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Summer is in high gear and most of the intrepid solo sailors have returned from the race course(s), or from that long planned for, and much needed cruise. No exception at this end - after the Mac race, my wife Joanie and I cast lines and made for the North Channel, where we ultimately cruised for a few days with Rob Robins and his family. Needless to say, it was as gorgeous as ever, although the water was a bit on the chilly side. That didn't stop Rob's two kids from practically living in the water at the anchorages in Beardrop Harbor, and again at South Benjamin Island. Ah, the exuberance of youth!
This year's Mac races were more of an endurance challenge than one of record-breaking times. High pressure on both lakes made for some days when distance made good was minimal indeed. It was certainly the fortunate sailor that didn't spend hours drifting about the lakes waiting, hoping, and eventually willing to sacrifice anything or anyone to the winds gods as a form of appeasement. Those that didn't sit didn't exactly rocket to the island, but doing 6 or 7 knots when the competition isn't moving can close or widen some pretty significant gaps.
With that in mind, and while the facts or the outright exaggerations thereof are still fresh in the minds of those that would like to spin a yarn or so, I'm soliciting such stories for the summer edition of the Solo Challenger. Of particular interest would be the yarns of first timers, and those of the becalmed who used the opportunity to lay up 10 or 11 coats of varnish while whistling mightily for wind. Anything is fair game, and as I would like to get the issue out by the end of August, time is of the essence. Also, if there's something you'd like to see in a future Rode Show, or something you've already penned on a topic that's near and dear to your heart, send it off as well. An email to tdriza@wmis.net with an attached .doc will do the trick.
In the meantime, congrats to all who raced back in June, and to those within our ranks who also found the time to compete in the "fudgie" Mac Race earlier this month. For those with a weekend to spare, the LMSS Solo and 2X2 is on the 15th of August, and of course, the Lower Huron Race will be held on Sept. 6, 2003, the Lower Michigan Scramble Sept. 12, 2003, and the St. Clair Solo and Big Al's Steak Roast on October 4, 2003. Point your browsers to the GLSS website (http://webhost.sailnet.com/glss/apps.php) for details on the upcoming events. Plenty of good sailing just waiting to be had, and with the wretched spring we endured, there's no time like the present to make up for those dreary spring days of yesteryear.
Enjoy the rest of the summer, and hope to see you in a race on a lake near you!
Cheers
Tony Driza