This has been slow fall for Pelicans. The Center for Wooden Boats Regatta and our October races, Padilla Bay and Big Lake, went off fine. Followed by two flat calms, Renton and Campbell Lake.
Then we scheduled for Magnuson Park in Seattle, The ramp is right at the eastern point, exposed to the winds right down Lake Washington. Almost solid white, clear to the Evergreen Point Bridge. Windsurfers were delighted. We could have sailed, but getting into the water would have been a boat-buster, so we moved to Lake Ballinger.
The flag stood straight out, like a piece of plywood. Reports were 35 mph in downtown Seattle. A bit brisk to race a 12 foot boat. However, 8 of the 10 launched. Dave and I sailed out to set the leeward mark before postponement was called. With main only, and the board swung up to balance the helm, it was a great sail, but more “survival” than racing conditions. The wind came in stronger so we carried the fleet up from the beach instead of trying to get to the ramp on the windward side of a fishing pier.
We are done sailing until January unless some El Toro event shows up, or the Olympia Great Pelican invites us out for a turn around the bay.
Happy Thanksgiving
Jean Gosse