Sun, Februry 2, 2025
Report by Eva Burpee
The car thermometer read 21F when I pulled into Norwalk Yacht Club this morning, but it was all systems go.
The wind was from the east and puffy, starting out at 8-10 and built to 12-15; since it was funneling between the islands and Wilson's Point it was shifty and choppy. Flooding current sloshed from the east as well. 13 boats started at noon and sailed 7 WLW courses. Normally, NYC sails until 3, but Will Beery who was the PRO decided a little after 2 that between the cold and building breeze it would be prudent to call it a day. There were no complaints.
I borrowed a boat and finished solidly in the middle of the fleet, winning a tie-breaker to finish 6th. Those flat and narrow sails make it hard to accelerate out of tacks in the chop and I was in regular contention with a tiller extension that was much longer than I am used to. Very hospitable fleet and clean sailing.
The Norwalk fleet is reeling from the sudden death of Mike McLaughlin on January 5. He had sailed 2 good races, but complained of heartburn-like symptoms and returned to the dock (which is possible at Norwalk). He collapsed on the ramp while helping someone with their boat. Mike was 37.
Eva
Race Report February 9, 2025
Stephen DiGregoria
A spectacular Super Bowl Sunday sail! Eleven sailors excavated their Dyers from the snowy dock to enjoy six races in a combined A and B division fleet.
RC called for large sails, and the racing of the day consisted of five windward/leeward courses, and as the wind built, a no-gybe course to cap off the day. The conditions began light (in the 5-7 kt range), building to 13-15 kts by the end of sailing. Cloudy skies ultimately parted to sun as we made our way back to Beach Point.
While the wind was consistently from the NW, shifts and gusts on the water made for challenging upwind legs—the fleet frequently split with sailors making out decently well on both sides as long as they kept themselves moving and dialed-in to the conditions. While this sailor had difficulty finding favor in either side of the course, Bahar, John, and Eva traded bullets. Bahar with three and taking first in A division, Eva with two but just missing the podium to Jurgen who took third, and John with one bullet who took second. In the B division, Marc Berkowitz took first, followed by Jeff Sorensen and Bill Zobrist. No one went for a swim!
Many thanks to our race committee and crash boaters! Particularly from this sailor who ended up being towed in after my rudder decided it no longer wished to remain attached to my boat.
Reminder that next weekend brings two days of racing - Sunday and Monday for the Founder’s Regatta. Sign-up for RC, crash boat, and party hosting!