatta. Turnout is a bit lower than last year's,
blame the economy, the forecast, the Fleet Captain, looks like more work to do!
Saturday dawned breezy with temps in the 60's, not bad, and it would warm as the day progressed. The breeze was in the 15k range from the South and Southwest with a "Scot unfriendly" chop. Most of the crews
where in healthy de power mode, but if your boat had someone with the last name of Thompson on board you definitely had a advantage!

The first race saw Paul Silvernail and Leslie Fisher win the start at the boat and jump out to the lead for the first two legs, until.. Here's the lecture, if your boat's forestay extender or forestay are over two years old,
replace them, kids, don't argue, replace them. If, on the other hand your extender is brown with rust like someone's was, replace them.
The demise of #5026 briefly gave the lead to the Hayward's until Dave Clement and Corey Thompson #4925
got inside them on a jibe set. This would be the first of four bullets for Dave and Corey in what would prove to be a very impressive day for them. No Scots raced on Sunday as the wind was in the 20k range and the Southerly built chop was much worse.

Dave and Corey coupled solid tactics with a tic better speed upwind to dominate the regatta with 7 points. Following #4925 in the standings was the crafty and charming duo of Al Thompson and Cameron Salmon, #504 with 14 points. One point behind Al and Cameron was the Hayward's #38.
Full results @ www.diyc.org

Big thanks to George Haynie and his team for five great races!

Flying Scots and Thanksgiving

In his book Mayflower, Narragansett youth Sunfish great (and Brown sailor) Nat Philbrick describes that around 1621 the Pilgrim's William Bradford declared Thanksgiving. Though half his people, including his wife, had perished over the previous months, and their retirement savings had been shot all to Heck, he declared there would be a feast and that Flying Scots would be raced at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and the Davis Island YC.

Give thanks all.

Flying Scot Racing at Lake Eustis

Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, brought excellent sailing weather and things both familiar and new to Lake Eustis. The familiar: Ray Laguna and Dean Grimes taking two bullets on Saturday. The new: the first weekend of our Hartge series, and Ron Baerwitz – sailing with daughter Melissa and son Jerry – announcing his first appearance this season by taking the two bullets on Sunday.

Saturday saw nine Scots racing. Along with Ray and Dean on 5770, they included Dave and Jay Asaibene on 5179, Randy and Ronnie Boekema on 5697, Chuck Smith and Tony Tussing on 5125, Jack Bazner (finally back from somewhere cold) and Joe Lobato on 3387, Chris Erichsen on 5339 (I failed to write down the name of Chris’s crew – sorry), Francois Simon sailing solo on 3362, Pete Smith solo on 715, and me sailing with Todd Hunter and his son Jake – Jake’s first time sailing – on 5810.

The first race on Saturday was two laps to a mid-course upwind finish. Ray and Dean took an early lead and held it the whole time. The breeze was patchy but slowly building, and choosing the correct side of the course was critical. None of us by Ray and Dean seemed to get it right on every leg, so the fleet finished fairly spread out. Ray and Dean crossed the line first in 5770, Todd, Jake and I managed to follow in second on 5810, and Jack and Joe came in third on 3387.

The second race was more of the same patchy breeze, with more of the same need to choose the right places on the course. This time, though, more of us seemed to choose correctly (or at least to choose in the same way . . .) and the fleet was closer together. Pete Smith on 715 and Francois Simon on 3362, our solo skippers, were fast upwind in the light air. Francois even braved the spinnaker on the downwind legs and held his own there as well. On the second upwind leg, Todd and I made Jake’s introduction to sailing more exciting than we planned when we fixated on finding the layline as we neared the mark on port and neglected to look below us. Francois came in on starboard and did not see us under his sails until too late. When Todd and I finally did look below us all we could see was Francois’ orange bow, about ten feet away. T-bone! Right in front of God and the committee boat. But, no injuries, no damage, and our fault entirely. We did our penalty turns and kept going, although our learning experience cost us some time. At the finish, it was Ray and Dean first on 5770 (overcoming an OCS start), Chris Erichsen and crew second on 5339, and Jack and Joe third on 3387.

On Sunday we had another good turnout. All the boats from Saturday raced except for Chuck and Tony on 5125, Pete Smith on 715, and Jack Bazner on 3387, though we had a couple of crew changes: Joe Lobato sailed with Randy on 5697, Chris Erichsen on 5339 was ably supported by wife Becky and daughters Samantha and Megan, and Stephen and Annie Britigan sailed with me on 5810. In addition, we were joined by Anne Ireland and Joe McConkey on 5366 and Ron Baerwitz with Melissa and Jerry on 3360.

The breeze on Sunday was stronger but still variable across the course. Again, choosing the right part of the course to sail in was rewarded. In the first race, Ron, Melissa and Jerry clawed their way to a close come-from-behind victory at the upwind finish, crossing about ten seconds in front of Stephen, Annie and me. Great work by Melissa and Jerry, who were in their first race ever! (Although – and I’m just guessing here – their father may have sailed once or twice before.) Ray and Dean on 5770 placed third.

In the second race, the breeze was building and puffy, capsizing several MC scows. All the Scots stayed on their feet and more of us made good choices on the course, so we enjoyed several crowded mark roundings and finished with a parade of boats spaced a few lengths apart. Ron, Melissa and Jerry on 3360 again crossed first, followed by Randy and Joe on 5697 and then Ray and Dean on 5770. All in all, another great day of racing, and an impressive debut performance by Ron, Melissa and Jerry. We hope team Baerwitz will have the time to join us consistently through the rest of the season.

Finally, thanks to all who joined us for food and drink after racing on Sunday, when we awarded trophies to the winners of the Keenan Series. It was nice to take a deep breath and spend a little quiet time together. Thanks especially to everyone who supplied food, including Dave Asaibene for cooking a marvelous brisket, and to Ronnie Boekema and everyone who set up and cleaned up. Finally, many, many thanks to Frank Keenan, one of our club founders, for joining us to present the trophies.

Remember to visit our Fleet 150 website: http://fs.tmcentral.net/. Randy has been doing a great job keeping it up to date with our latest race results and other information.

The next racing weekend is November 22 and 23. We’ll look forward to seeing everyone then.

Sarasota District Regatta

Picture perfect weather with highs around 80 and breeze mostly between 8 and 14, can't get much better than that. Twenty three Scot teams enjoyed it to the fullest see the District website for results and a report.

I have a little story of my own. During Saturday's racing I noticed a couple small areas on the main sheet that were beginning to fray. Not thinking too much about it but I did make a mental note to replace it some time in the future. Since we needed only one more race on Sunday to get the five races scheduled it would be no big deal. Or not...


Here is a look at the sheet after the one race on Sunday


Here is another with the damaged area laid out on the aft deck

During the first beat on Sunday, I noticed the sheet was deteriating at an alarming rate. By the beginning of the second beat I was afraid it would not make it to the top mark. The damaged area is where the sheet is gripped by the cam cleat and ratchet block. Another hazard was easing the sheet may or may not work because the broken cover would sometimes jam in the cleat or ratchet. We could see that a couple of the core strands were also breaking, the breeze was about 14 so we vanged more to try to reduce the sheet load.

As the race is unfolding Jim Egan and I are in the hunt to win the regatta, we had started the day tied. Marshall had been ahead but we now have boats between us so the door is open. Jim and I are working the right side and we are close. Kim and I are watching the sheet and chanting/praying; "please make it to the mark" I have given up playing the sheet and just cleat it except for tacking when I tried to absorb the "pop" of the main filling on the new tack. When puffs hit we just feathered up and did or best to keep the heel reasonable and boat driving.

We are three quarters up the beat when Jim tacks to starboard with us on port and not able to cross. Afraid the sheet would jam I do a big early duck and we pass his stearn safely. We tack and we are both on starboard (Jim is ahead but slightly to leeward)trying to fetch the mark and banging into some big waves, I think I hear a strand pop, then some more; "please make it to the mark" chants. Jim looks like he is going to try to shoot the mark but goes into a tack instead, we take his stearn again and shoot the mark and barely make it. Now were ahead but since we were hiking and pinching the pole is not set up. We launch anyway and get an hourglass that take about 15 or 20 seconds to clear, that's all it took for Jim to pull even. Drag race to the finish.

Jim pulled ahead in the last 100 yars or so and took the race and the regatta. Awesome job by him and his crew Richard, not to mention Jeff Penfield who battled his way into an overlap with Jim at the finish line.

Results and Season standings have been posted on the District website.

Lake Eustis Series Results

Fleet 150 Members and Friends:

Here are the results for our Keenan Saturday and Sunday series, the first series of our 2008-2009 Season. Summary results are below and detailed results are attached.

Congratulations to all – but especially to Ray Laguna and Dean Grimes on 5770, who dominated the series. Great sailing!

Please remember that we will have a cookout to celebrate the Keenan series after racing on Sunday, November 9. Chuck has previously sent out information, but let me know if you have questions. Dave Asaibene will cook, so we should have great food as well as great fun. Hope to see everyone there. Spouses and crews are most definitely welcome!

Our next series is the Hartge Series, and again we will have prizes for Saturday and for Sunday. The Hartge Series begins the weekend of November 8 and 9, and also includes the weekends of November 22 and 23, December 6 and 7, December 20 and 21, and January 3 and 4.

Flying Scot Fleet 150

2008 Keenan Saturday Series Results

Place
Skipper
Sail
Series Score

1
Laguna
5770
3

2
Erichsen
5339
7

3
Asaibene
5179
9

4
Boekema
5697
9

5
Golder
5810
12

6
Simon
3362
12

7
Smith C
5125
17

8
Ireland
5366
19






2008 Keenan Sunday Series Results






Place
Skipper
Sail
Series Score

1
Laguna
5770
7

2
Golder
5810
9

3
Boekema
5697
13

4
Erichsen
5339
15

5
Simon
3362
15

6
Asaibene
5179
23

7
Smith C
5125
28

8
Ireland
5366
40

Beautiful fall weather at Lake Eustis

Beautiful fall weather at Lake Eustis this weekend, and more great racing.

I was unable to sail on Saturday and feel like I missed a raucous party. The breeze was strong enough to raise whitecaps on the lake. I was remiss in failing to get most of the details (including the names of everyone’s crew), but the boats racing included Ray Laguna on 5770, Dave Asaibene on 5179, Randy Boekema on 5697 and Francois Simon on 3362. In the first race, Dave grabbed his first bullet of the season, followed by Ray in second, Randy in third and Francois in fourth. In the second race, Ray reasserted his recent dominance and took first, with Randy in second, Dave in third and Francois fourth.

Sunday proved the wisdom of the aphorism that “no good deed goes unpunished.” The weather was again nice, although the wind went from strong and fairly consistent in the first race to patchy and fluky in the second.

Chris Erichsen and I were scheduled for chase boat duty and showed up planning not to race. In fact, Chris did not have his sails with him, or even a life vest. He did, however, come prepared with a stogie to fire up while we stood vigilant guard over the fleet. But, as we prepared to board the chase boat, Ray Laguna pointed out, very kindly (if you’re paying attention, that adverb – indicating a good deed – will prove significant), that a couple of other club members weren’t sailing and actually wanted to crew the chase boat, so Chris and I should sail. Ray even offered to lend us sails if we needed them. Chris and I declined the offer of sails, but gladly took Ray up on the suggestion to let others cover the chase boat. We scrounged the equipment we needed and, since my boat had its sails on board, put 5810 in the water.

So, four boats raced on Sunday: Ray sailing with Dean and Marie (a/k/a Renee) Grimes on 5770, Randy Boekema and Joe Lobato on 5697, Francois Simon and Tony Tussing on 3362, and Chris Erichsen and me on 5810. Dave Asaibene was there on 5179, but he didn’t compete.

The first race was two laps to an upwind finish. Ray, Dean and Marie jumped out to a lead which they held most of the race. However, late on the second downwind leg, the breeze filled in from behind and slightly to our left (the right side of the course) so that Chris and I were able to work our way behind them and park on their air, then pass to weather and sneak inside at the leeward mark. We rounded just in front and managed to hold them off the rest of the way to the finish, though we were glad the finish line was only half way up the final weather leg because Ray, Dean and Marie were fast upwind all day. Chris and I placed first on 5810. Ray, Dean and Marie were second on 5770. Randy and Joe were third on 5697 and Francois and Tony finished fourth on 3362.

The second race on Sunday was two laps from a mid-leg start to an upwind finish at the top mark, and it was all about sailing in the breeze. The wind shifted left after the first race and became patchy and variable. We all headed left after the start and almost immediately found ourselves near the port layline. As soon as we had any separation at all between boats we were each sailing in our own private wind. Chris and I were fortunate to find consistent pressure (due to Chris’s suggestions and our good luck), but I think we were unique. We rounded the top mark first and struggled to decide whether to reach downwind with the spinnaker or just the jib. We saw the rest of the fleet struggling with the same decision, hoisting and dropping their chutes. The only clear thing was that the left side was the place to be. The second weather leg was again a close reach, followed by another reaching, uncertain downwind leg. Chris and I kept lucking out and sailing in pressure (at least, more than the rest of the fleet), and finished first. On the final leg, we sailed within about fifty yards of Randy and Joe on 5697, who were trying to get downwind in their own little hole, and we heard them yell “We quit!” Ray, Dean and Marie on 5770 and Francois and Tony on 3362 fought until the end, with Ray, Dean and Marie leading but the patchy breeze creating opportunities for Francois and Tony who gained on them up the final leg. Then, just before the finish, and even though they were close together, Francois and Tony sailed into a hole and Ray, Dean and Marie caught a lift which carried them to second place. Francois and Tony finished third, and Randy and Joe were fourth with a DNF.

It was that sort of day. And Ray’s kind good deed in pointing out that Chris and I could sail rather than crew the chase boat did not go unpunished. We were just glad we didn’t borrow sails from him, too. We would really have felt guilty about that.

By the way, Chris also did good deeds on Sunday: he taught me a couple of things I plan to put to use at the first opportunity.

At this point, Chris and I owe one to Ray, and I owe one to Chris.

Finally, I have to share an e mail I received from Lori Lantzy after our racing two weeks ago. Lori sailed with Anne Ireland on Sunday. During the first race, they got caught by a puff while they were tacking and capsized. As a result, they did not finish that race and were unable to start the second race. Lori said:

Gee, DNS and DNF look so low-key compared to the actual happening. At least it wasn't a DNR, huh?

Our next race weekend will be November 8 and 9. That will begin our Hartge series. We’ll have results out shortly for the Keenan series, which ended this weekend.

Also, remember that on November 9 we’ll have a cook out and awards ceremony to celebrate the Keenan series. Chuck has sent information around previously. We hope everyone can make it. Dave Asaibene is going to cook, and he’s a professional!

New Flying Scots On Sale NOW!

Now is your chance to save nearly $3,000 on a new Flying Scot!!

Flying Scot, Inc. is pleased to provide eleven new Flying Scots to the 2009 Adams Cup finals at Bay Waveland Yacht Club near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. These boats will not have been sailed prior to the event and could be picked up after the event on September 26, 2009. Ordering one of these boats now with a deposit makes it possible for you to get into a new Flying Scot at a great price. Place your order early to pick your colors and save on accessories. Boats will be assigned on a first come first served basis. These boats are race rigged and are complete with anchor, paddle and compass. They are also complete with main, jib and spinnaker sails, galvanized trailer and tie-down rig.

Delivery to other areas may be available at an additional cost. Details of how these boats will be rigged are as follows:

Flying Scot complete
Main, jib and spinnaker – sailmaker to be determined
Galvanized trailer and tie-down
Mast hinge
Jib sheet cleated on seat with Harken auto ratchet
2:1 jib sheet rig
360 swivel cleat for centerboard
Ronstan X-10 fixed h-o stick
Mainsheet – 5/16 polypro - rigged 3:1 with Harken Carbo blocks
Spinnaker rig and spinnaker pole
Two rings on mast for pole
Spinnaker halyard led aft with take-up reel
Spinnaker guy hooks on deck with cleats at chainplates
Spinnaker sheets – ¼” Ultra-lite - internal system with self-ratchet cheek blocks under seat
Spinnaker turtles on forward seat corners
Outhaul – 6:1 internal wire
Cunningham system led aft to console
Vang – 12:1 cascade purchase led aft to console cleat
Pole lift – 2:1 - led through deck to console cleat
Pole downhaul – shock cord through deck
Lifting bridle
Mast head fly
Break-away rudder blade hold down pin
Aquameter compass and mount
Safety equipment - anchor & line, paddle, cushion, whistle, bucket & chamois
Price complete $19,101.00
Less Adams 2009 discount – 15% - 2,865.15
$16,235.85
Class measurement certificates for hull and sails 85.00
Freight to Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS 500.00
Total price delivered $16,820.85

Deposit of approximately 50% ($8,400.00) due with the order and balance due on delivery following the 2009 Adams finals on September 26.

Order early and save!
We expect a price increase of at least 5% on January 1, 2009. In addition, an order and deposit placed by June 19, 2009 will receive up to $500 in free additional accessories. Order by July 17, 2009 and get up to $300 in free accessories. Order by August 14, 2009 and get the first $100 in accessories free.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Freight is approximate and subject to change with rising fuel prices.

Flying Scot Masters Championship - Sunday

Last Day:

53 degrees this morning, BRRRRRR - forecast has warming up to 77.
Wind forecast was NE 12 shifting to E at 9. But they were WRONG.

Sailed out in shorts and a long sleeve T-shirt. Bad Idea. Half way out to the course wind went right and built to 15. That first wave was no fun.

Race 3 WLWLW:
Dad had a great start. We looked good until the wind picked up just a little more, fast on starboard but slow slow slow on port. Watched Al, Ron, and the Blue boat cruise away. We were left to battle it out with the rest of the fleet. From our vantage point it look like those 3 had a great battle with Al coming out on top. Dad and I - not so good, finished 6th in the race.


Congrats to Al and Jeff.

One thing I forgot - our fleet managed to pound through about 10 dozen raw oysters one night. Love that native cuisine.

Flying Scot Masters Championship - Saturday

Two races today. A front went through with wind out of the north 12-15, with gusts up to 20.

Most of the days excitement was at the ramp. There is only enough dock space for 2 boats. Splash and Dash was the order for the day but it did not quite work out that way. Big THANK YOU to the RC for waiting for us all to get out to the course for the first start.

Race 1 WLWL:
Dad got a great start near the boat - sent the blue boat to the right. Wind blowing about 15. I played the main while Dad 2 handed the helm. Not much chop so you could pinch some. Blue boat we sent right - that launched him to 100 yard lead. Not much changing of places as we battled through some big gusts. Blue boat 1st, Ron 2nd, Al/Jeff 3rd and we were 4th. Judy and Dean did alright considering this was only the 2nd time she had been on a Flying Scot.

Race 2 WLWLW:
Wind settled down to 12. We had a bad start but were able to tack immediatly to the right. For a while it look like we were launched until a slight left shift came in, top 4 rounded close. Al, Ron, us, Blue. Blue boat wiped out jybing in a puff but did not tip over. Dad and I watched Al and Ron battle for the next few legs. Finish: Al, Ron, us , Blue boat was 5th.

Hung out at the boats and had a beverage or 2 talking about the days events. Dinner at the club then off to Al's hotel room to watch the Rays game. Dad and I left around 9:30 to go back to are room and bed - guess we made the right call.

One race planned for Sunday - cold 53 out, wind is supposed to be down around 9.
Good luck to the Flying Scots in the Dory Drake.

Flying Scot Masters Championship - Getting Ready

The Florida District has a number (the exact number I don't know) of skippers in attendance at the Masters Championship in Ft. Walton Beach, Oct. 18 and 19. As reports come in I will post them here.

Hi all, Mark Taylor here. Time for another series of my Scot junk mails.

Day 1 - Thusday.

Dad and I left around noon for Fort Walton Beach Fl. We decided to go up the Vetran's expressway and 19. Trip was easy, dad driving the entire trip while I worked in the car.

We arrived in Fort Walton around 7pm and dropped the boat at the club. We checked into the hotel and looked for a place to eat and watch the Rays game. Stopped at a dive bar "Crab Shack" Jan and Dean met us at the bar for a few drinks and the game. We ordered a Bucket of seafood - Oysters, King Crab, Dungeness Crab, mussels, shrimp and crawdaddies. Great night of food and drinks - end of the game was crap. We made up for it with oyster shooters and raw oysters - YUM!

Go Rays!



Day 2- Friday

Went to the club early to setup the boat and scrub the bottom. Helped Dean put new jib cleats on seat. Al, Jeff and Amy arrived and Judy (Dean's skipper) arrived 30 min later.

We all launched are boats and went for a sail. Breeze about 8-12 with flat water. Everyone had their moments, we all seem fast. When we hit the dock Ron Plesh had arrived from Sarasota.

Had a quick burger/dog dinner out on the point at the club - weather degrading as front gets closer. We all decide to go out for raw oysters. 10 dozen oysters downed by Judy, Jan, Dave, Mark, Tom, Al, Jeff and Amy - WOW those are good!

Headed back to rooms around 9 - hope it is not blowing Sat.

Go Rays!

What a difference a breeze makes!

We had great weather and great racing at Lake Eustis this weekend. The wind was steady all Saturday and most of Sunday, growing shifty only during the second race on Sunday. That gave us close, exciting racing both days. Ray Laguna and Dean Grimes on 5770 clearly came out on top, finishing first in all four races, but I like to think we made them work for it.

On Saturday we had five Scots racing. In addition to Ray and Dean on 5770, they included Dave and Jay Asaibene on 5179, Chris Erichsen and Reinhard Schlip on 5339, Randy Boekema and Joe Lobato on 5697 and Todd Hunter with me on 5810.

Both races were tightly contested, with boats frequently side-by-side like NASCAR at Daytona. Ray and Dean were sometimes able to stretch things out a bit upwind only to find the fleet compressing on the downwind. And, in the first race, Ray and Dean bumped the weather mark on the first leg to give the rest of us the best chance we had all weekend to gain a lead over them. They sailed off to do their 360 while the rest of us chased each other down the course. Then, as we neared the leeward mark we found Ray and Dean blasting in on a higher angle from our left, having made up the ground they lost with their 360. Thus they recovered from hitting the mark and recaptured a lead which they held – with short exceptions – for the rest of the race, finishing first. Chris and Reinhard on 5339 came in second, followed by Todd and me on 5810 in third, Randy and Joe on 5697 in fourth and Dave and Jay on 5179 in fifth.

The second race on Saturday was much like the first, with close quarters racing both up and down, and just enough chance that the lead might change to keep Ray and Dean on their toes all the way to the upwind finish. Ray and Dean finished first. Todd and I managed to hold on for second. Chris and Reinhard came in third, with Randy and Joe fourth and Dave and Jay fifth.

Sunday was more of the glorious same, both with regard to the quality of the racing and the ultimate dominance by Ray and Dean. Six Scots raced, including the entire fleet from Saturday – with Ernie Tosi sailing with Chris Erichsen on 5339 and Tony Tussing with me on 5810 – and we were joined by Anne Ireland and Lori Lantzy on Anne’s 5366.

In the first race, Tony and I were over early at the start and had to bear off to round the pin before starting again. The error was mine entirely – I’m time and distance challenged – but I don’t entirely regret it since it was the only time all day when we were out in front of the fleet. We tacked to port after we restarted and headed right. Through clean living more than skill, our split to the right kept us with the fleet and we were able enjoy the tight racing in spite of my error at the start. The breeze was puffy and building all the way to the downwind finish. Anne and Lori got caught by a gust and capsized on the second weather leg. Ray and Dean crossed the finish line first. Chris and Ernie followed in second. Tony and I were third, with Randy and Joe beside us but just back in fourth. Dave and Jay were fifth, and Anne and Lori were unable to finish.

There was apparently another starting incident in the second race on Sunday. Tony and I did not see it, and no one was over early, but Chris Erichsen did ask me to note for the record that it was not Ernie’s fault (sounds like there’s a story there). However, Chris and Ernie recovered and sailed fully in the hunt the rest of the way. After more wonderful racing and in an increasingly shifty wind, the fleet finished upwind and close together. Ray and Dean, in a tiresome repeat of all the other races, were first. Randy and Joe crossed ahead of Tony and me, and frankly seemed to enjoy that fact all too much. Tony and I were third, just – and I mean just – in front of Chris and Ernie, who finished fourth.

Chris and Ernie were coming on so strong that Tony swears they would have had us if the finish line had been ten feet further away. I don’t know about that, but I do know all I could hear at the end of the race was Chris’s bow wave on our quarter. It sounded like a tsunami.

Dave and Jay finished fifth, and Anne and Lori were DNS because they were sorting things out from their capsize.

All in all, the racing this weekend was so much fun that you almost didn’t mind seeing transoms rather than bows. Almost. I wish everyone could have been there!

The next racing weekend is October 25 and 26. See you then!

George

Upcoming Races

This weekend is the Masters Championship in Ft Walton.

November 1-2, Team racing in Sarasota.

November 8-9, Florida District race in Sarasota.

November 29-30, DIYC Thanksgiving Regatta.

December 6-7, Florida District race in Jacksonville.

December 13th, Fleet 168 Fleet races and Christmas Party, Yea!!

As you can see the season is getting busy and our local fleet activity will slow down a bit, so lets grease
up our trailer bearings and roll!

Florida District Championship 2008 - 09 - Miami

This past weekend was the kick-off for the new Florida District Championship. Mark Taylor narrowly beat Ron Pletsch by just one point to win the regatta. I was unable to attend so the report has been provided by John Damagala. Thanks John!

Ten flying scots gathered at Coconut Grove Sailing Club last weekend for the annual CGSC one design regatta. Classes represented were; Sunfish, Laser, Lightning, Etchells and Flying Scots. Even with the light turnout for us the Scots had the largest fleet. After a shore delay, Saturday morning found Mark Taylor, Dean Bell, & Larry Whipple eager to head out with the race comittee (despite the thick rain accross the bay). After these three left the dock and with the bay dissappearing behind the latest rain band, the balance of the fleet headed for the club house for a self imposed postponment. The next clearing brought the remaining boats out to the course (less the Domagalas claiming a crew illness is a lousy mix for sailing in a downpour). The remaining boats arrived at the course to find the fleet several minutes up the course. Several followed in vain as there was a time limit for starting that had expired. Mark Taylor captured his first bullet of the weekend followed by Larry Whipple. The next two races went off despite the heavy rain that came and went. Ron Pletsch captured two bullets followed by Fred Strammer with two seconds and Mark Taylor with two thirds. The fleet received a good wash down Saturday night as the rain really started coming down.

By Sunday morning the weather had somewhat cleared and the fleet could head out expecting a dryer day. The first race started off in a nice 12-15 knot breeze. The well rested Domagalas took the first race from the first mark with Mark Taylor comfortably in second and Fred Strammer getting ahead of Ron Pletsch for third place. Things lightened up slightly for the 2nd Race of the morning. The fleet headed off for the last race of the series in a breeze that was getting shiftier. Mark Taylor continued to sail well and rounded the weather mark first, a position he would not give up. The Domagalas followed with Ron and Fred close by. The positions held through the downwind gate with Ron making a move on the beat to round the last mark in 2nd place. Ron and the Domagalas went back and forth on the run with Ron holding on to 2nd place and Fred coming in 4th.
With 5 races in, the throw out was in effect for Ron to drop his first (non)race. However, with Mark Taylor dropping only a 3rd he was one point out in front of Ron for the win. The Strammers and Dean Bell rounded out the top 4 for the weekend.


Once a glitsch is worked out the results will be posted on the Florida District website; www.fssa.com/fldist/

Patience and Persistence in Eustis

In this life, patience and persistence are frequently rewarded in the end – whether it be in the stock market (at least one hopes), in watching Michigan’s struggling offence, or in waiting for wind at Lake Eustis. And so it was with our club racing this past weekend.

On Saturday, the lake was pure glass and racing was cancelled entirely. On Sunday, things looked more promising and six Scots departed from the dock only to see the ripples on the water grow flat and the breeze fade away. The Committee Boat set one mark but soon sounded its horn and flew first the postponement flag and then the N and H flags, signaling “Races are Abandoned; Further Signals Ashore.”

Patience and persistence paid off, though, when a light wind filled in and the Race Committee announced a 1:30 start for the races abandoned earlier in the day. Although several of us were unable to stay, three Scots sailed and completed two races. The first was favored with a steady light breeze but the second was sailed in a dying breeze. Both were sailed to a downwind finish with the Scots crossing the line in the same order each time: Chris Erichsen, sailing on 5339 with Jim McIntyre, finishing first, followed by Randy Boekema and Joe Lobato on Randy’s 5697 in second and Francois Simon flying solo aboard 3362 in third. Rounding out the results was Dave Asaibene who was awarded an automatic third place for handling chase boat duty instead of sailing.

Our next racing weekend is October 11 and 12, when we continue our Keenan series. The weather and breezes will keep getting better as we get into the fall (given some patience and persistence) and I predict great racing that weekend. Hope to see everyone there.



George

Giveth and Taketh Away

11 highly motivated, super dedicated yachts we call Scots plying the tannic water of the upper bay, fantastic!
Ah, yet mother nature, who Paulie thumbed his nose at a few months ago, was not done with us yet!
She teased us out with a 4-5k Southwesterly, gonna build into a nice sea breeze right?

Big thanks to Jay Tyson and Kevin Fouche for their efforts on Race Committee. We had a couple of practice starts in what would be the most breeze of the day, helped the teams work on their light air boat handling.
Sharp eyed Jay saw that the breeze was getting softer and quickly got a race going. Details are a bit sketchy but I believe that Paul and Leslie restarted at the pin and hit the left hard in the dying wind.
There was small shaft of breeze in the left corner that #5026 and #38 rode in on port to the mark.
It was #5026, #38, #4925 at the start of the run. The "brain trust" Ha! on #38 tried to stay in that same left breeze but mother nature wasn't having none of it, it filled form the West. The fleet did all coast into the down wind finish line, but the wind was done. Thanks to Wing it, Another Road, and Penny and Ed (power steering) Ruark for the tow ins!

Results:

#5026 Paul Silvernail and Leslie Fisher
#4925 David Clement and Joe Blouin
#4156 Dave Bell and Susan Cintron
#812 Dave Thinel all by his lonesome!
#38 Andy and Lisa Hayward
#5477 Dean Bell and crew
#2262 Matt Dalton and Dawn Narramore
#4321 Tom and Mark Taylor
#504 Al and Corey Thompson
#4305 Mike and Andrew Douglas and Terry
#2007 Nate and Melissa Velardebo

Our post race meeting was lightly attended, Kevin Fouche will have a synopsis out soon to answer questions, all is well with Fleet 168!

Our next fleet race/practice was scheduled for October 18th. We have 4-5 boats leaving town to attend the
Masters Championships in Ft Walton Beach the same day. Much discussion has revolved around this and it
has been decided that the fleet will sail the following day, Sunday the 19th which is the DIYC Dore Drake Regatta. This is a women's only event so Scot ladies form your teams and Scot men come help with Race Committee. I will need a manly Scot man to accompany me and my cooler full of beer on the pin boat.
We also need boats for the teams to use, contact me if your Scot is available. Info at www.diyc.org / women's sailing.

See you at the club!

Lake Eustis Flying Scot Fleet Racing

Our club racing this past weekend (September 13 and 14) proved challenging. The winds were light and shifty, and the weather hot, making things hard on the competitors and Race Committee alike. Still, far better to be sailing than not.

On Saturday, six Scots competed. Among them were Chris Erichsen on 5339 – racing with his entire family as crew (Becky, Samantha and Megan) – and Francois Simon, making his season debut as skipper on his Scot 3360, assisted by club member and Wayfarer sailor Peter Hylan as crew. Rounding out the fleet were Randy Boekema with Ronnie on 5697, Chuck Smith and Tony Tussing – Tony recently back from a summer in New England – on 5125, Anne Ireland and Lori Lantze (forgive me if I spelled Lori’s name wrong) on 5366 and Ray Laguna and Dean Grimes on 5770.

Saturday’s first race was a frustrating light air lottery, originally intended to be two laps to an upwind finish but completed with a shortened course at the end of the second downwind leg. Ray and Dean on 5770 did a great job of finding the breeze and finished first after a painful, spinnaker-drooping final leg. The Erichsen clan followed in second place on 5339, in spite of what sounded from the committee boat like a growing mutiny among at least one of its younger crewmembers (undoubtedly wondering why anyone would think it’s fun to sail downwind in light air on a sunny, hot Florida day). In third place were Chuck and Tony on 5125, placing well even though Tony had to be wishing he was still in Vermont.

The second race on Saturday was abandoned, since there seemed to be no prospect of conditions improving significantly.

On Sunday, conditions were a bit better and we were able to complete both races. Five Scots sailed, with most of Saturday’s competitors returning except for Chris Erichsen and Anne Ireland (was Chris’s absence related to that mutiny overheard from the Committee Boat?). In addition, Francois sailed without crew – very fast, I might add, in the light air – and I was finally able to join the fleet on 5810, with Stephen and Annie Britigan as crew to make up for my deficiencies as skipper.

Sunday’s first race looked a lot like a replay of the first race on Saturday, with the course originally intended as two laps to an upwind finish but again being shortened to finish on the final downwind leg. Throughout the race, there seemed to be a huge hole in the middle of the course, with most of the breeze on the right. That led to a nervous final downwind leg as Stephen, Annie and I were leading but watched Ray and Dean – who had taken a hotter angle to the left on the downwind (i.e., to the right side of the course) – catch a breeze which filled in from that side and nearly put them ahead. We barely held on for first (a novel experience, and we learned a thing or two from Ray and Dean about the value of sailing where the wind is). A near second were Ray and Dean, with Chuck and Tony following in third.

The breeze that filled in stayed with us to enable a slightly faster second race. The Race Committee reset the course, but the right side still seemed to be the place to be and the downwind legs gradually became port-tack reaches rather than downwind runs. One boat was a bit anxious at the start and crossed the line early (for the record, it seemed to take us forever to get back around the end and restart). Ray and Dean again found the wind and were ahead for most or all of the race, finishing first. Francois sailed well in spite of being solo, and Stephen, Annie and I had the joy of watching him pass us to windward on the final “downwind” reach to place second. Stephen, Annie and I followed in third.

Our next club racing is in two weeks – September 27 and 28. See you there!

Report by George Golder

Labor Day at Lake Eustis

I am happy to provide a report from our fleet at Lake Eustis. In case you aren't familiar with it, picture Orlando and go about 30 miles NNW. The club is a nice little casual place, real easy to hang out.

Our Labor Day 2008 series is complete. Even though we managed to sail only half of the series, it all turned out well in the end.

Saturday was a disappointment – best described as “all dressed up and no place to go.” We had a wonderful turnout – ten Scots – and a great forecast for the wind. Unfortunately, once everyone was on the lake, thunder rumbled from the southeast, heavy black clouds formed in the east and southeast, and everyone except Dave and Caroline Chapin fled back to the dock. Dave and Caroline, braver than the rest of us, scooted across the lake under spinnaker and returned during a break in the storm. After an hour or so, it became clear that the rain was likely to continue and racing was abandoned for the day.

Sunday was overcast and gusty, but the sailing was great. We sailed two races with seven boats. The conditions were occasionally challenging and several Scow crews ended up swimming, joining many of the Laser sailors. All of the Scots stayed upright and at the end of the day it was the Chapin boat leading the fleet with two firsts. Ray Laguna and Dean Grimes in Ray’s boat followed with two second places, chased by Jack Bazner and Joe Lobato who snagged two thirds. The full results are below.

Gus Chennells e mailed this report on the Sunday sailing:

I arrived early Sunday to get out on the water before it got too windy. I wanted to see if I could handle it solo. NOT! I got knocked down with my main all the way out but scampered over the rail onto the board without getting wet. A few good jumps brought the mast out of the water and I barely pulled myself in. Then I struggled back to the dock.

Stephen Britigan meet me at the dock and volunteered to crew, for which I was grateful. The first race was a struggle, and then just over the finish line, the clew of the jib was torn right out. So we retired, wet and tired!

I understand Gus has already replaced his sail, so he should be back next time.

Our next racing is in two weeks (September 13 and 14). That weekend and the three weekends which follow it will comprise the Keenan series (i.e., September 13 and 14, September 27 and 28, October 11 and 12 and October 25 and 26). We will award prizes for the top boats on each of Saturday and Sunday during each series, so come race even if you can’t make both days each weekend. For that matter, come race whenever you can! We’re going to have a great fleet this year, and a great racing season. The more boats we have each day, the better it will be.


Here are the full results from the Labor Day series:

Labor Day Series 2009
Saturday August 30 and Sunday August 31, 2009

**Note: Racing was Cancelled on Saturday, August 30**

Place Skipper Sail Sat R1 Sat R2 Sun R1 Sun R2 Points
1 Chapin 5020 - - 1 1 2
2 Laguna 5770 - - 2 2 4
3 Bazner 3387 - - 3 3 6
4 Erichsen 5339 - - 4 5 9
5 Browning 5690 - - 6 4 10
6 Picco 5703 - - 5 6 11
7 Chennells 3059 - - 7 DNS (7) 14



We were glad to see everyone this weekend. We’ll look forward to seeing you on September 13.

George

Labor Day Fleet Race (Pummeling) in Tampa

Sound familiar? Fleet race at 3pm, thunderstorm shows up right on time. Go figure.




More later...

Ok, its a little later. Andy has this to say:


43.5 knots at 1532, or so says the anemometer at the club. Having left the dock at around 1500, team #38 has no reason to doubt it!

When I close my eyes and think of sailing, I fancy blue skies, fresh breezes, and sparkling water.

I SWEAR ONE OF THESE DAYS IT WILL HAPPEN!

Around 1330 most teams were setting up, rigging boats and got chased into the club by a stout boomer. The consensus was that it was good to get that out of the way.

The skies cleared up a bit so it was back out to the boats and in the water they go.
It wasn't very long once out on the bay that it became evident that another storm cell was forming from the North. The wind ramped up pretty quickly and the conversation on #38 was if we could somehow skirt the storm...

Nope, no fringes, solid gray from Bayshore to the channel. Everyone has their stories of tested seamanship and valor. Ours from old #38 was how awful the boat shakes with a flogging main and how the un-sheeted main was trying to drag us over.

Match the quotes: This is a test. There is a prize.

1. "any other centerboarder would have tipped over"
2. "last ones in, we WON!"
3. "this is the last time Jeff will loan me his boat"
4. "time for a new suit of sails, SHUCKS!"
5. "how does this halyard thingy work"
6. "50 year old chainplates don't fail us now"
7. "my green crew and I are outta here!"
8. "the police car on Bayshore has his lights on for us, how nice"
9. "Hike like he__ Dad!"

A. #5026 Paul Silvernail and Leslie Fisher
B. #4321 Mark and Tom Taylor
C. #812 Bo, DeDe, and Alyson
D. #38 Andy and Lisa Hayward
E. #4156 Dave Bell and Susan Cintron
F. #4925 Dave and Kim Thinel
G. #2007 Josh and his buddy
H. #5477 Dean Bell and nephew Mike
I. #504 Al Thompson and Cameron Salmon

Everyone was eventually accounted for and only a few sails were damaged. The weather remained gray and rainy for the rest of the afternoon, but this did little to dampen the spirits of the hearty bunch known as Fleet 168! Thanks to all for the good eats, and to Lisa Hayward for her efforts with the cookunder.

Thanks to Henry Moore and Jay Tyson for their efforts on RC and the tow in of the unnamed Scot with the red waterline.

****Please review the class rules in regards to anchor requirements, this was a problem for some boats.****

Our next Fleet Race is September 20th @ 1500 and I promise the weather will be horrible, but the company will be great! We hope to have Jay Tyson as RC again.

Sarasota Fleet Race

Well it finally happened... we actually went sailing! This summer has been cursed when it comes to sailing the Scot. Between thunderstorms, the flu, Kim's hangovers, no wind, RC duty and whatever, we have not sailed since May.

The day didn't look that great as we were leaving the house, heavy overcast that had the threat of storms but generally brighter to the south, the direction we were headed. Within about 10 miles the overcast was gone leaving bright sun and only a few clouds, better, but no wind yet. When we were atop the Sunshine Skyway, with its excellent view, we noticed only little puffs upon the mostly glassy bay. Not again!

We get to the club and it is HOT with only the slightest breeze from the NE. By the time the six boats are ready to leave the dock at 1:30 the breeze is picking up.


Here is the wind graph from the Sarasota airport. Seems to me we saw 2 or 3 knots better than this most of the time

By about 4:30 we had 4 races complete and it was time to get out of the sun. A spinnaker run is always a nice way to return to the club, especially to hop over the sandbar. We all enjoyed some shade time under the pavillion and possibly a beer or two...



Remembering the camera for the first time today, I took this one looking north just before we hit the road.

August Fleet Race in Tampa

We arrive at the club and keep an eye on this cell to the south. We expected it to move south and away from us but it seemed mostly parked. Wind is from the south which seemed a little odd.



We set the boat up and notice a rapidly building cell just to the north which is heading our way


Pig Pen strapped down to the trailer again and we head for cover in the Clubhouse


Here is the wind graph for DIYC. The start was scheduled for 3:00pm, the thunderstorm pulled in right on time. UGH!

Here is Andy's report of the day including the new Fleet 168 scoring system;

Well we tried! 10 Scot teams were ready, willing, and able this Saturday, full blame on Paulie Silvernail
for thumbing his nose at Mother Nature!
A strong storm cell crossed over the southern tip of the island taking the electricity and the wind with it, no hoists, no wind, a bad combo.
Talk of ramp launching was halted as the bay turned into a mirror, so we chilled, some of the girls got a little out of hand and Toni had to cut off the rum drinks, don't worry Amy, Leslie, Lisa, and Penny, I won't tell a soul.

Results:

1. Mark and Tom Taylor, #4321 Only briefly unbuckled their boat cover.
2. Andy and Lisa Hayward, #38 Removed cover, (for repairs) moved boat, no sails rigged.
3. Leslie Fisher and Penny Ruark, #5026 Removed cover, snapped jib on.
4. Nate Vilardebo, #2007 Removed cover, moved boat down drive, no crew.
5. Jeff and Amy Linton, #4925 Cover, Moved boat, rigged sails, was the ramp launch ringleader.
6. Dave Clement and Cory Thompson, #2339 Moved boat swapped out mainsails.
7. Dave and Kim Thinel, #812 Really moved their boat, put mast up.
8. Dave Bell and ? #4156, Boat in the water.
9. Dean Bell and Kat Malone, #5477 Boat in water, paddled to the boat ramp to remove.
10. Al Thompson and Cameron Salmon, $650 Boat still in water late Sunday morning!

Our next "event" (I won't mention sailing) is Saturday August 30th @ 1500. I'm sure we will have food and drinks, sailing... who knows.
Covered dish info to follow soon, and we are lucky to have Jay Tyson and his considerable connections with Mother Nature for our Race Committee!

P.S. Forgot to add Matt Dalton and Dawn #2262, that makes 11 boats! They tied for 7th with the Thinel's
as they trailered in and had their mast up!
Man, I hope that's everybody!

Oops! Another P.S. Some fairly reliable sources have informed me that Tom and Janet D'arcy #5828 trailered in and had their mast up, making it a three way tie for 7th place! I do recall seeing them milling around "that other boat"!
Dave Thinel also thinks that Robert Hobbs had #2456 in some state of readiness before the monsoon, that would make 13 boats!
Be sure to buy Mark Taylor a rummer next time you see him if you left your Scot at DIYC during Fay.
Markee personally checked and adjusted tie downs on all of the Scot's Monday night, Thanks Mark!!

Flying Scot NAC - Day 7 - All Done

Posted by Mark Taylor, FS4321

ALL DONE!

Well, I got my first bad start. Under me was Ryan Malgrum (Mad Sails) and Dave Neff, both pinching like mad fools. Had to tack away and duck a bunch of boats. We rounded the 1st mark around 25th, held our own downwind. Steller 2nd beat launched us up to 16th. We struggled to hang on as the wind died. We were 16th in race 6 and 16th overall. Allen and Katie Turhune kicked our butts.

We really had a good time. Fun sailing, fun meeting new people and a ton of fun fooling around with Chip and Hunter. Great guys - hope they come sailing with us soon. (Chip you had to see that coming ;-} )

Packed up our boat and are headed home early tomorrow. Looks like it is going to rain all day.

Final results are here.

Flying Scot NAC - Day 6 - Race Day 2

Posted by Mark Taylor, FS4321

I know you are staying up late, waiting for my emails. Hell, Andy calls me everyday for an update. We have the best fleet captain in the world.

I have some house keeping to catch up on. First Chip wanted me to let everyone know that in the first race (while he was a ground) he got passed by a couple of Challenger fleet boats. Fortunately, they rallied past those uppity challengers and put them back in there place.


Tonight at the Annual meeting members of our fleet scored some awards:

And the first award goes to ......... Andy Hayward

Scots-N-Water Editor's Award 2008 Individual Fleet Contributing the Most.

Yeah Andy!!! Keep the articles coming.



The second award goes to ......... David Thinel

Scots-N-Water Editor's Award 2008 District Governor Whose District Contributed the Most.

Yeah Dave!!! Keep bugging Andy to write more articles.



OK, on to today's racing.

Today there was WIND and we did not run aground while racing!

Race 1 was 10 knots and building. Dad and I popped of the pin end between Josh Goldman and Allen Turhune. Normally this would be a bad spot but we were rocking. Allen spent most of the beat yelling at me to put the bow down. Point and speed - gotta love that. Tacks are not are friend but straight line speed is good. Chip and Hunter also had the boat moving. We finished 14th. After the race we noticed Hunter sitting on the bow of the boat. I thought he was retuning. Nope broke the fore-stay. Hunter pulled a McGuiver and fixed the fore-stay. I will try to attach a picture of his handy work to this mail.



Race 2 - scored another 14. Spend much of the time sailing with Freds S. and Josh.

Race 3 - wind picked up to 15 or so. We started at the boat. Had a great 1st beat. On the 2nd beat we messed up and went left - lost 10 boats. BIG 20 degree righty. Finished 26. Guess who hit me ....... can you guess? 15 hour drive and the Freds hit us on a port/starboard crossing. We could of done this at home. I think Fred fell down in the boat, he plunked us in the transom.

Back to Chip/Hunter and the broken fore-stay. Chip decided to purchase all new shrouds. Joking around we decided to check to see if the new shrouds were the same length. NOPE! Harry came over with 5 more shrouds and we searched for a "matched pair". Ever have one of those regattas? I think Chip is having one of those regattas. Oh yeah, before I forget. Chip go to http://scotsrock.us/ and sign up as a member of our fleet. Click on the LOGIN menu choice click the Join Fleet 168 button. We'll hit you up for $20 later.

Oh Yeah - Dad is doing a great job and we are having fun. At least I am and he is still talking to me, guess that is a good sign.

One race tomorrow then done. Could move a place or 2 with a miracle. They raced 3 today because of thunderstorms and a front scheduled for tonight. Worried might be 20+ knots.

Flying Scot NAC - Day 5 - Race Day 1

Posted by Mark Taylor, FS4321

Update July 22, Results posted at www.fssa.com then click results (Not Toms River YC)

Hey - 1st day is done.

There are 20 challenger and 50 championship teams. We sailed out in no wind and started the first race in 4 knots of breeze. Got a good start 1/4 way down from boat, horn went off and tacked imediatly to port. Had a boat pinching below me and a guy footing above me. Quick tack to left - ooopsss hear the toilet flush. Left was bad! Had to claw back to the 25. On a good note we were fast downwind. Hung tough with Fred/Fred Strammer and Ryan (MadSails).

What we learned - tide only changes .3 of a foot but the current was ripping. The starting line was down in a corner next to a bridge. Everyone that started at the pin end and went left near the bridge ran aground. Ask Chip Merlin - Hunter actually jumped off the boat to see what was wrong with the board. That seems slow......

Had to go right to get out of current, on the right was a point about 3/4 of the way up bottom was muck. Hard to tell when you ran aground. Yah, we did it, helm went to crap and I freaked.

Race 2 - 1/4 way from boat and tacked immediatley to port again. Breeze between 6 and 8. Fought hard to stay in the top 20. Breeze up and down shifting 10/20 degrees. Still had to hit the soft bottom on the right.

NAC's and run aground - go figure. If you have not seen, Allan/Katie Turhune are kicking our ass. Dad and I are in 19 with a 25 and a 19. Scores are all over the place.

Had club party/dinner with Chip Merlin. Hunter went to bed. I guess his swim wore him out, Chip promises to come sail with us and actually had his club application with him. Hey, I still have his drink card if anyone is thirsty!!

Flying Scot NAC - Day 4 - Measuring In

Posted by Mark Taylor, FS4321

Today was measurement. We only had to measure main and safety gear. No problems there. We did see much debate on the Gus jib, seems something was not quite right. I walked away as tempers flared. Guess they got it figured out. There was also a question on one of the Ulman chutes. Something about it may be polyester - not sure how that one was resolved. Got my boat weighted, let's just say it was an eye opening experience.

Boom vang.

Two explanations on that crazy check.

1. only one waco 360 can be use but not on vang. ok if swivel is not 360.

This sounds whacked to me

2. the verbiage was to check laser like vangs with cleat on vang line from boom to tabernacle. OK, this one kind of make sense.


Name dropping:

Parking spot next to Chip Marlin and Hunter Riddle.

Watched Benz Faget re-invent the Scot on a club boat.

Had lunch with Allan and Katie Turhune

Shared a drink with Brian Heyes


Did I mention that NJ has all full service gas stations? They freak out when you pump your own gas. They also have jug handle left turns - basically you can not make a left on a major street you have to turn early and merge with with street you are trying to turn left on. Then wait at the light - most retarded thing I have ever seen. Some of the gas stations are in the jug handle, no way to get to them.


Quote of the day:

Allan Turhune - "I had salad and diet soda, I can get a Rich's Ice Cream Bar". I like how you think Allan, I also had the salad but skipped the Ice Cream.

Flying Scot NAC - Day 3 - We have arrived

Posted by Mark Taylor, FS4321

Ok we made it. First things first. "Short Cut" BAD BAD BAD! We lost 3 hours sitting in Delaware. What a useless state. Can create Teflon but not a decent N/S road.

The club is cool looking. Looks like they have a great Jr. program. Ok, so we drive 15 plus hours and who do the make us park next to??????? Any guesses???????

Chip Merlin - for those of you who do not know Chip he lives in S. Tampa. My guess not more then a few blocks from me. HeHe, I asked him if he needed a map to DI.

Measurements are random based on the form color in your packet. It looks like we got tagged for a mainsail check. New sails should be a piece of cake.....right? I am also going to try and slide into the boat weight line just for giggles.

Rules guys - I have an interesting rule check on my form that might impact some of you.

In Boat Specifications:

"Boom vang (must have bridle attached to tabernacle and no swivel cleating devices)"

mmmmmm - does not impact me but I am going to ask for clarification on that one.

Snafu of the day:

Dad and I went to dinner (he had seared tuna 1 inch thick, I had a salad). We read some of info packed before the meal. Went back to hotel and realized I left the packet on the table - duh!

Dave here, the Vang rule does seem interesting, the following text is cut and pasted from the FSSA rules:

f. Boom Vang - Shall be adjusted by means of a simple
tackle. The upper (boom) end of the vang shall be attached
to a slide on the boom track, a keyhole plate, or to a boom
bale ( and must be easily detachable from the boom without
tools) and the lower end to a block riding on a bridle rigged
to the tabernacle. Only rope is permitted in the system, with
the exception of a short piece (approximately three (3)
inches) of metal cable to attach the upper block to the
boom. Lead and cleat locations are optional, except that the
cleat shall not be located at the boom end of the tackle. No
fairleads are permitted after a cleat. (See also CMR #76)

76. The boom vang can be of any purchase and cleated at any
location provided that there is no fairlead after the cleat. (July
1999)

I did not read the entire document to see if there is some swivel prohibition for the vang, but its not in the section pertaining to the vang.

Flying Scot NAC - Day 2 - Travel

Posted by Mark Taylor, FS4321

Well we are now in Norfolk Va. for the night. Yes, we deviated from the plan and took a "short cut". Dad made the executive call to bypass Washington and use the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Should be fun! Tried to book a ferry from Lewes Deleware to Cape May NJ but the time table did not work out for us. So tomorrow we will drive up Deleware and try to skirt Philly. Should be at the club early afternoon (knock on wood).

Traffic has been light with off and on rain. Got a feeling the stupid low (also known as Christobal) is going to be around all week playing with us.

Tonight we had a WTF moment. We checked into a marginal hotel, maybe at 50% capacity. An hour after settling in we got a call. They asked us to move our boat, we had to "make arrangements" for it elseware. Now I am well aware that trailors are not popular. I try to park at the end of the lot and take as few spots as I can. I believe we had 2 spots used. Most of the boat over grass. Soooo after a little banter we checked out of the hotel (full refund) and drove 3 miles down the road to a MUCH BETTER hotel. WTF??? I think they did us a big favor.

Flying Scot - North American Championship 2008

The Flying Scot North American Championship is almost upon us, racing starts Monday July 21, 2008. This blog kind of got it's start about this time last year when Kim and I detailed our trip to the 2007 NAC in Deltaville Va. We aren't attending this year but Mark and Tom Taylor from the Davis Island fleet in Tampa are and will be sending daily updates. In case you don't know the Taylors, Tom is Mark's dad and is very supportive of our fleet. Tom has done RC more than his fair share and has hosted the Lake Hollingsworth International Regatta (or something like that) and associated party the last two years. Mark was the first "Lightning guy" at DIYC to get a Scot, he bought #4321 Blast Off about 3 or 4 years ago. Since then fellow Lightning sailers; Andy Hayward (Fleet Captain) and Jeff Linton have also picked up Scots, Jeff continues to seriously campaign the Lightning, as well. We have become accustomed to seeing Mark sailing with some combination of his own kids; Stew, Drew or Lily.


Here is Mark and Tom in action. How about those cool one-of-a-kind graphics.

Hers is Mark's first report:

WE ARE OFF!

Well, we are on the road. I left for Lakeland after the rain finally quit on Thursday, about 4:30. Looked like the rain had sucked all the wind out for sailing ;-}. Had dinner with mom and dad and we packed dad's car.

Snafoo #1. Some of you may have noticed I check my lightbar on dad's car last weekend. Everything worked great - until now. We checked the lights before leaving and only had right side. After fooling with the plugs and crap, looks like issue between trailor plug and car plug. Fun Fun. We tried putting a 1 foot extension between the 2 plugs and BINGO! Lights - go figure.

Took off from Lakeland around 7pm. Traffic was light with a slight off and on drizzle. We made it to just north of Jacksonville at 11pm and called it a night.

Left Jacksonville around 9:30am in Georga now. Dad is driving, I'm searching the internet for cheap gas - exit 29 $3.91, not bad. Looks like we are going to run into the backside of that low again. More rain in our future.

Flying Scot Fleet Race July 12

Here is Andy's post race commentary:

Ah summer sailing in Florida!

Even with a later start time we again struggled with unreliable breeze this Saturday. (One of these days we will have a nice ripping sea breeze, I'm sure of it!) Nice turnout of 9 boats! Andy Hayward and Tina Tenret, # 38, Al Thompson and Cameron Salmon, $650, Nate and Melissa Vilardebo, # 2007, Dave Clement and Joe Blouin, # 2339, Bill Adikes and crew, # 3998, Dave Bell and Susan Cintron, # 4156, Mark and Tom Taylor, # 4321, Paul Slivernail and Leslie Fisher, # 4925, and Ed and Penny Ruark, # 5477.

Big thanks to Dave and Kim Thinel, Dean Bell, and Lisa, Drew and Abby Hayward for their hard work running the races!

Race # 1 Teased us again into thinking we were going to have a full day of racing with about 5-7 from a weird summer direction, North West. Dave Clement with sharp eyed Joe Blouin connected the puffs nicely for the win followed by Taylor and Taylor.

Race # 2 was in fading breeze With a 30 degree right shift. Don't ask me how Paul and Leslie (1st) or Dave and Joe (2nd) got it done because # 38 and # 4321 where speed testing in the far left corner, (this is becoming a regular thing for us two, that is our story anyhow!)Here is a video of the start:


The low light of this race for # 38 was passing four boats on the run only to snag the RC boat's anchor line right at the finish UGH! Race # 3 was not to be as the wind totally shut off 3/4 the way up the beat. Nobody second guessed that decision!!

Results: Crew/boat R1 R2 Tot Dave Clement, Joe Blouin # 2339 1 2 3 Paul Silvernail, Leslie Fisher # 4925 5 1 6 Dave Bell, Susan Cintron # 4156 4 4 8 Nate and Melissa Vilardebo # 2007 3 6 9 Mark and Tom Taylor # 4321 2 8 10 Al Thompson, Cameron Salmon, $650 7 3 10 Ed and Penny Ruark # 5477 8 5 13 Andy Hayward, Tina Tenret # 38 6 dnf 16 Bill Adikes and Crew # 3998 10 7 17

Note our next races are on August 16th, THIS IS A DATE CHANGE. 1500 start.

Flying Scot Centerboard Repair - Part 2

In this second of a three part series I will continue using photos and some comments to describe the process. It seems to me the photos are worth more than endless typing, if you haven't seem part one click Centerboard Repair


The picture above is where we left off last time. The glass has been epoxied back on the lead and is clamped and weighted with lead dive weights, waiting for it to cure.



The weights and clamps removed after curing. The thickened epoxy is the white stuff that is visable where it oozed out and cured




Here we are with the new glass wetted out with epoxy and laid in place. I should have taken a picture before this point, but forgot. Before glassing, I sanded a bevel into the board where it had been cut. The areas that are glassed appear brownish which is where the sanding/beveling was done.



This shows another angle of the glass lay up and is more or less similar on both sides. This glass work will reinforce the areas where it was cut out especially the fore and aft cut in the middle of the board. The leading edge is also being built up since it had been worn away by repeated groundings.




The new wet glass has been covered with wax paper and squeegeed to remove excess air and produce a smoother result. We will let that cure and continue the repair with Centerboard Repair Part Three

Flying Scots Fleet Race in Tampa

Rain Rain Go Away!

Despite some rather bold predictions the weather was, rather crummy, but the wind was, rather crummy!
The Race Committee was, rather...

Take the weather into account, and the eight boat turn out was rather good! We had Nate and Melissa Vilardebo, FS #2007, Matt Dalton and Dawn Narramore, FS #2622, Dave Bell and Susan Cintron, #4156,
Mark and Tom Taylor, FS #4321, Jeff and Amy Linton, FS #4925, Paul Silvernail and Leslie Fisher, FS #5026, Al Thompson and Cameron Salmon, FS #5447, and Dave Clement and Cory Thompson, FS #5477, Whew!

Light rain and a spotty Easterly was the flavor of the day, YUCK! Race # 1 had the most breeze, say 5-7 (at times). Dave and Susan brought the "A" game, went 2nd row at the start to dig into the right, and liked what they found! OooLaLa! The Lintons closed the gap, but #4156 held them back for the win.
Race #2 started in a tad less wind and was dying. Matt and Dawn worked the left for a nice lead, but as the wind faded they watched as the boats brought breeze up on their hip.
Another race wasn't meant to be and the stellar Race Committee sent the fleet in. (Please note: the Race Committee's engine sucked up a piece of plastic and was overheating, hence the no tow in!)

Once ashore and dried off a large group invaded Tate's for pizza, beer, truths and some lies!

Results:

Boat R1 R2 Tot

Linton #4925 2 1 3
Thompson/Salmon #5447 3 3 6
Bell/Cintron #4156 1 6 7
Silvernail/Fisher #5026 5 2 7
Clement/Thompson #5477 7 4 11
Vilardebo #2007 4 8 12
Dalton/Narramore #2622 8 5 13
Taylor #4321 6 7 13

Our next fleet race is July 12th @ 1500. and our August race is on the 9th.

Flying Scot Centerboard Repair

I recently purchased another Flying Scot that had a beat-up centerboard in need of repair. Unlike most of my other boat repair projects, I remembered ahead of time to take some photos (clicking on a photo should enlarge it) throughout the process. This post will be short on words and long on photos, here goes;

This is the before photo. The forward leading corner would be at bottom left, if it existed. Many groundings have worn this corner away so it now is a gradual arc. Tapping the board in the area of the lead ballast insert indicates almost complete delamination.



This shows the leading edge which is worn away enough to expose the edge of the lead ballast, also being worn away. The wear was enough to reduce the weight to 96 lbs, the legal range is 100 to 110 lbs. according to the Flying Scot Class rules.



Let the sanding begin...



With the leading edge opened up rocks, sand, resin pieces, etc, have been accumulating in the void between the fiberglass and the lead. I decided to do the repair "the right way" which always means "more work" so I cut the glass at the perimeter of the lead ballast. The surfaces will be cleaned, prepped and rebonded later.



Opened up with lead visible, note the only area still adhered was the small dark area of the lead, at top left.



Here we are the same stage on the other side which was about 60% delaminated instead of nearly 100%.



The lead has been sanded smooth and clean and was roughed up (small lines) to allow better adhesion of the epoxy resin we will use to re-attach the fiberglass.



Unthickened epoxy then thickened epoxy was applied to both the lead and glass surfaces and we are ready to position the glass piece in place.



A few clamps and some lead weights to keep the pressure on and we wait for it to cure.

We will continue the repair with Centerboard Repair Part 2