Charlotte Harbor Regatta - Day 1

Welcome to Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club


"The Mark Boat is taking on water!"

"Another Viper is coming in under duress!"

"Beware of Alligators!"

All quotes heard on the radio as we watched the wind and waves from the beautiful patio of the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Kidding about the last one. That is actually a sign beside the retention pond at our hotel.

Seriously, though, we saw some weather forecasts going into this weekend. None looked promising for Saturday, as a front went through on Friday, dumping some rain, and bringing some wind behind it. Several sources revealed roughly the same predictions… 20-25 knot gusts. Not sounding good for the new Pig, tentatively named "When Pigs Fly." Instead of sailing, (aka getting really, really wet and cold) we were invited to spend time in the Whale Room (the lovely bar area at the CHYC where we spent most of the afternoon) with other sailors taking the day off. We conducted some market research on the boat name, fielded suggestions for other names, and sampled the offered adult beverages. Jack and Kaye (saints of said CHYC) and the other CHYC folks made us feel very welcome and comfortable and everyone remarked on the hospitality of the club.

Breeze On

All but 2 Scots attempted to reach the racecourse. (Harry, Carrie, Dave and I watched the mains flogging from the pavilion on land and thought better of it) Those who went out, gave it their best shot, but I believe the consensus was that it wasn't much fun, and decided to return to the dock, with no races attempted.
We'll try again tomorrow.
Scot Row
I don't believe the Vipers can say the same. We saw 2 broken masts (one carbon fiber and one aluminum) there are rumors of others.

Seems that broken spreaders may be the culprit in both boats shown above.

Many thanks to the RC who endured some wetness to allow for races to continue today on this inaugural Charlotte Harbor multiclass Regatta. Racing started Friday, for some classes and the enthusiasm and involvement from the surrounding area for the weekend activities is really exciting.

Off to dinner at Fisherman's Village...

Bonus photo: