Alexey Yeltsov wrote:
> Wind is coming but water and wind is chilly.
> ... The fingertips are freezing.
>

I use open palm mitts below 50F.
    http://www.isthmussailboards.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NW98435

When my hands are warm enough I fold them back and sail bare handed. My
hands seem to stay warmer even with them folded back because my wrists
have extra insulation.

- Don

Yep I made a mistake in the Winduro.

My hands were freezing after 30 minutes of sailing straight downwind, unhooked,
in the kinda windy and gusty conditions. I didn't want to fall, in the gusts,
going straight downwind (which wouldn't happen to me, sailing any other
direction) and that's why I was unhooked. Also, other contributing factors to my
cold hands and forearm fatigue - were that I'd spent the previous hour in my
wetsuit and bare hands (it was quite cold, 45*, and raining)... besides rigging
my own gear and carrying my board and rig to the water from parking lot to water
at Newcastle (quite a ways) ... I also helped 2 other racers carry their gear to
the water, running back and forth, cause I was trying to get us all out on the
water, and trying include everybody in one organized start.
(Hey... I'm not whining... Mark D. had already sailed all the way to Newcastle
from the Rainier Beach area... but he was more prepared... and he's a freakin'
iron-man anyway :)

Anyway... all that contributed to my extreme forearm fatigue, which took me out
of the race. So different from last year, when I could've done another lap,
after I finished the first one.

My mistake this year was to start the race, bare-handed. In my backpack I had
gloves... and in my car was another brand-new pair that I haven't even tried out
yet.

Alexey,

Here's what I had in my backpack, that I finally put on, during a much needed
rest upwind of the floating bridge, on my way to Seward Park. They are like very
heavy-duty dishwashing gloves... no insulation... but they keep the wind off and
they keep your hands dry. Since there is no insulation, you don't use any
strength trying to squeeze neoprene... and, also, you have very good touch/feel
with 5 individual fingers... you can tie knots with these things on... adjust
harness lines, etc. WHY DIDN'T I WEAR THEM FROM THE START? Cause I'm just
stupid, after sailing Lk. Wash for almost 30 years :)
Actually, I think I have better grip with bare hands... but maybe not... I
haven't sailed very much in the winter here for many years. By the way, I just
called Wiley's, they said that they're $15.

http://www.wileyski.com/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=5104093&showprevnext=1

And here's what I had, brand new in my car.

http://www.dakine.com/gloves/windsurf-kite/cold-water-neo-mitt/

But you already know about these... and many folks use these, or something
similar.

Good luck,  Greg




To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
From: ayeltsov@...
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:57 -0800
Subject: Open (cut-out) palm gloves/mittens




Wind is coming but water and wind is chilly.

The fingertips are freezing.

I tried sailing in gloves and my forearms are screaming murder in about
20-30 minutes – no fun.

No gloves – no fun either.

I heard (recently here in winduro reports, and from a friend) that open
palm/cut-out palm mitts or gloves may be the ticket.

Can you please share your advice and experiences? Looking for some simple
options, including “take a regular mit and cut it here and here…”. Pictures
would be nice too.

Here’s what I dug out on the web:

A picture here:

http://www.live2kite.com/mystic-open-palm-mitten-pi-801.html?image=1&&osCsid
=d88866ffcab7c98494b824baa09b8fc9

Other links

http://www.windvisions.com/ws-tips.html

“Cold Weather Gear

The air temps where I sail the most drop to 25 to 35 F with water temps
around 35. I stay warm in a 4/3 suit. When it gets really cold I wear my
2.5mm farmer john shortie underneath. I wear a hood that covers my ears and
the back of my neck for the top end. For the bottom end I wear a pair of
rubber socks and my booties on top. My favorite hand covering is powder-free
surgical gloves under leather lined neoprene gloves with the palms cut out.
This keeps the wind off my knuckles yet allows me to easily grip the boom.
Frequent breaks also help.

“

http://2006.star-board.com/forum/school/read.asp?ID=2112&t=200631805419

“

I sail in coastal New York, so thats pretty close to New England. We sail
all winter and use drysuits until the beginning of April , after that a 5/3
wetsuit is enough for me. If the air is above 50 F I dont use gloves. In the
winter I use surfer style gloves 3m with the palms cut out, these are the
only gloves for me after trying many. Cheap too, just cut with scissors.
This way you get a great grip on the boom and once underway no wind hits any
part of your hands. I dont hold the boom in my fingers, rather with the
ditch formed by your palm about a half inch below the base of your fingers.
We have experimented with many cold weather tactics and we are comfortable
to the mid 30's just above freezing, after that booms and sails start to
ice....

Have fun, but keep a healthy fear of cold conditions.

“

http://www.watertrader.co.uk/magazine/tutorials/windsurfing/windsurfingguide
.htm

“

Boots and Gloves

Unless you're lucky enough to sail from a sandy beach, a pair of rubber
soled neoprene boots or rubber surf slippers are essential to protect those
tootsies. Prices vary from Ł7 to Ł40 depending on the level of protection.

Gloves aren't necessary unless you plan to sail in very cold weather, and
even then many sailors find that they make gripping the boom hard and tiring
work for the forearm muscles. If you do intend to continue sailing into the
autumn/winter months though, we recommend that you go for a glove that is
thin and flexible yet still warm, or try an open palm glove, which features
a cut-out section in the palm to maximise grip, but still offers protection
for the fingers and back of the hands.

“

Thanks,

Alexey

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





_________________________________________________________________
Find the right PC with Windows 7 and Windows Live.
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/pc-scout/laptop-set-criteria.aspx?cbid=wl&filt=\
200,2400,10,19,1,3,1,7,50,650,2,12,0,1000&cat=1,2,3,4,5,6&brands=5,6,7,8,9,10,11\
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n2:112009

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bummer.

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, "mitchehd" <doug.mitchell@...> wrote:
>
> Facebook makes a link available to share photo's but the feature is not in the
video section. So this is just a test.
>
>
> http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=1106875206899&ref=mf
>

Facebook makes a link available to share photo's but the feature is not in the
video section. So this is just a test.


http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=1106875206899&ref=mf

A lot of sailors use open-palm gloves/mittens.  They are widely available.

My observation over the years is that you can sail without gloves down to 50
degree air.  So, I plan and limit my winter sailing to those days when the air
is 50 degrees or more.  50+ degree days around Seattle are frequent enough from
October through April that you can still get lots of sailing in.

Otherwise the best solution to cold hands is Baja, Maui, and Florida.  Or
snowboarding.

--Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: Alexey Yeltsov
To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:00:57 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Open (cut-out) palm gloves/mittens


























       Wind is coming but water and wind is chilly.



The fingertips are freezing.



I tried sailing in gloves and my forearms are screaming murder in about

20-30 minutes – no fun.



No gloves – no fun either.



I heard (recently here in winduro reports, and from a friend) that open

palm/cut-out palm mitts or gloves may be the ticket.



Can you please share your advice and experiences? Looking for some simple

options, including “take a regular mit and cut it here and here…”.
Pictures

would be nice too.



Here’s what I dug out on the web:



A picture here:



http://www.live2kite.com/mystic-open-palm-mitten-pi-801.html?image=1&&osCsid

=d88866ffcab7c98494b824baa09b8fc9



Other links



http://www.windvisions.com/ws-tips.html



“Cold Weather Gear



The air temps where I sail the most drop to 25 to 35 F with water temps

around 35. I stay warm in a 4/3 suit. When it gets really cold I wear my

2.5mm farmer john shortie underneath. I wear a hood that covers my ears and

the back of my neck for the top end. For the bottom end I wear a pair of

rubber socks and my booties on top. My favorite hand covering is powder-free

surgical gloves under leather lined neoprene gloves with the palms cut out.

This keeps the wind off my knuckles yet allows me to easily grip the boom.

Frequent breaks also help.



“



http://2006.star-board.com/forum/school/read.asp?ID=2112&t=200631805419



“



I sail in coastal New York, so thats pretty close to New England. We sail

all winter and use drysuits until the beginning of April , after that a 5/3

wetsuit is enough for me. If the air is above 50 F I dont use gloves. In the

winter I use surfer style gloves 3m with the palms cut out, these are the

only gloves for me after trying many. Cheap too, just cut with scissors.

This way you get a great grip on the boom and once underway no wind hits any

part of your hands. I dont hold the boom in my fingers, rather with the

ditch formed by your palm about a half inch below the base of your fingers.

We have experimented with many cold weather tactics and we are comfortable

to the mid 30's just above freezing, after that booms and sails start to

ice....



Have fun, but keep a healthy fear of cold conditions.



“



http://www.watertrader.co.uk/magazine/tutorials/windsurfing/windsurfingguide

.htm



“



Boots and Gloves



Unless you're lucky enough to sail from a sandy beach, a pair of rubber

soled neoprene boots or rubber surf slippers are essential to protect those

tootsies. Prices vary from ÂŁ7 to ÂŁ40 depending on the level of protection.



Gloves aren't necessary unless you plan to sail in very cold weather, and

even then many sailors find that they make gripping the boom hard and tiring

work for the forearm muscles. If you do intend to continue sailing into the

autumn/winter months though, we recommend that you go for a glove that is

thin and flexible yet still warm, or try an open palm glove, which features

a cut-out section in the palm to maximise grip, but still offers protection

for the fingers and back of the hands.



“



Thanks,



Alexey



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wind is coming but water and wind is chilly.



The fingertips are freezing.



I tried sailing in gloves and my forearms are screaming murder in about
20-30 minutes – no fun.

No gloves – no fun either.



I heard (recently here in winduro reports, and from a friend) that open
palm/cut-out palm mitts or gloves may be the ticket.



Can you please share your advice and experiences? Looking for some simple
options, including “take a regular mit and cut it here and here…”. Pictures
would be nice too.



Here’s what I dug out on the web:



A picture here:



http://www.live2kite.com/mystic-open-palm-mitten-pi-801.html?image=1&&osCsid
=d88866ffcab7c98494b824baa09b8fc9



Other links



http://www.windvisions.com/ws-tips.html



“Cold Weather Gear

The air temps where I sail the most drop to 25 to 35 F with water temps
around 35. I stay warm in a 4/3 suit. When it gets really cold I wear my
2.5mm farmer john shortie underneath. I wear a hood that covers my ears and
the back of my neck for the top end. For the bottom end I wear a pair of
rubber socks and my booties on top. My favorite hand covering is powder-free
surgical gloves under leather lined neoprene gloves with the palms cut out.
This keeps the wind off my knuckles yet allows me to easily grip the boom.
Frequent breaks also help.

“



http://2006.star-board.com/forum/school/read.asp?ID=2112&t=200631805419

“

I sail in coastal New York, so thats pretty close to New England. We sail
all winter and use drysuits until the beginning of April , after that a 5/3
wetsuit is enough for me. If the air is above 50 F I dont use gloves. In the
winter I use surfer style gloves 3m with the palms cut out, these are the
only gloves for me after trying many. Cheap too, just cut with scissors.
This way you get a great grip on the boom and once underway no wind hits any
part of your hands. I dont hold the boom in my fingers, rather with the
ditch formed by your palm about a half inch below the base of your fingers.
We have experimented with many cold weather tactics and we are comfortable
to the mid 30's just above freezing, after that booms and sails start to
ice....

Have fun, but keep a healthy fear of cold conditions.

  “



http://www.watertrader.co.uk/magazine/tutorials/windsurfing/windsurfingguide
.htm

“

Boots and Gloves



Unless you're lucky enough to sail from a sandy beach, a pair of rubber
soled neoprene boots or rubber surf slippers are essential to protect those
tootsies. Prices vary from Ł7 to Ł40 depending on the level of protection.



Gloves aren't necessary unless you plan to sail in very cold weather, and
even then many sailors find that they make gripping the boom hard and tiring
work for the forearm muscles. If you do intend to continue sailing into the
autumn/winter months though, we recommend that you go for a glove that is
thin and flexible yet still warm, or try an open palm glove, which features
a cut-out section in the palm to maximise grip, but still offers protection
for the fingers and back of the hands.

“



Thanks,

Alexey







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

There was no arm twisting pressure intended.  I was just trying to keep the
Winduro (and you) going through another year.  The more you sail now the more
you will be able to sail later.

--Glenn

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, KDW0515@... wrote:
>
> Now that's  a windsurfing story Greg. The greatest of respect to all those
> that completed or mostly completed the Winduro.
>
> I had only windsurfed once this year cept for just a little instruction
> with the bwc which didn't really count for much and so I was pretty much out
of
> sailing shape. I had pretty much made up my mind not to even start with my
> 8.5 and maybe use my 6.5 when I realized I had left my 460 mast at home.
> Glenn generously loaned me his and so I now am under this arm twisting
pressure
> to at least try.
>

True, but of course there are lotsa windbags in wind sports...take us for
example :-D

tom e

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, "Wood, Gary" <gary.wood@...> wrote:
>
> ... and just about as long winded? ;-)
>
> We have the 12-Step at home, and my wife has watched it several times.  Her
main complaint is that there is way too much to try to remember (she is very
analytical about these things).
>
> Royn Bartholdi also has jibe tips and videos on his site.  He is often found
around the gorge in summers; if you can snag a lesson with him, it is well worth
the price of admission, and you'll have fun too.
>
> Many years ago in my home town we had a local sailing star, Nori Hubbs.  When
I was trying to learn to jibe, she gave me a couple of tips (for a standard
carving jibe):
>
> 1 - Go really fast and try to carve the board around.
> 2 - Forget the sail, let it luff and just keep the mast in a neutral position.
> When it comes time to integrate the sail flip, the "neutral" mast position
will lend itself nicely to the carve already learned.
>
> For better or worse, this is the concept I am trying to pass on to my wife in
her learning curve.  I know, "never teach a spouse", but until I can get her
another lesson with Royn, I will have to take my chances.
>
>
> From: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of tomeshbaugh1
> Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:09 AM
> To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: Gybing instructional DVD
>
>
>
> Google "Mike Fick" for dandy jibe tips at a nice price.
>
> tom e
>
> --- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com<mailto:NW-WINDTALK%40yahoogroups.com>,
"bobgreenberg" <bob@> wrote:
> >
> > I have both DVDs. Intuition has some good points but is kind of long winded.
I prefer the 12 Step Jibe DVD.
> > bobg
> >
> > --- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com<mailto:NW-WINDTALK%40yahoogroups.com>,
Alex Zotov <alexzotov@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Awesome question.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I haven't watched Inutition, so I'd be curious to hear about it as well.
Dasher's 12-step is a classic - I watched it many times :-) and many folks
around did as well. It helped me a lot, but I think eventually I found myself
doing the whole thing slightly differently (probably simpler; maybe less
efficient but easier).
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Modern age - if it's not on something like totalvid.com (rentals for $4)
it has little reach :-)
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Youtube has a 6 min trailer of the video, and it does look promising:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlgogHJpAug
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > cheers
> > >
> > > Alex
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com<mailto:NW-WINDTALK%40yahoogroups.com>
> > > From: ayeltsov@
> > > Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:21 -0800
> > > Subject: Gybing instructional DVD
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Did anyone watch both "The 12-Step Jibe with Dasher" (by Dasher) and
> > > "Intuition" (by Guy Cribb) ?
> > >
> > > I watched the "12-Step" one. I found it very informative. I trust the name
> > > as I used his "ABC of waterstarting" to learn waterstarting.
> > >
> > > But still - I wonder if it also makes sense to watch the Intuition.
> > >
> > > P.S. If anyone has "Intuition" and is either willing to sell it or let me
> > > borrow it for a few days, please let me know.
> > >
> > > P.P.S. If you never heard of Intuition DVD, here's the link:
> > > http://www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_DVD_0145v01.htm
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > >
> > > Alexey
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

... and just about as long winded? ;-)

We have the 12-Step at home, and my wife has watched it several times.  Her main
complaint is that there is way too much to try to remember (she is very
analytical about these things).

Royn Bartholdi also has jibe tips and videos on his site.  He is often found
around the gorge in summers; if you can snag a lesson with him, it is well worth
the price of admission, and you'll have fun too.

Many years ago in my home town we had a local sailing star, Nori Hubbs.  When I
was trying to learn to jibe, she gave me a couple of tips (for a standard
carving jibe):

1 - Go really fast and try to carve the board around.
2 - Forget the sail, let it luff and just keep the mast in a neutral position.
When it comes time to integrate the sail flip, the "neutral" mast position will
lend itself nicely to the carve already learned.

For better or worse, this is the concept I am trying to pass on to my wife in
her learning curve.  I know, "never teach a spouse", but until I can get her
another lesson with Royn, I will have to take my chances.


From: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of tomeshbaugh1
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:09 AM
To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Gybing instructional DVD



Google "Mike Fick" for dandy jibe tips at a nice price.

tom e

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com<mailto:NW-WINDTALK%40yahoogroups.com>,
"bobgreenberg" <bob@...> wrote:
>
> I have both DVDs. Intuition has some good points but is kind of long winded. I
prefer the 12 Step Jibe DVD.
> bobg
>
> --- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com<mailto:NW-WINDTALK%40yahoogroups.com>, Alex
Zotov <alexzotov@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Awesome question.
> >
> >
> >
> > I haven't watched Inutition, so I'd be curious to hear about it as well.
Dasher's 12-step is a classic - I watched it many times :-) and many folks
around did as well. It helped me a lot, but I think eventually I found myself
doing the whole thing slightly differently (probably simpler; maybe less
efficient but easier).
> >
> >
> >
> > Modern age - if it's not on something like totalvid.com (rentals for $4) it
has little reach :-)
> >
> >
> >
> > Youtube has a 6 min trailer of the video, and it does look promising:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlgogHJpAug
> >
> >
> >
> > cheers
> >
> > Alex
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com<mailto:NW-WINDTALK%40yahoogroups.com>
> > From: ayeltsov@
> > Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:21 -0800
> > Subject: Gybing instructional DVD
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Did anyone watch both "The 12-Step Jibe with Dasher" (by Dasher) and
> > "Intuition" (by Guy Cribb) ?
> >
> > I watched the "12-Step" one. I found it very informative. I trust the name
> > as I used his "ABC of waterstarting" to learn waterstarting.
> >
> > But still - I wonder if it also makes sense to watch the Intuition.
> >
> > P.S. If anyone has "Intuition" and is either willing to sell it or let me
> > borrow it for a few days, please let me know.
> >
> > P.P.S. If you never heard of Intuition DVD, here's the link:
> > http://www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_DVD_0145v01.htm
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Alexey
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Google "Mike Fick" for dandy jibe tips at a nice price.

tom e

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, "bobgreenberg" <bob@...> wrote:
>
> I have both DVDs.  Intuition has some good points but is kind of long winded. 
I prefer the 12 Step Jibe DVD.
> bobg
>
> --- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, Alex Zotov <alexzotov@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Awesome question.
> >
> >
> >
> > I haven't watched Inutition, so I'd be curious to hear about it as well.
Dasher's 12-step is a classic - I watched it many times :-) and many folks
around did as well. It helped me a lot, but I think eventually I found myself
doing the whole thing slightly differently (probably simpler; maybe less
efficient but easier).
> >
> >
> >
> > Modern age - if it's not on something like totalvid.com (rentals for $4) it
has little reach :-)
> >
> >
> >
> > Youtube has a 6 min trailer of the video, and it does look promising:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlgogHJpAug
> >
> >
> >
> > cheers
> >
> > Alex
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
> > From: ayeltsov@
> > Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:21 -0800
> > Subject: Gybing instructional DVD
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Did anyone watch both "The 12-Step Jibe with Dasher" (by Dasher) and
> > "Intuition" (by Guy Cribb) ?
> >
> > I watched the "12-Step" one. I found it very informative. I trust the name
> > as I used his "ABC of waterstarting" to learn waterstarting.
> >
> > But still - I wonder if it also makes sense to watch the Intuition.
> >
> > P.S. If anyone has "Intuition" and is either willing to sell it or let me
> > borrow it for a few days, please let me know.
> >
> > P.P.S. If you never heard of Intuition DVD, here's the link:
> > http://www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_DVD_0145v01.htm
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Alexey
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

My 2009 Winduro had a lot of parallels with Greg's experience, but without
any of the conditioning.  I only got to the Gorge two times this year (once
ran into Greg at Maryhill), maybe half dozen times shortboarding all year.
I hadn't sailed this Longboard in ages, in fact the factory mastbases &
extensions were stolen out of my car 3 summers ago (whole 60 lb gear bag).
Speaking of gear, I sailed a mid-90s "Mistral Superlight 2" (258 ltrs), a
boxy 12'9", with the wrong centerboard (from mid 80s "Pandera" transition
board), with a "Gaastra 7.5m Raceboard Pro" sail (mid 90s CI with some of
the twist designed out - think Hucker for Longboard light air use).  I spent
the morning scrounging around the house looking for gear that would still
fit together.  Ended up with an old Chinook base (threads fit the 2nd hole
in the board's mast car) with Xtra long Gorge Tech extension (turns out 4 to
1 downhaul did not allow enough twist, which I wished for endlessly).  If
the Gorge Tech name rings no bells, they've been out of business for decades
(I still use their Flippin' Easy).  The mast car will not slide with the
screw-in base clamped to the deck, but it worked as a fixed base.
I started at 11:30 with most everyone else, and immediately discovered that
the huge waterline did not want to turn downwind.  After getting launched
several times, trying to hold the 7.5 out over the nose, Greg sent his
greetings as he jibed past.  I alternated falling to windward trying to pump
the sail in the holes, and getting ripped over the nose in the gusts a
couple dozen times.  In the middle of this John passed, sailing upwind,
saying he punched a hole in his sail.  I noted to myself that I should take
more care in my launch form, or suffer the same fate.
Eventually, I landed at Mercer Slough Park? (nearly under East Channel
Bridge), and tried to add downhaul with no luck (4-1 with no tools, cold
hands).  I was able to rebalance harness lines, and slide the mast car about
a third forward (from all the way back), concerned that turning west across
the Island, I wouldn't be able to slide it back for the planing reach.  I
also sucked some cold water from a hydration pack, noting that hot water
doesn't stay that way immersed in the Lake (was near boiling when I left).
Assessed things: tired but still had reserves, not cold, frustrated but
upbeat (originally intended to start dead last), forearms seriously taxed.
Options:  sail back to the Start, continue and bail at MI's Burbank, or
Bellevue's Meydenbauer, or bail at I-90 West end (Day Park).
I continued and had the anticipated trouble with the bridge posts (wind
25-0-25) as I passed to leeward of a couple.  In the lighter gusts, I was
able to point down better, and eventually was able to get nearly dead down
close to the MI shore.  Near Luther Burbank Park a Starboard Formula woodie
passed going upwind (later learned it was Michal).  The wind was stronger in
the middle, and he was able to point impressively high.  The only other sail
I saw rounded way leeward of the Island earlier.
When I made the turn to the west I was hoping to finally get into the
harness and maybe footstraps.  The harness worked, but the mast was too far
forward for footstraps - still it worked because the water was pretty flat
and the deck grippy.  I had trouble at both barges with alternating gusts
and holes.  Could not get in synch, waterstarting in holes, and uphauling in
gusts.  Left hand now cramping - not good.  Good news, a loose reach would
fetch the I-90 west end.  East end not an option.
First third of floating bridge was encouraging, planing, Longboard smoothes
chop better than formula, harness better balanced.  Middle had more trouble,
bigger wind & waves wanted to pound the board, but no footstraps so need to
slow down, or get launched.  Tried to ease sheet a hair, but cambers invert
& I get slammed.  Dagger would not stay up (gaskets cracked & fell out), so
danger of railing up at speed.  Pointed lower toward Leschi, now back leg is
cramping too.  Gusts rip booms from hands, harness not that balanced - draft
moving all over, more Waterstarts in the lulls, intentional now.
Below the W. high-rise lee I can pinch non-planing and after 4
tack/Waterstarts I make Day Park.  Drink water, eat energy gel, walk under
the bridge, assess.  Getting cold, Waterstarts aren't helping, hands are
toast, uphauling may no longer be possible, all 4 limbs are cramping, gonna
need to dig deep.  Finishing is no longer an option, could walk home (2
miles), bail at Mt Baker Swim Beach, or sail to Sayers Pitts & walk home
(several blocks), get 2nd car & drive to Newcastle.
Launched in a lull, tried to point sub-planing getting as much distance from
the bridge as possible.  Wind has some east in it so we don't make the
distance we were hoping for - tack, fall waterstart x4 - reflected chop is
killing me.  Got a lucky reach, well balanced, not too gusty, and went for a
longer reach in the nasty chop, still not pointing much from the bridge.
Good news is the port tack gets me near the McClellan St fishing pier S. of
Mt B Swim Beach.  Bad news is both hands are cramping & won't get me a
decent waterstart in the stronger wind.  We end up drifting back even with
the Swim Beach before I get up without being launched.  We take the risk and
ride it deep across the Lake (cramped hands won't allow much else).  Four
more of these and I can see a big sail (Greg) at Mt Baker Sailing (Stan
Sayers Pitts), along with a Catalina regatta quitting, and an SPD Harbor
Patrol towing a small Bayliner.
In the lee of the big hill, Waterstarts are out, hands won't give me a tack,
and even climbing onto the board is getting hard.  Wrapping the Uphaul on
the hook saves a little grip strength, so we manage 2 more
tack/falls/uphauls & swim the rest into the boat ramp.
The police are using 2 big pumps to bail the Bayliner out, and Greg, Doug &
Ken greet me with big grins & Hot Coffee!!  My new best friends!

I originally had plans to lay a roomful of fiberglass insulation in the
attic this weekend, but Judy found the neon Sturtevant's MI Winduro
sweatshirt from the earliest running of this event, which inspired me to go
on a last minute scavenger hunt for parts.  Once I found what might work, I
was sure I wouldn't make the start, but since the car was finally rigged, I
thought I should chase folks around anyway.  I was surprised to see anyone
still in the parking lot when I arrived.  Sorry for holding you up while I
got dressed, but I appreciate you including me (as far as that got me).

I took the conditions way to lightly, I was way out of shape, had no idea
how this gear would work in these conditions, and didn't take the time to
tune anything.  Sometimes old lessons need to slap me around a little (all
this occurred to me by the 1st reach, 2nd fall).
From the outside I'm sure it looks foolishly stupid to go out in those
conditions with that much gear.  Myself, I sail mostly for the personal
challenge (first jibe of the year, first chop hop, sailing time exceeds
drive time - this trip, this season, etc).  If I occasionally bite off more
than I can handle, it's part of the lifestyle, and I'm glad I'm either lucky
or experienced enough to sail through survival conditions, and am a little
wiser for it.
I'm pretty sure hair follicles don't have nerves, but I swear I'm so sore my
hair hurts.
Pass the vitamin I, I've still got to crawl into the attic,
Wright

Doug, Thanks for the photos.
Ken, Thanks for the ride and hot coffee.
Greg, Thanks for staying after the weatherman, and putting this event
together.
Thanks to all 3 of you, for looking out for all of us.
Congratulations to those who finished - much respect.


-----Original Message-----
From: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Greg Mejlaender
Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 6:03 PM
To: windsurfing Info
Subject: RE: 2009 Winduro Info.


Yes Glenn... I think you are exactly right... thank you for the thoughts.

I was betting it wouldn't really get over 20 by very much, or, for very
long. In which case the fuller profile would provide more power for my 200
lbs... and my raceboard (very important)... and, through the
lighter-wind-shadowed-portion. And if I bet right... all would've been good.
But since I sailed the first 3 miles basically straight downwind unhooked
and un-gloved... I was already numb and had "pretty exhausted forearms",
heading up under the floating bridge. Then, YES, you're absolutely right...
I had too much power at the bridge and up wind, in solid 20 to 25, with
higher gusts.

And yeah, I can see an adjustable outhaul would have improved my situation.
I've been aware of this fact for quite a while, but haven't taken on this
additional piece of "hardware" for a few reasons. I started windsurfing in
the old school days when part of the beauty of the sport was the simplicity.
I bought into the increased complexity and technical aspects for a while,
but then decided enough was enough. I hardly windsurf anymore... am not
worried about winning races... Do Not want to make rigging and sailing one
bit more tedious than it already is... and I'm a little stubborn and lazy :)

Yes, because the wind DID pick up more than I'd wagered, more downhaul and
an adjustable outhaul would've been helpful this time. But 95% of the very
little time that I sail, it would be un-necessary. I always feel very
comfortable with my gear and it's wind range, and have as much fun as
anybody else. In general, I'd like to stick to the KISS principle :)



And regarding "going 30" if you re-read it (sorry for the long novel :) THAT
was AFTER I'd given up, and was sailing two shallow broad reaches back down
wind from Seward Park to the Mt Baker Sailing Center on the west shore, to
be picked up :)

I WOULD not have been going that fast UP WIND. As I wrote... my upwind
speed, going from the floating bridge up towards Seward Park, was max 20.5
mph. I hadn't been worried about my speed up wind one bit. I was only
focused on making good upwind progress. I only looked at my gps, after I'd
beached at the park. My avg. upwind speed was obviously much slower.



Always fun to chat windsurfing... even if I kinda want to keep my gear, a
bit more basic... I like getting thoughtful advice... and IF I do start
sailing more, or racing more... there's no doubt I would do exactly as you
say. Also, like Michal said, normally if I go out in 20 to 25, I'm going to
be on a shortboard (I have 3 of those that I hardly ever use either :) and
with a smaller sail.



Thanks again,  Greg







To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
From: glenngjr@...
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 17:04:09 +0000
Subject: Re: 2009 Winduro Info.





Greg,

It is pretty clear to me that you should have started the race with more
downhaul on your sail. That would not have made very much difference in the
first downwind run and it would have made a world of difference in the
stronger winds. It would have allowed you to make it through the windier
sections without so much upper body fatigue. You could have been going
closer to 30 most of the time with much less effort. Really though you did
not want to be going 30 because that probably means you were not making very
good upwind VMG.

Also, if you had an adjustable outhaul you could have had the best of both
extremes in the wind ranges that day.

--Glenn R.

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, "g.mejlaender" <GregNW44@...> wrote:
>
> We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I
decided at the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last
year we had 12… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted
wind, we agreed that even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed
wind portion, they would likely be faster out in the open water, so that
would even things out (perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many
variables)… anyway, we agreed, one start this year.
>
> We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30
for a picture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most
filtered out a minute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out
off the beach… he and I started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off
the Newcastle dock, and all of us wanted to head right downwind towards the
East Channel Bridge. By the time Mark and I started, Glenn was already down
towards the Bridge… everybody else was struggling a bit trying to head that
direction right from the beach. None of us had been out sailing in these
conditions yet (except Mark, who'd sailed here from the south end)… so we
were all (except Glenn) a bit "out of it". It's a challenge to sail right
down wind in the chop, with a bigger sail than you'd normally use in this
wind. Mark (already dialed into the conditions) took right off, perfect. I
did ok, and was on a deep broad reach, but couldn't get quite as down wind
as I wanted. I was moving pretty good, tracking with the centerboard down… I
wanted to retract it some, to facilitate steering down wind at this speed,
but with the side load, couldn't move it. I just got this F2 Lightning Race
some months ago, and have only sailed it, less than 10 times, and in mostly
light winds… so I am not really dialed into it yet. I have approx 20 years
experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in every conceivable wind…
And this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost every way, so it is
not a huge change for me. But it is a little different: the centerboard and
how it functions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and the footstraps
are in a little different position too. Anyway, I knew this race would teach
me a lot about how to use this board in the best way possible, and what I
would have to practice on.
>
> Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge…
then got going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I
remember correctly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed
them. John and Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see
Glenn on FW and Mark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter
and calmer water along the NE shoreline of Mercer Island.
>
> My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I
sailed under the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I
was wearing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the
hood pulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing
was that, because of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting
to steer as down wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without
hooking into the harness lines.
>
> The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15
minutes… and my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after
sailing an 8.2 pretty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using
my harness. The good news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had
started last together, and yes he was way in front of me already on the
downwind side of the Bridge, but I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and
it looked like I was gaining on him.
>
> So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is
approx 2 miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous
gusts of more (15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which
I had straight down. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was
keeping the board totally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only
a little soft leech at the very top of the sail to twist off. It is much
more powerful than most modern sails of similar size. I had the sail
perpendicular to the centerline of the board, my arms mostly straight, with
my frozen fingers hooked over the boom. This "harness unhooked technique"
was working really well, cause I could keep full power in the sail, sheeting
in and out, with all the gusts. I was not falling and I was making good
speed, and although I know that Glenn and Mark would be doing the same
thing, I was gaining on them. In these conditions… 10, with gusts to 15…
there's no question that a raceboard is faster than a Formula (of course, in
windier and steadier condition, the reverse is true)… so I passed Glenn. The
big surprise to me is that I slowly but surely caught Mark too. No contest,
that his modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine in these winds.
And he weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would normally put him way
ahead of me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him, is two things… 1)
He stayed quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I stayed just a
bit farther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2) My fuller
8.2 is more powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start costing
me, big time).
>
> Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island
(I was going faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off :)
But of course, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great skill,
allowed him to out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise of the
floating bridge back ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and he
did much better getting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me. By
the time I got there, he was already through… I kept looking back downwind
waiting to see if Glenn would round the north end, but I never saw him. Soon
enough I was under the bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling
through. Two times, I got slammed down into the water head first under the
bridge. But I kept the sail somewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two
of them under the bridge, while trying to keep from floating into those huge
concrete pillars. Finally I was out, on the south and upwind side, of the
bridge. My hands were totally numb, my arms were like noodles, and my head
was freezing!
>
> I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away
from the floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had
the strength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I
think) 25 mph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good
port close reach, and be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT
would be the best thing. (Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what
I did… and it worked great. I could see Mark working his way up towards
Seward Park. And I got a great port close reach from the corner of Mercer
Island and I-90. I headed kinda parallel to the bridge but was also making
good upwind progress with my raceboard heeled over, slicing neatly through
the bridge voo-doo chop. I was hooked in, so that was saving my exhausted
arms and frozen hands. I was going so fast, I had to slow and adjust the
centerboard a couple times, to find the right angle for good upwind progress
yet trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling the board over to leeward). I
DID NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put as much distance between
myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as possible.
>
> It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost
up to the Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and
sat down to rest. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
filled-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching for
Glenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my
head (ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack
off, and sitting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It
took a while to get them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they
would warm up… but I was very happy, cause they eventually did.
Unfortunately, these gloves don't have any grip, which I knew would make my
spent forearms and biceps even worse.
>
> Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be
comfortable and conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I
forgot about the energy robbing tacks that would be required… and the
continued crashes, half of these I would water-start and half I would
uphaul… it totally depended on how I fell, and in what position everything
was after the crash. I had been resting several minutes… I was warmer with
my hood and gloves on.
>
> I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling
an 8.2 four cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer.
Finally I got rolling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps…
centerboard half way down for good up wind progress but no roll-over at the
speed I was going… and mast track ľ of the way up the track. I flew across
the lake up wind, the closer I got to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers
got. Then a big gust came through and catapulted me. Water start and head
back up wind to the west. I worked my way towards Seward Park, somewhere
along the way, after another crash, I sat and rested again. I decided this
was not going to work. My board and sail should be very good for this. When
it was blowing 20, sailing was easy and progress very good. The 25 stuff was
very difficult, but normally should be do-able, except I just didn't have
any strength left… so that would lead to crashes… which would lead to more
fatigue. And the rare gusts to 30, were just "blowing me up". I decided to
sail over to the calmer waters in the lee of Seward Park, and then go up
wind to the beach. I ended up at the NE corner of the Park. With no strength
in my hands and forearms any more, it took forever to get my gear out of the
water.
>
> I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the
beach… and I'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So
I figure approx 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is
just over half way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've
been one of my up wind reaches in the big pond.
>
> I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter
path, south, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look quite
windy. I never saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me like
a nice solid 20… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher gusts.
>
> I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking
up wind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I
was bummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've
been working out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still
I've been sailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm
definitely stronger and fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the
same exact equipment, except my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now
it's the Lightning, but my rig is exactly the same. So, the only real
difference was that this Winduro was windier and colder.
>
> I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring
and uneventful. Mark did it in 2 ˝ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3
hours on my 8.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time…
I never got tired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed
it for another lap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger
and in better all-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow,
how frustrating.
>
> I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of
downhaul, and another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now
totally loose and twisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same
power as a 7.0 or 7.5. My new plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out
from the NE corner of the Park towards the Island. Then jibe and do another
one all the way to the western shore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere
between the sailboat Marina that I'd seen, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :) Then I
was going to call my daughter, or friend, or someone for a ride.
>
> It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to
me. So I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at
the south end of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking
for sailors and taking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I
believed) and Glenn and Tom (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been
looking for Glenn and anybody else… all that time that I was in the "big
pond". I knew that Glenn would probably come through the western hi-rise, so
was carefully watching both of the openings, and everywhere else. Very
curious.
>
> Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to
sail where I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear
there… and they would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I
figured that with the de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be
hooked in… feet in straps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and
then a ride… no problem.
>
> So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the
Island as I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I
was flying, I fully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the
way back, and got into the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as
fast as a slalom board… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching
the water was the back one foot or two. I was getting very close to the
island very fast, and flying through the chop, it was wild. I've done this
numerous times on my Bamba raceboard, but never when my arms were like
noodles. I thought, well I might as well try a planning jibe, and I almost
did it, but when I unhooked to flip the 8.2, I couldn't hold on and
immediately crashed. I had to swim to catch the board. I looked at my gps –
A new max speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I prayed I had the strength to
water-start… made it. Now I was off just the same… I was flying off the chop
air-born a couple times; I thought the stock, 16 year old fin would spin
out, or break. I was so worried about wiping out… I was just trying to keep
the sail and board balanced with my harness and my feet in the straps… my
arms were useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to the
S.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked at the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for a
stock 16 year old raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum
boom and a 9 year old 60% carbon mast.
>
> After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with
Doug and Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got
rides back to the park.
>
> Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
around. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get
your gps to Michal?
>
> This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8
that started this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3
turned back quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ˝ way.
Congratulations to the 3 that made it, you guys were amazing! And although
it is frustrating to not have finished, I look at it as another learning
experience. Hey you know… "whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"…
And, yes, I learned more about the same sail I've been using for 16 years…
and about my new-to-me raceboard… and about what I need to do for further
physical conditioning… and that I need to stay warmer. I will be doing it
again!
>
> Thanks, Greg
>





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

I have both DVDs.  Intuition has some good points but is kind of long winded.  I
prefer the 12 Step Jibe DVD.
bobg

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, Alex Zotov <alexzotov@...> wrote:
>
>
> Awesome question.
>
>
>
> I haven't watched Inutition, so I'd be curious to hear about it as well.
Dasher's 12-step is a classic - I watched it many times :-) and many folks
around did as well. It helped me a lot, but I think eventually I found myself
doing the whole thing slightly differently (probably simpler; maybe less
efficient but easier).
>
>
>
> Modern age - if it's not on something like totalvid.com (rentals for $4) it
has little reach :-)
>
>
>
> Youtube has a 6 min trailer of the video, and it does look promising:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlgogHJpAug
>
>
>
> cheers
>
> Alex
>
>
>
>
> To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
> From: ayeltsov@...
> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:21 -0800
> Subject: Gybing instructional DVD
>
>
>
>
>
> Did anyone watch both "The 12-Step Jibe with Dasher" (by Dasher) and
> "Intuition" (by Guy Cribb) ?
>
> I watched the "12-Step" one. I found it very informative. I trust the name
> as I used his "ABC of waterstarting" to learn waterstarting.
>
> But still - I wonder if it also makes sense to watch the Intuition.
>
> P.S. If anyone has "Intuition" and is either willing to sell it or let me
> borrow it for a few days, please let me know.
>
> P.P.S. If you never heard of Intuition DVD, here's the link:
> http://www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_DVD_0145v01.htm
>
> Thanks,
>
> Alexey
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Awesome question.



I haven't watched Inutition, so I'd be curious to hear about it as well.
Dasher's 12-step is a classic - I watched it many times :-) and many folks
around did as well. It helped me a lot, but I think eventually I found myself
doing the whole thing slightly differently (probably simpler; maybe less
efficient but easier).



Modern age - if it's not on something like totalvid.com (rentals for $4) it has
little reach :-)



Youtube has a 6 min trailer of the video, and it does look promising:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlgogHJpAug



cheers

Alex




To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
From: ayeltsov@...
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:21 -0800
Subject: Gybing instructional DVD





Did anyone watch both "The 12-Step Jibe with Dasher" (by Dasher) and
"Intuition" (by Guy Cribb) ?

I watched the "12-Step" one. I found it very informative. I trust the name
as I used his "ABC of waterstarting" to learn waterstarting.

But still - I wonder if it also makes sense to watch the Intuition.

P.S. If anyone has "Intuition" and is either willing to sell it or let me
borrow it for a few days, please let me know.

P.P.S. If you never heard of Intuition DVD, here's the link:
http://www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_DVD_0145v01.htm

Thanks,

Alexey

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Did anyone watch both "The 12-Step Jibe with Dasher" (by Dasher) and
"Intuition" (by Guy Cribb) ?



I watched the "12-Step" one. I found it very informative. I trust the name
as I used his "ABC of waterstarting" to learn waterstarting.



But still - I wonder if it also makes sense to watch the Intuition.



P.S. If anyone has "Intuition" and is either willing to sell it or let me
borrow it for a few days, please let me know.

P.P.S. If you never heard of Intuition DVD, here's the link:
http://www.guycribb.com/windsurfing_technique_DVD_0145v01.htm





Thanks,

Alexey





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Now that's  a windsurfing story Greg. The greatest of respect to all those
that completed or mostly completed the Winduro.

I had only windsurfed once this year cept for just a little instruction
with the bwc which didn't really count for much and so I was pretty much out of
sailing shape. I had pretty much made up my mind not to even start with my
8.5 and maybe use my 6.5 when I realized I had left my 460 mast at home.
Glenn generously loaned me his and so I now am under this arm twisting pressure
to at least try.

I really should have tested the 6.5 a little before launching to get used
to it and adjust as needed. But I figured heh - I'll just launch and adjust
as needed like the good sailers do it right? .....Wrong! Anway at a dry
weight of 145 lbs. even with a 6.5 I was getting tossed around pretty good and
shortly ended up eating WW (winduro water) after heading down the channel just
a ways. After getting tossed a couple more times I was shaking cold and
starting to think in terms of safety. My hands were mostly numb and I wasn't
really having much fun which is what this is supposed to be for me anyway. To
compound my problems I was having difficulty getting my daggerboard to
adjust. I realized I was totally unprepared diregarding the cold. I'm thinking
now if I'm sarting out cold what condition will I be in when trying to get
under the bridge. Plan B goes into affect now. Get back to Newcasle and play it
safe. So three tacks and I was back. There's always another Winduro.

After getting back to the lawn area I turn my board over and see that my
daggerboard seal is breaking apart and some pieces are jammed in there causing
the daggerboard to be wedged. So that explains my problem there. Time has
taken it's toll on the seal - dry and brittle -  so now to try and find a new
one for next year.

As usual I enjoyed the comaderie and stories of all you diehards. I'll be
bach.

Ken

In a message dated 11/9/09 3:58:23 AM Pacific Standard Time,
GregNW44@... writes:

> We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I
> decided at the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last
> year we had 12… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted
wind,
> we agreed that even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed
> wind portion, they would likely be faster out in the open water, so that would
> even things out (perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many
> variables)… anyway, we agreed, one start this year.
>
> We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30
> for a picture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most
> filtered out a minute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out off
> the beach… he and I started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off the
> Newcastle dock, and all of us wanted to head right downwind towards the
> East Channel Bridge. By the time Mark and I started, Glenn was already down
> towards the Bridge… everybody else was struggling a bit trying to head that
> direction right from the beach. None of us had been out sailing in these
> conditions yet (except Mark, who'd sailed here from the south end)… so we
> were all (except Glenn) a bit "out of it". It's a challenge to sail right down
> wind in the chop, with a bigger sail than you'd normally use in this wind.
> Mark (already dialed into the conditions) took right off, perfect. I did
> ok, and was on a deep broad reach, but couldn't get quite as down wind as I
> wanted. I was moving pretty good, tracking with the centerboard down… I
> wanted to retract it some, to facilitate steering down wind at this speed, but
> with the side load, couldn't move it. I just got this F2 Lightning Race
> some months ago, and have only sailed it, less than 10 times, and in mostly
> light winds… so I am not really dialed into it yet. I have approx 20 years
> experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in every conceivable wind…
> And this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost every way, so it is
> not a huge change for me. But it is a little different: the centerboard and
> how it functions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and the footstraps
> are in a little different position too. Anyway, I knew this race would
> teach me a lot about how to use this board in the best way possible, and what
> I would have to practice on.
>
> Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge…
> then got going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I
> remember correctly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed
them.
> John and Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see Glenn
> on FW and Mark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter and
> calmer water along the NE shoreline of Mercer Island.
>
> My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I
> sailed under the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I
was
> wearing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the
> hood pulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing
> was that, because of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting to
> steer as down wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without
> hooking into the harness lines.
>
> The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15
> minutes… and my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after
sailing an
> 8.2 pretty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using my
> harness. The good news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had started
> last together, and yes he was way in front of me already on the downwind side
> of the Bridge, but I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and it looked
> like I was gaining on him.
>
> So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is
> approx 2 miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous
> gusts of more (15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which
> I had straight down. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was
> keeping the board totally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only a
> little soft leech at the very top of the sail to twist off. It is much more
> powerful than most modern sails of similar size. I had the sail
> perpendicular to the centerline of the board, my arms mostly straight, with my
frozen
> fingers hooked over the boom. This "harness unhooked technique" was working
> really well, cause I could keep full power in the sail, sheeting in and
> out, with all the gusts. I was not falling and I was making good speed, and
> although I know that Glenn and Mark would be doing the same thing, I was
> gaining on them. In these conditions… 10, with gusts to 15… there's no
> question that a raceboard is faster than a Formula (of course, in windier and
> steadier condition, the reverse is true)… so I passed Glenn. The big
surprise
> to me is that I slowly but surely caught Mark too. No contest, that his
> modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine in these winds. And he
> weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would normally put him way ahead
of
> me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him, is two things… 1) He stayed
> quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I stayed just a bit
> farther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2) My fuller 8.2
is
> more powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start costing me, big
> time).
>
> Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island
> (I was going faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off
> :) But of course, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great
> skill, allowed him to out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise
of
> the floating bridge back ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and
> he did much better getting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me.
> By the time I got there, he was already through… I kept looking back
> downwind waiting to see if Glenn would round the north end, but I never saw
him.
> Soon enough I was under the bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling
> through. Two times, I got slammed down into the water head first under the
> bridge. But I kept the sail somewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two
> of them under the bridge, while trying to keep from floating into those
> huge concrete pillars. Finally I was out, on the south and upwind side, of the
> bridge. My hands were totally numb, my arms were like noodles, and my head
> was freezing!
>
> I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away
> from the floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had
> the strength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I
> think) 25 mph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good
> port close reach, and be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT
> would be the best thing. (Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what I
> did… and it worked great. I could see Mark working his way up towards
> Seward Park. And I got a great port close reach from the corner of Mercer
> Island and I-90. I headed kinda parallel to the bridge but was also making
good
> upwind progress with my raceboard heeled over, slicing neatly through the
> bridge voo-doo chop. I was hooked in, so that was saving my exhausted arms
> and frozen hands. I was going so fast, I had to slow and adjust the
> centerboard a couple times, to find the right angle for good upwind progress
yet
> trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling the board over to leeward). I DID
> NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put as much distance between
> myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as possible.
>
> It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost
> up to the Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and
> sat down to rest. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
> filled-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching
> for Glenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my
> head (ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack
> off, and sitting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It
> took a while to get them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they
> would warm up… but I was very happy, cause they eventually did.
> Unfortunately, these gloves don't have any grip, which I knew would make my
spent
> forearms and biceps even worse.
>
> Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be
> comfortable and conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I
forgot
> about the energy robbing tacks that would be required… and the continued
> crashes, half of these I would water-start and half I would uphaul… it
> totally depended on how I fell, and in what position everything was after the
> crash. I had been resting several minutes… I was warmer with my hood and
> gloves on.
>
> I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling
> an 8.2 four cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer.
> Finally I got rolling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps…
centerboard
> half way down for good up wind progress but no roll-over at the speed I was
> going… and mast track ¾ of the way up the track. I flew across the lake up
> wind, the closer I got to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers got. Then a
> big gust came through and catapulted me. Water start and head back up wind
> to the west. I worked my way towards Seward Park, somewhere along the way,
> after another crash, I sat and rested again. I decided this was not going to
> work. My board and sail should be very good for this. When it was blowing
> 20, sailing was easy and progress very good. The 25 stuff was very
> difficult, but normally should be do-able, except I just didn't have any
strength
> left… so that would lead to crashes… which would lead to more fatigue. And
> the rare gusts to 30, were just "blowing me up". I decided to sail over to
> the calmer waters in the lee of Seward Park, and then go up wind to the
> beach. I ended up at the NE corner of the Park. With no strength in my hands
> and forearms any more, it took forever to get my gear out of the water.
>
> I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the beach
> … and I'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So I
> figure approx 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is
> just over half way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've
> been one of my up wind reaches in the big pond.
>
> I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter
> path, south, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look
> quite windy. I never saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me
> like a nice solid 20… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher
> gusts.
>
> I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking
> up wind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I
> was bummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've
> been working out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still
> I've been sailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm
> definitely stronger and fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the same
> exact equipment, except my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now it's
> the Lightning, but my rig is exactly the same. So, the only real difference
> was that this Winduro was windier and colder.
>
> I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring
> and uneventful. Mark did it in 2 ½ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3
> hours on my 8.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time…
I
> never got tired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed
> it for another lap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger
> and in better all-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow,
> how frustrating.
>
> I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of
> downhaul, and another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now
totally
> loose and twisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same power as
> a 7.0 or 7.5. My new plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out from the
> NE corner of the Park towards the Island. Then jibe and do another one all
> the way to the western shore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere between the
> sailboat Marina that I'd seen, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :) Then I was going to
> call my daughter, or friend, or someone for a ride.
>
> It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to
> me. So I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at
> the south end of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking
> for sailors and taking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I
> believed) and Glenn and Tom (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been
> looking for Glenn and anybody else… all that time that I was in the "big
> pond". I knew that Glenn would probably come through the western hi-rise, so
was
> carefully watching both of the openings, and everywhere else. Very
> curious.
>
> Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to
> sail where I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear
there
> … and they would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I figured
> that with the de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be hooked
in…
>  feet in straps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and then a
ride
> … no problem.
>
> So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the
> Island as I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I
> was flying, I fully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the
> way back, and got into the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as
> fast as a slalom board… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching
> the water was the back one foot or two. I was getting very close to the
> island very fast, and flying through the chop, it was wild. I've done this
> numerous times on my Bamba raceboard, but never when my arms were like
noodles.
> I thought, well I might as well try a planning jibe, and I almost did it,
> but when I unhooked to flip the 8.2, I couldn't hold on and immediately
> crashed. I had to swim to catch the board. I looked at my gps – A new max
> speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I prayed I had the strength to
water-start…
> made it. Now I was off just the same… I was flying off the chop air-born a
> couple times; I thought the stock, 16 year old fin would spin out, or break.
> I was so worried about wiping out… I was just trying to keep the sail and
> board balanced with my harness and my feet in the straps… my arms were
> useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to the S.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked
at
> the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for a stock 16 year old
> raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum boom and a 9 year old
> 60% carbon mast.
>
> After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with
> Doug and Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got
> rides back to the park.
>
> Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
> around. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get
> your gps to Michal?
>
> This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8
> that started this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3
> turned back quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ½ way.
> Congratulations to the 3 that made it, you guys were amazing! And although it
is
> frustrating to not have finished, I look at it as another learning experience.
> Hey you know… "whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"… And, yes, I
> learned more about the same sail I've been using for 16 years… and about
> my new-to-me raceboard… and about what I need to do for further physical
> conditioning… and that I need to stay warmer. I will be doing it again!
>
> Thanks, Greg
>
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://www5.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=2476235008/a=22232148_22232148/o\
tsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2/

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, "mitchehd" <doug.mitchell@...> wrote:
>
> Greg, Mark, Glen, Tom and others,
>
> The location of the pictures was the start at Newcastle and then Seward Park
just south of the fish hatchery for Mark and Glen's pics and then right at the
fish hatchery for Tom's pictures. That is where the dead salmon was taken. 300mm
f 4. lens
>
> Tom emailed me about downloading pictures. I haven't finished processing all
that I took that day and need to do some computer clean up before I can finish.
I don't have a location to upload to other than Snapfish so I'm not sure a down
load will be possible.
>
> I also took a video at the start and one of Glen doing two sweeps across the
channel at Seward Park. The file size is to big to upload to this group or
Facebook so I'm working on that also.
>
> Doug
>
> --- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, Greg Mejlaender <GregNW44@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Mark, they were taken from Seward Park (how unfortunate for me that I know
this :)
> >
> >
> >
> > Anyway, he could give the exact location... but I think he was approx along
the eastern shore of the Park when he took those. Probably along the SE corner,
actually.
> >
> >
> >
> > He and Ken (walking around the Park from south to north) came upon me at the
NE corner, sometime later. I was just heading back out,when they said "Hey
Greg"... so I went back in to shore, to chat. It didn't take too much convincing
to go back in to talk, since my forearms were spent!
> >
> >
> >
> > Greg
> >
> >
> >
> > To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
> > From: mark@
> > Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 19:56:18 -0800
> > Subject: RE: 2009 Winduro Pics. Testing a Facebook link.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Doug,
> >
> > Thank you for doing the photos. I know that some were taken from
> > Newcastle, but where were you standing for the others?
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > ________________________________
> >
> > From: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com]
> > On Behalf Of mitchehd
> > Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 9:42 PM
> > To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: 2009 Winduro Pics. Testing a Facebook link.
> >
> > If this doesn't work I'll try something else later.
> >
> > http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14508&id=1677380743&l=e14d0cfc29
> > <http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14508&id=1677380743&l=e14d0cfc29>
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Find the right PC with Windows 7 and Windows Live.
> >
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/pc-scout/laptop-set-criteria.aspx?cbid=wl&filt=\
200,2400,10,19,1,3,1,7,50,650,2,12,0,1000&cat=1,2,3,4,5,6&brands=5,6,7,8,9,10,11\
,12,13,14,15,16&addf=4,5,9&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergree\
n2:112009
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Hi,

Alexey, myself and 2 or 3 other folks who I hadn't met before windsurfed at
Waverly before sunset today. Very nice winds, I was fully powered in 6.4
most of the time. Not very choppy but with fairly large and regular swells
from SW. Wind was oscillating between SSE and SSW I think. It was
surprisingly warm actually. 53 for both air and water temps. 4.3 wetsuit, no
gloves necessary.

Miles


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

4.7, 92L. The skies parted around 2:30 and the wind came up. No debris nice
ramps...

Phillip

Hi Rick,



Yeah we missed you... I asked about you at the Skippers Meeting... hope you're
feeling better.



And yeah... Mark, Glenn and Tom did a fantastic job !!!!!!!!!!!!



To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
From: segler@...
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:11:16 +0000
Subject: Re: 2009 Winduro Info.





I was home sick on Saturday. Not too sure I would have wanted to launch into
those conditions anywy, lol.

You guys that finished are animals.

--Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: g.mejlaender
To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:35:20 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: 2009 Winduro Info.

And a special Thanks to Brett (a Winduro veteran, but he didn't sail Sat.) … and
Doug (for also taking pics) and Ken!! These 3 drove around a bit, checking
different places on the course, making cell calls and trying to make sure
everybody was ok and accounted for. This is VERY MUCH appreciated. Personally, I
was worn out by the time I got to Seward Park… I eventually sailed back downwind
a bit, to the Stan Sayers Hydroplane Pits/Mt Baker Rowing and Sailing Center.
And then later, after Wright W. got there, we both left our gear on the beach,
and Doug and Ken gave us rides back to Newcastle. We got our cars and went back
to the west side of the lake to get our gear. I had a cell with me, and a couple
folks to call if I needed, but those guys were there… So we took them up on the
offer for a ride. Thanks again!!!!

It was tough this year finding a weekend Fall day with "the right" conditions
for The Winduro… and… when enough folks would be available to make an event out
of it. We are all busy with a million things… so thanks for being flexible and
working this last-minute-race into your busy lives.

Eight hardy souls braved the inclement conditions. And although most of us were
there to start the race at the proposed time… we did get delayed for a few
reasons. But everybody seemed flexible and easy going about trying to make it
work for the most people. So the time got pushed back a bit. The pouring rain
made it a little slower getting ready… and a couple people got there a little
late or needed more time getting everything ready. After all, this is a much
bigger deal than just heading out, for a little back-and-forth sailing from your
local beach.

I collected some info from all the sailors but didn't get (or forgot) Wright's
sail size. But basically, of the eight sailors, three were on Formula boards ( a
Bic, Starboard and F2) with sails ranging from Tom with 6.7 to Michal with 8.2
to Glenn with 9.1 sail. AND, of the five longboards… four of them were early to
mid 90's raceboards (two Mistrals, a Bic and F2). Ken with 6.5, Wright with ?
John M. with 8.0 and me with 8.2 sail. Then there's Mark D's Crit Div 2
longboard with his 7.6 sail.

More to come, Greg

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yes Glenn... I think you are exactly right... thank you for the thoughts.

I was betting it wouldn't really get over 20 by very much, or, for very long. In
which case the fuller profile would provide more power for my 200 lbs... and my
raceboard (very important)... and, through the lighter-wind-shadowed-portion.
And if I bet right... all would've been good. But since I sailed the first 3
miles basically straight downwind unhooked and un-gloved... I was already numb
and had "pretty exhausted forearms", heading up under the floating bridge. Then,
YES, you're absolutely right... I had too much power at the bridge and up wind,
in solid 20 to 25, with higher gusts.

And yeah, I can see an adjustable outhaul would have improved my situation. I've
been aware of this fact for quite a while, but haven't taken on this additional
piece of "hardware" for a few reasons. I started windsurfing in the old school
days when part of the beauty of the sport was the simplicity. I bought into the
increased complexity and technical aspects for a while, but then decided enough
was enough. I hardly windsurf anymore... am not worried about winning races...
Do Not want to make rigging and sailing one bit more tedious than it already
is... and I'm a little stubborn and lazy :)

Yes, because the wind DID pick up more than I'd wagered, more downhaul and an
adjustable outhaul would've been helpful this time. But 95% of the very little
time that I sail, it would be un-necessary. I always feel very comfortable with
my gear and it's wind range, and have as much fun as anybody else. In general,
I'd like to stick to the KISS principle :)



And regarding "going 30" if you re-read it (sorry for the long novel :) THAT was
AFTER I'd given up, and was sailing two shallow broad reaches back down wind
from Seward Park to the Mt Baker Sailing Center on the west shore, to be picked
up :)

I WOULD not have been going that fast UP WIND. As I wrote... my upwind speed,
going from the floating bridge up towards Seward Park, was max 20.5 mph. I
hadn't been worried about my speed up wind one bit. I was only focused on making
good upwind progress. I only looked at my gps, after I'd beached at the park. My
avg. upwind speed was obviously much slower.



Always fun to chat windsurfing... even if I kinda want to keep my gear, a bit
more basic... I like getting thoughtful advice... and IF I do start sailing
more, or racing more... there's no doubt I would do exactly as you say. Also,
like Michal said, normally if I go out in 20 to 25, I'm going to be on a
shortboard (I have 3 of those that I hardly ever use either :) and with a
smaller sail.



Thanks again,  Greg







To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
From: glenngjr@...
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 17:04:09 +0000
Subject: Re: 2009 Winduro Info.





Greg,

It is pretty clear to me that you should have started the race with more
downhaul on your sail. That would not have made very much difference in the
first downwind run and it would have made a world of difference in the stronger
winds. It would have allowed you to make it through the windier sections without
so much upper body fatigue. You could have been going closer to 30 most of the
time with much less effort. Really though you did not want to be going 30
because that probably means you were not making very good upwind VMG.

Also, if you had an adjustable outhaul you could have had the best of both
extremes in the wind ranges that day.

--Glenn R.

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, "g.mejlaender" <GregNW44@...> wrote:
>
> We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I decided
at the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last year we had
12… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted wind, we agreed
that even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed wind portion, they
would likely be faster out in the open water, so that would even things out
(perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many variables)… anyway, we
agreed, one start this year.
>
> We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30 for a
picture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most filtered out a
minute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out off the beach… he and
I started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off the Newcastle dock, and
all of us wanted to head right downwind towards the East Channel Bridge. By the
time Mark and I started, Glenn was already down towards the Bridge… everybody
else was struggling a bit trying to head that direction right from the beach.
None of us had been out sailing in these conditions yet (except Mark, who'd
sailed here from the south end)… so we were all (except Glenn) a bit "out of
it". It's a challenge to sail right down wind in the chop, with a bigger sail
than you'd normally use in this wind. Mark (already dialed into the conditions)
took right off, perfect. I did ok, and was on a deep broad reach, but couldn't
get quite as down wind as I wanted. I was moving pretty good, tracking with the
centerboard down… I wanted to retract it some, to facilitate steering down wind
at this speed, but with the side load, couldn't move it. I just got this F2
Lightning Race some months ago, and have only sailed it, less than 10 times, and
in mostly light winds… so I am not really dialed into it yet. I have approx 20
years experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in every conceivable wind…
And this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost every way, so it is not a
huge change for me. But it is a little different: the centerboard and how it
functions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and the footstraps are in a
little different position too. Anyway, I knew this race would teach me a lot
about how to use this board in the best way possible, and what I would have to
practice on.
>
> Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge… then
got going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I remember
correctly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed them. John
and Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see Glenn on FW and
Mark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter and calmer water along
the NE shoreline of Mercer Island.
>
> My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I sailed
under the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I was
wearing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the hood
pulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing was that,
because of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting to steer as
down wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without hooking into
the harness lines.
>
> The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15 minutes…
and my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after sailing an 8.2
pretty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using my harness. The
good news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had started last together,
and yes he was way in front of me already on the downwind side of the Bridge,
but I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and it looked like I was gaining on
him.
>
> So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is
approx 2 miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous gusts
of more (15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which I had
straight down. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was keeping the
board totally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only a little soft
leech at the very top of the sail to twist off. It is much more powerful than
most modern sails of similar size. I had the sail perpendicular to the
centerline of the board, my arms mostly straight, with my frozen fingers hooked
over the boom. This "harness unhooked technique" was working really well, cause
I could keep full power in the sail, sheeting in and out, with all the gusts. I
was not falling and I was making good speed, and although I know that Glenn and
Mark would be doing the same thing, I was gaining on them. In these conditions…
10, with gusts to 15… there's no question that a raceboard is faster than a
Formula (of course, in windier and steadier condition, the reverse is true)… so
I passed Glenn. The big surprise to me is that I slowly but surely caught Mark
too. No contest, that his modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine in
these winds. And he weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would normally put
him way ahead of me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him, is two things…
1) He stayed quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I stayed just a
bit farther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2) My fuller 8.2
is more powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start costing me, big
time).
>
> Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island (I
was going faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off :) But of
course, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great skill, allowed him
to out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise of the floating bridge
back ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and he did much better
getting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me. By the time I got
there, he was already through… I kept looking back downwind waiting to see if
Glenn would round the north end, but I never saw him. Soon enough I was under
the bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling through. Two times, I got
slammed down into the water head first under the bridge. But I kept the sail
somewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two of them under the bridge, while
trying to keep from floating into those huge concrete pillars. Finally I was
out, on the south and upwind side, of the bridge. My hands were totally numb, my
arms were like noodles, and my head was freezing!
>
> I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away
from the floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had the
strength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I think) 25
mph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good port close reach,
and be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT would be the best thing.
(Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what I did… and it worked great.
I could see Mark working his way up towards Seward Park. And I got a great port
close reach from the corner of Mercer Island and I-90. I headed kinda parallel
to the bridge but was also making good upwind progress with my raceboard heeled
over, slicing neatly through the bridge voo-doo chop. I was hooked in, so that
was saving my exhausted arms and frozen hands. I was going so fast, I had to
slow and adjust the centerboard a couple times, to find the right angle for good
upwind progress yet trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling the board over to
leeward). I DID NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put as much distance
between myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as possible.
>
> It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost up
to the Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and sat down
to rest. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
filled-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching for
Glenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my head
(ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack off, and
sitting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It took a while to
get them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they would warm up… but I
was very happy, cause they eventually did. Unfortunately, these gloves don't
have any grip, which I knew would make my spent forearms and biceps even worse.
>
> Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be
comfortable and conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I forgot
about the energy robbing tacks that would be required… and the continued
crashes, half of these I would water-start and half I would uphaul… it totally
depended on how I fell, and in what position everything was after the crash. I
had been resting several minutes… I was warmer with my hood and gloves on.
>
> I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling an
8.2 four cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer. Finally I got
rolling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps… centerboard half way down
for good up wind progress but no roll-over at the speed I was going… and mast
track ľ of the way up the track. I flew across the lake up wind, the closer I
got to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers got. Then a big gust came through
and catapulted me. Water start and head back up wind to the west. I worked my
way towards Seward Park, somewhere along the way, after another crash, I sat and
rested again. I decided this was not going to work. My board and sail should be
very good for this. When it was blowing 20, sailing was easy and progress very
good. The 25 stuff was very difficult, but normally should be do-able, except I
just didn't have any strength left… so that would lead to crashes… which would
lead to more fatigue. And the rare gusts to 30, were just "blowing me up". I
decided to sail over to the calmer waters in the lee of Seward Park, and then go
up wind to the beach. I ended up at the NE corner of the Park. With no strength
in my hands and forearms any more, it took forever to get my gear out of the
water.
>
> I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the beach…
and I'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So I figure
approx 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is just over
half way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've been one of my
up wind reaches in the big pond.
>
> I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter
path, south, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look quite
windy. I never saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me like a
nice solid 20… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher gusts.
>
> I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking up
wind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I was
bummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've been
working out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still I've been
sailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm definitely stronger
and fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the same exact equipment,
except my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now it's the Lightning, but my
rig is exactly the same. So, the only real difference was that this Winduro was
windier and colder.
>
> I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring and
uneventful. Mark did it in 2 ˝ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3 hours on my
8.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time… I never got
tired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed it for another
lap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger and in better
all-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow, how frustrating.
>
> I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of
downhaul, and another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now totally
loose and twisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same power as a 7.0
or 7.5. My new plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out from the NE corner of
the Park towards the Island. Then jibe and do another one all the way to the
western shore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere between the sailboat Marina that
I'd seen, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :) Then I was going to call my daughter, or
friend, or someone for a ride.
>
> It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to me.
So I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at the south
end of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking for sailors and
taking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I believed) and Glenn and
Tom (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been looking for Glenn and anybody
else… all that time that I was in the "big pond". I knew that Glenn would
probably come through the western hi-rise, so was carefully watching both of the
openings, and everywhere else. Very curious.
>
> Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to sail
where I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear there… and
they would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I figured that with
the de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be hooked in… feet in
straps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and then a ride… no problem.
>
> So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the
Island as I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I was
flying, I fully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the way
back, and got into the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as fast as
a slalom board… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching the water was
the back one foot or two. I was getting very close to the island very fast, and
flying through the chop, it was wild. I've done this numerous times on my Bamba
raceboard, but never when my arms were like noodles. I thought, well I might as
well try a planning jibe, and I almost did it, but when I unhooked to flip the
8.2, I couldn't hold on and immediately crashed. I had to swim to catch the
board. I looked at my gps – A new max speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I prayed
I had the strength to water-start… made it. Now I was off just the same… I was
flying off the chop air-born a couple times; I thought the stock, 16 year old
fin would spin out, or break. I was so worried about wiping out… I was just
trying to keep the sail and board balanced with my harness and my feet in the
straps… my arms were useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to the
S.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked at the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for a stock
16 year old raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum boom and a
9 year old 60% carbon mast.
>
> After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with Doug
and Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got rides back
to the park.
>
> Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
around. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get your
gps to Michal?
>
> This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8 that
started this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3 turned
back quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ˝ way. Congratulations to the
3 that made it, you guys were amazing! And although it is frustrating to not
have finished, I look at it as another learning experience. Hey you know…
"whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"… And, yes, I learned more about
the same sail I've been using for 16 years… and about my new-to-me raceboard…
and about what I need to do for further physical conditioning… and that I need
to stay warmer. I will be doing it again!
>
> Thanks, Greg
>





_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Greg, Mark, Glen, Tom and others,

The location of the pictures was the start at Newcastle and then Seward Park
just south of the fish hatchery for Mark and Glen's pics and then right at the
fish hatchery for Tom's pictures. That is where the dead salmon was taken. 300mm
f 4. lens

Tom emailed me about downloading pictures. I haven't finished processing all
that I took that day and need to do some computer clean up before I can finish.
I don't have a location to upload to other than Snapfish so I'm not sure a down
load will be possible.

I also took a video at the start and one of Glen doing two sweeps across the
channel at Seward Park. The file size is to big to upload to this group or
Facebook so I'm working on that also.

Doug

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, Greg Mejlaender <GregNW44@...> wrote:
>
>
> Mark, they were taken from Seward Park (how unfortunate for me that I know
this :)
>
>
>
> Anyway, he could give the exact location... but I think he was approx along
the eastern shore of the Park when he took those. Probably along the SE corner,
actually.
>
>
>
> He and Ken (walking around the Park from south to north) came upon me at the
NE corner, sometime later. I was just heading back out,when they said "Hey
Greg"... so I went back in to shore, to chat. It didn't take too much convincing
to go back in to talk, since my forearms were spent!
>
>
>
> Greg
>
>
>
> To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
> From: mark@...
> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 19:56:18 -0800
> Subject: RE: 2009 Winduro Pics. Testing a Facebook link.
>
>
>
>
>
> Doug,
>
> Thank you for doing the photos. I know that some were taken from
> Newcastle, but where were you standing for the others?
>
> Mark
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of mitchehd
> Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 9:42 PM
> To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: 2009 Winduro Pics. Testing a Facebook link.
>
> If this doesn't work I'll try something else later.
>
> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14508&id=1677380743&l=e14d0cfc29
> <http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14508&id=1677380743&l=e14d0cfc29>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Find the right PC with Windows 7 and Windows Live.
>
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/pc-scout/laptop-set-criteria.aspx?cbid=wl&filt=\
200,2400,10,19,1,3,1,7,50,650,2,12,0,1000&cat=1,2,3,4,5,6&brands=5,6,7,8,9,10,11\
,12,13,14,15,16&addf=4,5,9&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergree\
n2:112009
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

2:14 is very good time, Glenn.  Having plenty of wind mattered.  This was a day
(albeit challenging) that was good for FW.  Nice going.

--Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: glenn_us5144
To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 07:04:57 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Winduro 2009 Report


























       Winduro report 2009



Equipment:



Pro Motion fleece lined long sleeve shirt (thin rubber outside)



Full body rashguard over the shirt



3/3 summer wetsuit with long legs and short sleeves with the seperate sleeve
pieces tucked inside the short sleeves.



5mm neoprene booties



Hydration system with water and Nuun - U:Natural Hydration Tablets
http://www.reusablebags.com/store/nuun-unatural-hydration-tablets-p-1478.html



Flotation vest with sewn in pocket for the hydration bladder



Gath helmet with adjustable tinted face bubble.  The face bubble is good for
sun, rain, or hail.  The bubble stayed up during the race since there was no
significant sun, rain, or hail.  Duct tape covering the ear holes and the vent
holes for warmth and to keep the rain out.



Neoprene mittens with the palms cut out for better grip on the boom and to allow
my hands to push through the holes when the mittens are not needed.



Seat harness



F2 FX 100 IV formula board with the plates removed from the cutouts in the tail.
(232cm long X 100cm wide X 156 liters)



Deboichet R16 68 cm Medium +8 formula fin



Sailworks 2008 NXfw 9.1 m² with 4 roller cams with special batten tuning for
high wind racing.



Sailworks Light Stick 100% carbon 490cm mast



HPL Carbon 220 formula race boom with Streamlined "Strap-on" boom head with
Chinook adjustable outhaul system with a thin shock cord tied to the ends of the
adjuster lines that wraps around the front of the mast to keep the adjuster
lines within reach just below the boom.



Sailworks adjustable harness lines



Chinook 2 bolt mast base with Chinook long extension base with Chinook
Hydroshock universal joint



Cellular phone in a waterproof bag with a tether line tied to my flotation vest.



The skippers' meeting was held between 10:30 and 11am.  We all put our names and
phone numbers on a list provided by Greg and some of us entered each other's
phone numbers into our cell phones.  During the meeting I was eating a Powerbar
Energy chocolate covered snack bar with 10g of protein washed down with Brita
filtered water.   We then dragged all of our gear down to the beach and gathered
in the wind shadow of the beach house with the green roof.  At about 11:27am
Greg announced that we had 3 minutes to go before an 11:30am start time.  We all
placed our gear on the water and stood in waiste deep water at the swimm beach
and waited for the call to start the 2009 Winduro.  Greg allowed those who were
not concerned about race time to go out first so John, Tom, and Ken took off
first at about 11:30.  Greg told me to go and he said that the time was 11:31am.
Greg and Mark and the rest of the fleet left the beach at about 11:35am.



The wind was blowing about 12 to 18 when I left Newcastle beach.  I was able to
get on a plane right away but I was under powered and not able to point downwind
very deep.  The SE wind was stronger on the Mercer Island side so by the time I
made the first jibe I was able to go downwind at about a 45-degree angle.  At
the next 3 planing jibes I was about 100 yards form the I-90 bridge and then I
planed until I was right under the middle of the bridge.  I schlogged for a
while and fell off my board in a wind hole just north of the bridge. Mark passed
me about a half mile north of the bridge.  I looked over and noticed how quickly
his board glides through the water straight downwind.  Probably twice as fast as
I was going on a full schlogg.



There were a few short weak gusts in that section of the channel that made the
sail pull harder.  I did get on a plane several times to relieve the pressure
but that made me go sideways and it did not help with VMG because I could see
Tom off to my right side on his FW board going straight downwind and those short
planing runs allowed him to gain position on me.   During this time Greg also
passed me on his longboard.



My hands were getting cold so I used my teethto bite the tip of the each mitten
to pull them from my wrist and onto my hands.  This way I could keep one hand on
the boom while slipping the mitten onto the other hand.



When I was north of the island a very strong gust caught me off guard and I fell
off the board.  Tom was now planing and he was now rounding the north end of the
island but he was farther to the north than I was.  I uphauled quickly and got
onto a plane and headed for the west end of the I-90 floating bridge.  The SE
wind was gusty as it came over the island.  As I got farther away from the
island the wind got steadier but stronger.  The SE wind was strong enough that I
could have pointed upwind to the middle of the bridge but I wanted to go the
west end of the bridge so I only needed to go slightly upwind.  Tom was just
downwind of me on the same course.  When I got close to the bridge I changed
course to go parallel with the bridge so I could stay in the good wind just
before the bridge deck started to rise where the wind shadow had more effect. 
When we dropped out of warp speed we both suddenly reappeared  schlogging in the
wind shadow of the west end high rise bridge.



Now we had to weave our way through the wormhole under the bridge.  I stayed on
the same tack as I schlogged right into the main channel under the bridge and
made my first tack of the race under the bridge.  Tom headed for the shore and
walked under the bridge.  I did several schlogging tacks under the bridge.  I
could see a large Police boat towing a tiny little powerboat out from the psycho
chop on the south side of the bridge.  Just as I was about to come out from
under the bridge the Police boat turns into the main channel and blocks my path.
Two policemen came out on the deck of the boat and started shouting at me to go
back under the bridge and get out of their way.  I just nodded and then tacked
again right away and just narrowly missed a bridge pillar as I came out from
under the bridge.



The wind was gusty and the water was very choppy on the south side of the
bridge.  I had to do several schlogging tacks to get away from the bridge and
the psycho chop.  To make it easier to schlog I needed to adjust my harness
lines.  My mittens were now making it difficult to do that and my hands were now
very warm anyway from the extra work tacking under the bridge.  I pushed my
mittens down around my wrists to free my hands and made my harness lines longer
so I could schlog while hooked in.  I made about 6 tacks in that narrow channel
between the boat docks and the psycho chop.  Tom was just downwind of me about
two or 3 tacks behind.



When I thought I was far enough away from the bridge I started out across the
lake but the chop was still really bad.  Tom was even closer to the bridge as he
headed across the lake and was I was afraid he was going to end up getting
pushed into the bridge when he failed to get on a plane.  I had to point
downwind a little to get enough power to get on a plane.  As I tried to go
faster the psycho chop would toss me around and knock me off the plane.  After
several cycles of that I was able to get into stronger wind and smooth enough
water to point upwind away from the bridge.  I looked back and I could see Tom
turning around to get back out of the psycho chop before he got too far into it.
I could see his sail was still up and he looked like he was going to get back
towards the shore so I continued out across the lake.  If his sail were down I
would have had to tack back across the lake to get upwind of him near the shore
in a safe place to try to see the crazy fool and call 911.  There was no way I
was going back into that psycho chop myself.



Even when I was halfway across the lake heading towards the island there were
several bands of random chop reflected back from the bridge.  As I got closer to
the island (and farther upwind of the bridge) the wind got stronger and the chop
evened out into normal wind swells.  I tacked near the island and headed out
into the big open pond area between the I-90 floating bridge and Seward Park. 
On the west side of the lake I could see 3 or 4 small sailboats with white
sails.  I was headed straight for them as I headed upwind but I did not get too
close to them because the wind looked holey on that side of the lake.  I tacked
before the first sign of weaker wind and headed back towards the island where
the wind was much stronger and tacked again near the island.  As I was headed
back out across the lake I was getting close to Seward Park where I could see a
blue porta potty on the north shore of the park.  Even if I needed to use the
porta potty I was not stopping there in that wind shadow.  I tacked before I got
too close to the wind shadow from the park and I headed back towards the island
again.  I tacked near the island again and looked upwind down the channel
between the park and the island and I could see Mark Dix quite a ways south of
Seward Park.  I saw no sign of Greg.  Greg when you get a new sail make sure it
has brighter colors.  I think it was just the gloomy hazy conditions at that
time that made it difficult to spot sails from across the lake.  Also, at this
point I was expecting to see Greg in front of me in the channel so I was not
looking back in the big area between the bridge and Seward Park.  My sail is
yellow and red and Greg did not see me either even though I was making long runs
in the middle of that area.



After I tacked near the island I headed into the channel between the island and
Seward Park.  The wind was gusting over 30mph in the middle of the channel.  At
times I was getting overpowered and so I headed straight south straight down the
channel as the 30+ SE wind gusts come from over the island.  I went right past
the log cabin on the east side of Seward Park and tacked just south of the log
cabin.  As I headed back towards the island there were some weaker wind shadow
spots near the island so I did not get too close to the island this time to
avoid these holes.  I hit one hole and went off the wind and headed back up the
channel for a short time so I tacked early ( before the island).



My right hand was getting cold so I again bit the tip of the mitten with my
teeth and pulled the right mitten onto my hand.  My hand warmed up quickly
inside the mitten and I left that one on for the rest of the Winduro.



My new course pointed me towards the big open pond south of Seward Park.  As I
got farther away from the island the wind became steadier and it was still
blowing between 25 and 30mph.  A formula sailor's dream comes true: steady
winds, wide open water and even a little sunshine sneaking through broken
clouds.  I tacked close the west side of the lake south of Seward Park and
headed back towards the island.  I tacked near the SW corner of the island.  The
wind was steady there as the SE wind was wrapping around the corner of the
island.  I was now headed towards the SW corner of the lake.  I went as far as I
could go while staying in good wind because I wanted to be able to round the
south tip of the island without tacking again.  I had to tack before getting
close to that SW corner of the lake because the wind showed signs of weakening. 
After that tack my new course at first appeared to point me back towards the
island but the wind was strong so I worked on my stance and I was able to point
high enough to just make it around the south tip of the island where the wind
was lighter because it was bumping up against the island's steep hill.  I bagged
out the sail with the adjustable outhaul and was able to maintain good speed
just inside the white no wake markers but with plenty of clearance around the
boat docks.



As I rounded the SE corner of the island I was now going downwind towards the
Seahawks practice facility.  The wind was still from the SSE so it was lighter
near the east side of the lake so I jibed early and headed back towards the
island where the SE wind was stronger.  I looked up the channel and I could see
Mark Dix getting close the end of the race back at Newcastle Beach Park.  I made
several more jibes up the channel being careful not to get into the wind shadows
on the east side of the channel.  I was able to get right back onto a plane
after each jibe and I was making good VMG towards the end of my Winduro 2009 at
Newcastle Beach Park.



I glided past the pier and into the swim area at Newcastle Beach Park on a full
plane and had to put on the brakes just before I was about to smash into the
beach.  I tossed my gear on the sand and pulled out my cell phone that was
tucked into the front of my flotation vest but it was difficult to see the time
through the foggy plastic baggie and the vinyl waterproof bag.  I walked over to
the beach house where Mark Dix told me that it was now 1:46pm.  So I subtracted
one minute and called it 1:45 for my time of finish.  So 1:45pm minus 11:31am
equals my Winduro 2009 time of approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes.



--Glenn Reichenbach (G4)

























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I was home sick on Saturday.  Not too sure I would have wanted to launch into
those conditions anywy, lol.

You guys that finished are animals.

--Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: g.mejlaender
To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:35:20 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: 2009 Winduro Info.


























       And a special Thanks to Brett (a Winduro veteran, but he didn't sail Sat.)
… and Doug (for also taking pics) and Ken!! These 3 drove around a bit,
checking different places on the course, making cell calls and trying to make
sure everybody was ok and accounted for. This is VERY MUCH appreciated.
Personally, I was worn out by the time I got to Seward Park… I eventually
sailed back downwind a bit, to the Stan Sayers Hydroplane Pits/Mt Baker Rowing
and Sailing Center. And then later, after Wright W. got there, we both left our
gear on the beach, and Doug and Ken gave us rides back to Newcastle. We got our
cars and went back to the west side of the lake to get our gear. I had a cell
with me, and a couple folks to call if I needed, but those guys were there… So
we took them up on the offer for a ride. Thanks again!!!!



It was tough this year finding a weekend Fall day with "the right" conditions
for The Winduro… and… when enough folks would be available to make an event
out of it. We are all busy with a million things… so thanks for being flexible
and working this last-minute-race into your busy lives.



Eight hardy souls braved the inclement conditions. And although most of us were
there to start the race at the proposed time… we did get delayed for a few
reasons. But everybody seemed flexible and easy going about trying to make it
work for the most people. So the time got pushed back a bit. The pouring rain
made it a little slower getting ready… and a couple people got there a little
late or needed more time getting everything ready. After all, this is a much
bigger deal than just heading out, for a little back-and-forth sailing from your
local beach.



I collected some info from all the sailors but didn't get (or forgot) Wright's
sail size. But basically, of the eight sailors, three were on Formula boards ( a
Bic, Starboard and F2) with sails ranging from Tom with 6.7 to Michal with 8.2
to Glenn with 9.1 sail. AND, of the five longboards… four of them were early
to mid 90's raceboards (two Mistrals, a Bic and F2). Ken with 6.5, Wright with ?
John M. with 8.0 and me with 8.2 sail. Then there's Mark D's Crit Div 2
longboard with his 7.6 sail.



More to come, Greg

























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Greg, Thanks for the comments on the wind readings. I have similar
experiences at Purdy. Iwindsurf can show gusting to 30 but actually it's about
15. Similarly, it shows gusting to 10 and pockets are at 20++. That makes it all
fun for the changing conditions.

Best regards, Don Hansen


-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Mejlaender <GregNW44@...>
To: windsurfing Info <nw-windtalk@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 8:34 am
Subject: RE: 2009 Winduro Info.




hanks Don, good point, but I don't buy it. I'm all for more information... but
he only reports I heard or saw that Sat eve regarding what happened all day
ong was the sensors for the two floating bridges. And yes, they showed some
usts over 40, and they showed sustained winds in the 30's. But there is no way
hat is accurate. In that wind the rollers are huge, every single inch of water
s major capping, and the most noticeable indication is that the tops are
lowing off the waves... the beginnings of "smoke across the water".

lso... with all the equipment that we were all using out there that day... none
f it would've worked in solid winds from the low 30's to the low 40's.

  live on one side of the I-90 floating bridge, and I work on the other side of
t. And I drive across it all the time, running errands. I'm constantly making
bservations of the water conditions and comparing them to those readings on
omputers at home and at work. Both of those indicators are always at least 10
ph over reality (and that's conservative) for southerly's. The readings at the
  local airports are much more realistic indicators.

White-caps begin at approx 10 mph... by 15, they're quite filled-in... at 20 you
ave very good solid white-caps everywhere. When both of those floating bridge
re showing sustained winds of 15 with gusts to 25... you would be thinking,
that's some solid windsurfing right there". But down at the lake, right then,
here won't be any white-caps anywhere near by. It will be blowing between 5 and
0... and that is what the avg. of the airports will be.

I bet you had similar wind at Purdy, to what we had on Lk. Wa.

Thanks,   Greg




o: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
rom: HANSENDLJS@...
ate: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:53:25 -0500
ubject: Re: 2009 Winduro Info.



i Greg, I read that the wind was gusting to 40+. You mentioned gusts of 30 that
  think you under estimated. Thanks for the complete details of a great story.
The forecast of those high winds and lightening convinced me to wimp it out. I
ad a good session at Purdy with good 20 mph winds that day. That is my cup of
ea.
Best regards, Don Hansen
----Original Message-----
rom: g.mejlaender <GregNW44@...>
o: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
ent: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 3:58 am
ubject: 2009 Winduro Info.
We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I decided
t the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last year we had
2… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted wind, we agreed
hat even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed wind portion, they
ould likely be faster out in the open water, so that would even things out
perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many variables)… anyway,
we
greed, one start this year.
We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30 for a
icture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most filtered out a
inute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out off the beach… he
and
  started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off the Newcastle dock, and
ll of us wanted to head right downwind towards the East Channel Bridge. By the
ime Mark and I started, Glenn was already down towards the Bridge… everybody
lse was struggling a bit trying to head that direction right from the beach.
one of us had been out sailing in these conditions yet (except Mark, who'd
ailed here from the south end)… so we were all (except Glenn) a bit "out of
t". It's a challenge to sail right down wind in the chop, with a bigger sail
han you'd normally use in this wind. Mark (already dialed into the conditions)
ook right off, perfect. I did ok, and was on a deep broad reach, but couldn't
et quite as down wind as I wanted. I was moving pretty good, tracking with the
enterboard down… I wanted to retract it some, to facilitate steering down wind
t this speed, but with the side load, couldn't move it. I just got this F2
ightning Race some months ago, and have only sailed it, less than 10 times, and
n mostly light winds… so I am not really dialed into it yet. I have approx 20
ears experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in every conceivable
wind…
nd this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost every way, so it is not a
uge change for me. But it is a little different: the centerboard and how it
unctions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and the footstraps are in a
ittle different position too. Anyway, I knew this race would teach me a lot
bout how to use this board in the best way possible, and what I would have to
ractice on.
Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge… then
ot going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I remember
orrectly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed them. John
nd Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see Glenn on FW and
ark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter and calmer water along
he NE shoreline of Mercer Island.
My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I sailed
nder the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I was
earing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the hood
ulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing was that,
ecause of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting to steer as
own wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without hooking into
he harness lines.
The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15 minutes…
nd my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after sailing an 8.2
retty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using my harness. The
ood news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had started last together,
nd yes he was way in front of me already on the downwind side of the Bridge,
ut I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and it looked like I was gaining on
im.
So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is approx
  miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous gusts of more
15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which I had straight
own. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was keeping the board
otally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only a little soft leech at
he very top of the sail to twist off. It is much more powerful than most modern
ails of similar size. I had the sail perpendicular to the centerline of the
oard, my arms mostly straight, with my frozen fingers hooked over the boom.
his "harness unhooked technique" was working really well, cause I could keep
ull power in the sail, sheeting in and out, with all the gusts. I was not
alling and I was making good speed, and although I know that Glenn and Mark
ould be doing the same thing, I was gaining on them. In these conditions… 10,
ith gusts to 15… there's no question that a raceboard is faster than a Formula
of course, in windier and steadier condition, the reverse is true)… so I
passed
lenn. The big surprise to me is that I slowly but surely caught Mark too. No
ontest, that his modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine in these
inds. And he weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would normally put him
ay ahead of me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him, is two things… 1)
e stayed quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I stayed just a bit
arther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2) My fuller 8.2 is
ore powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start costing me, big
ime).
Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island (I was
oing faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off :) But of
ourse, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great skill, allowed him
o out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise of the floating bridge
ack ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and he did much better
etting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me. By the time I got
here, he was already through… I kept looking back downwind waiting to see if
lenn would round the north end, but I never saw him. Soon enough I was under
he bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling through. Two times, I got
lammed down into the water head first under the bridge. But I kept the sail
omewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two of them under the bridge, while
rying to keep from floating into those huge concrete pillars. Finally I was
ut, on the south and upwind side, of the bridge. My hands were totally numb, my
rms were like noodles, and my head was freezing!
I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away from
he floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had the
trength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I think) 25
ph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good port close reach,
nd be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT would be the best thing.
Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what I did… and it worked great.
  could see Mark working his way up towards Seward Park. And I got a great port
lose reach from the corner of Mercer Island and I-90. I headed kinda parallel
o the bridge but was also making good upwind progress with my raceboard heeled
ver, slicing neatly through the bridge voo-doo chop. I was hooked in, so that
as saving my exhausted arms and frozen hands. I was going so fast, I had to
low and adjust the centerboard a couple times, to find the right angle for good
pwind progress yet trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling the board over to
eeward). I DID NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put as much distance
etween myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as possible.
It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost up
to
he Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and sat down to
est. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
illed-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching for
lenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my head
ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack off, and
itting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It took a while to
et them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they would warm up… but I
as very happy, cause they eventually did. Unfortunately, these gloves don't
ave any grip, which I knew would make my spent forearms and biceps even worse.
Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be
comfortable
nd conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I forgot about the
nergy robbing tacks that would be required… and the continued crashes, half of
hese I would water-start and half I would uphaul… it totally depended on how I
ell, and in what position everything was after the crash. I had been resting
everal minutes… I was warmer with my hood and gloves on.
I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling an
8.2
our cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer. Finally I got
olling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps… centerboard half way
down
or good up wind progress but no roll-over at the speed I was going… and mast
rack Âľ of the way up the track. I flew across the lake up wind, the closer I
ot to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers got. Then a big gust came through
nd catapulted me. Water start and head back up wind to the west. I worked my
ay towards Seward Park, somewhere along the way, after another crash, I sat and
ested again. I decided this was not going to work. My board and sail should be
ery good for this. When it was blowing 20, sailing was easy and progress very
ood. The 25 stuff was very difficult, but normally should be do-able, except I
ust didn't have any strength left… so that would lead to crashes… which
would
ead to more fatigue. And the rare gusts to 30, were just "blowing me up". I
ecided to sail over to the calmer waters in the lee of Seward Park, and then go
p wind to the beach. I ended up at the NE corner of the Park. With no strength
n my hands and forearms any more, it took forever to get my gear out of the
ater.
I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the beach…
and
'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So I figure
pprox 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is just over
alf way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've been one of
my
p wind reaches in the big pond.
I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter path,
outh, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look quite windy. I
ever saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me like a nice solid
0… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher gusts.
I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking up
ind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I was
ummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've been
orking out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still I've
been
ailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm definitely stronger
nd fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the same exact equipment,
xcept my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now it's the Lightning, but my
ig is exactly the same. So, the only real difference was that this Winduro was
indier and colder.
I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring and
neventful. Mark did it in 2 ½ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3 hours on my
.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time… I never got
ired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed it for
another
ap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger and in better
ll-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow, how frustrating.
I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of downhaul,
nd another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now totally loose and
wisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same power as a 7.0 or 7.5.
My
ew plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out from the NE corner of the Park
owards the Island. Then jibe and do another one all the way to the western
hore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere between the sailboat Marina that I'd
een, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :) Then I was going to call my daughter, or friend,
r someone for a ride.
It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to me.
o I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at the
south
nd of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking for sailors and
aking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I believed) and Glenn and
om (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been looking for Glenn and anybody
lse… all that time that I was in the "big pond". I knew that Glenn would
robably come through the western hi-rise, so was carefully watching both of the
penings, and everywhere else. Very curious.
Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to sail
here I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear there…
and
hey would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I figured that with
he de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be hooked in… feet in
traps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and then a ride… no
problem.
So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the Island
s I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I was flying,
I
ully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the way back, and got
nto the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as fast as a slalom
oard… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching the water was the back
ne foot or two. I was getting very close to the island very fast, and flying
hrough the chop, it was wild. I've done this numerous times on my Bamba
aceboard, but never when my arms were like noodles. I thought, well I might as
ell try a planning jibe, and I almost did it, but when I unhooked to flip the
.2, I couldn't hold on and immediately crashed. I had to swim to catch the
oard. I looked at my gps – A new max speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I
prayed
  had the strength to water-start… made it. Now I was off just the same… I
was
lying off the chop air-born a couple times; I thought the stock, 16 year old
in would spin out, or break. I was so worried about wiping out… I was just
rying to keep the sail and board balanced with my harness and my feet in the
traps… my arms were useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to the
.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked at the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for a
stock
6 year old raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum boom and a
  year old 60% carbon mast.
After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with Doug
nd Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got rides back
o the park.
Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
round. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get your
ps to Michal?
This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8 that
tarted this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3 turned
ack quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ½ way. Congratulations to the
  that made it, you guys were amazing! And although it is frustrating to not
ave finished, I look at it as another learning experience. Hey you know…
whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"… And, yes, I learned more about
he same sail I've been using for 16 years… and about my new-to-me raceboard…
nd about what I need to do for further physical conditioning… and that I need
o stay warmer. I will be doing it again!
Thanks, Greg
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Greg,

It is pretty clear to me that you should have started the race with more
downhaul on your sail.  That would not have made very much difference in the
first downwind run and it would have made a world of difference in the stronger
winds.  It would have allowed you to make it through the windier sections
without so much upper body fatigue.  You could have been going closer to 30 most
of the time with much less effort.  Really though you did not want to be going
30 because that probably means you were not making very good upwind VMG.

Also, if you had an adjustable outhaul you could have had the best of both
extremes in the wind ranges that day.

--Glenn R.

--- In NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com, "g.mejlaender" <GregNW44@...> wrote:
>
> We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I decided
at the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last year we had
12… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted wind, we agreed
that even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed wind portion, they
would likely be faster out in the open water, so that would even things out
(perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many variables)… anyway, we
agreed, one start this year.
>
> We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30 for a
picture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most filtered out a
minute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out off the beach… he and
I started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off the Newcastle dock, and
all of us wanted to head right downwind towards the East Channel Bridge. By the
time Mark and I started, Glenn was already down towards the Bridge… everybody
else was struggling a bit trying to head that direction right from the beach.
None of us had been out sailing in these conditions yet (except Mark, who'd
sailed here from the south end)… so we were all (except Glenn) a bit "out of
it". It's a challenge to sail right down wind in the chop, with a bigger sail
than you'd normally use in this wind. Mark (already dialed into the conditions)
took right off, perfect. I did ok, and was on a deep broad reach, but couldn't
get quite as down wind as I wanted. I was moving pretty good, tracking with the
centerboard down… I wanted to retract it some, to facilitate steering down wind
at this speed, but with the side load, couldn't move it. I just got this F2
Lightning Race some months ago, and have only sailed it, less than 10 times, and
in mostly light winds… so I am not really dialed into it yet. I have approx 20
years experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in every conceivable wind…
And this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost every way, so it is not a
huge change for me. But it is a little different: the centerboard and how it
functions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and the footstraps are in a
little different position too. Anyway, I knew this race would teach me a lot
about how to use this board in the best way possible, and what I would have to
practice on.
>
> Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge… then
got going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I remember
correctly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed them. John
and Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see Glenn on FW and
Mark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter and calmer water along
the NE shoreline of Mercer Island.
>
> My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I sailed
under the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I was
wearing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the hood
pulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing was that,
because of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting to steer as
down wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without hooking into
the harness lines.
>
> The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15 minutes…
and my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after sailing an 8.2
pretty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using my harness. The
good news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had started last together,
and yes he was way in front of me already on the downwind side of the Bridge,
but I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and it looked like I was gaining on
him.
>
> So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is
approx 2 miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous gusts
of more (15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which I had
straight down. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was keeping the
board totally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only a little soft
leech at the very top of the sail to twist off. It is much more powerful than
most modern sails of similar size. I had the sail perpendicular to the
centerline of the board, my arms mostly straight, with my frozen fingers hooked
over the boom. This "harness unhooked technique" was working really well, cause
I could keep full power in the sail, sheeting in and out, with all the gusts. I
was not falling and I was making good speed, and although I know that Glenn and
Mark would be doing the same thing, I was gaining on them. In these conditions…
10, with gusts to 15… there's no question that a raceboard is faster than a
Formula (of course, in windier and steadier condition, the reverse is true)… so
I passed Glenn. The big surprise to me is that I slowly but surely caught Mark
too. No contest, that his modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine in
these winds. And he weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would normally put
him way ahead of me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him, is two things…
1) He stayed quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I stayed just a
bit farther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2) My fuller 8.2
is more powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start costing me, big
time).
>
> Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island (I
was going faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off :) But of
course, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great skill, allowed him
to out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise of the floating bridge
back ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and he did much better
getting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me. By the time I got
there, he was already through… I kept looking back downwind waiting to see if
Glenn would round the north end, but I never saw him. Soon enough I was under
the bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling through. Two times, I got
slammed down into the water head first under the bridge. But I kept the sail
somewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two of them under the bridge, while
trying to keep from floating into those huge concrete pillars. Finally I was
out, on the south and upwind side, of the bridge. My hands were totally numb, my
arms were like noodles, and my head was freezing!
>
> I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away
from the floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had the
strength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I think) 25
mph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good port close reach,
and be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT would be the best thing.
(Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what I did… and it worked great.
I could see Mark working his way up towards Seward Park. And I got a great port
close reach from the corner of Mercer Island and I-90. I headed kinda parallel
to the bridge but was also making good upwind progress with my raceboard heeled
over, slicing neatly through the bridge voo-doo chop. I was hooked in, so that
was saving my exhausted arms and frozen hands. I was going so fast, I had to
slow and adjust the centerboard a couple times, to find the right angle for good
upwind progress yet trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling the board over to
leeward). I DID NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put as much distance
between myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as possible.
>
> It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost up
to the Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and sat down
to rest. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
filled-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching for
Glenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my head
(ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack off, and
sitting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It took a while to
get them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they would warm up… but I
was very happy, cause they eventually did. Unfortunately, these gloves don't
have any grip, which I knew would make my spent forearms and biceps even worse.
>
> Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be
comfortable and conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I forgot
about the energy robbing tacks that would be required… and the continued
crashes, half of these I would water-start and half I would uphaul… it totally
depended on how I fell, and in what position everything was after the crash. I
had been resting several minutes… I was warmer with my hood and gloves on.
>
> I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling an
8.2 four cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer. Finally I got
rolling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps… centerboard half way down
for good up wind progress but no roll-over at the speed I was going… and mast
track ľ of the way up the track. I flew across the lake up wind, the closer I
got to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers got. Then a big gust came through
and catapulted me. Water start and head back up wind to the west. I worked my
way towards Seward Park, somewhere along the way, after another crash, I sat and
rested again. I decided this was not going to work. My board and sail should be
very good for this. When it was blowing 20, sailing was easy and progress very
good. The 25 stuff was very difficult, but normally should be do-able, except I
just didn't have any strength left… so that would lead to crashes… which would
lead to more fatigue. And the rare gusts to 30, were just "blowing me up". I
decided to sail over to the calmer waters in the lee of Seward Park, and then go
up wind to the beach. I ended up at the NE corner of the Park. With no strength
in my hands and forearms any more, it took forever to get my gear out of the
water.
>
> I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the beach…
and I'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So I figure
approx 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is just over
half way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've been one of my
up wind reaches in the big pond.
>
> I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter
path, south, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look quite
windy. I never saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me like a
nice solid 20… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher gusts.
>
> I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking up
wind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I was
bummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've been
working out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still I've been
sailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm definitely stronger
and fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the same exact equipment,
except my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now it's the Lightning, but my
rig is exactly the same. So, the only real difference was that this Winduro was
windier and colder.
>
> I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring and
uneventful. Mark did it in 2 ˝ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3 hours on my
8.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time… I never got
tired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed it for another
lap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger and in better
all-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow, how frustrating.
>
> I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of
downhaul, and another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now totally
loose and twisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same power as a 7.0
or 7.5. My new plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out from the NE corner of
the Park towards the Island. Then jibe and do another one all the way to the
western shore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere between the sailboat Marina that
I'd seen, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :)  Then I was going to call my daughter, or
friend, or someone for a ride.
>
> It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to me.
So I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at the south
end of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking for sailors and
taking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I believed) and Glenn and
Tom (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been looking for Glenn and anybody
else… all that time that I was in the "big pond". I knew that Glenn would
probably come through the western hi-rise, so was carefully watching both of the
openings, and everywhere else. Very curious.
>
> Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to sail
where I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear there… and
they would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I figured that with
the de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be hooked in… feet in
straps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and then a ride… no problem.
>
> So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the
Island as I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I was
flying, I fully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the way
back, and got into the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as fast as
a slalom board… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching the water was
the back one foot or two. I was getting very close to the island very fast, and
flying through the chop, it was wild. I've done this numerous times on my Bamba
raceboard, but never when my arms were like noodles. I thought, well I might as
well try a planning jibe, and I almost did it, but when I unhooked to flip the
8.2, I couldn't hold on and immediately crashed. I had to swim to catch the
board. I looked at my gps – A new max speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I prayed
I had the strength to water-start… made it. Now I was off just the same… I was
flying off the chop air-born a couple times; I thought the stock, 16 year old
fin would spin out, or break. I was so worried about wiping out… I was just
trying to keep the sail and board balanced with my harness and my feet in the
straps… my arms were useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to the
S.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked at the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for a stock
16 year old raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum boom and a
9 year old 60% carbon mast.
>
> After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with Doug
and Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got rides back
to the park.
>
> Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
around. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get your
gps to Michal?
>
> This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8 that
started this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3 turned
back quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ˝ way. Congratulations to the
3 that made it, you guys were amazing! And although it is frustrating to not
have finished, I look at it as another learning experience. Hey you know…
"whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"… And, yes, I learned more about
the same sail I've been using for 16 years… and about my new-to-me raceboard…
and about what I need to do for further physical conditioning… and that I need
to stay warmer. I will be doing it again!
>
> Thanks,  Greg
>

Thanks Don, good point, but I don't buy it. I'm all for more information... but
the only reports I heard or saw that Sat eve regarding what happened all day
long was the sensors for the two floating bridges. And yes, they showed some
gusts over 40, and they showed sustained winds in the 30's. But there is no way
that is accurate. In that wind the rollers are huge, every single inch of water
is major capping, and the most noticeable indication is that the tops are
blowing off the waves... the beginnings of "smoke across the water".

Also... with all the equipment that we were all using out there that day... none
of it would've worked in solid winds from the low 30's to the low 40's.

I live on one side of the I-90 floating bridge, and I work on the other side of
it. And I drive across it all the time, running errands. I'm constantly making
observations of the water conditions and comparing them to those readings on
computers at home and at work. Both of those indicators are always at least 10
mph over reality (and that's conservative) for southerly's. The readings at the
3 local airports are much more realistic indicators.



White-caps begin at approx 10 mph... by 15, they're quite filled-in... at 20 you
have very good solid white-caps everywhere. When both of those floating bridge
are showing sustained winds of 15 with gusts to 25... you would be thinking,
"that's some solid windsurfing right there". But down at the lake, right then,
there won't be any white-caps anywhere near by. It will be blowing between 5 and
10... and that is what the avg. of the airports will be.



I bet you had similar wind at Purdy, to what we had on Lk. Wa.



Thanks,   Greg







To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
From: HANSENDLJS@...
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:53:25 -0500
Subject: Re: 2009 Winduro Info.






Hi Greg, I read that the wind was gusting to 40+. You mentioned gusts of 30 that
I think you under estimated. Thanks for the complete details of a great story.

The forecast of those high winds and lightening convinced me to wimp it out. I
had a good session at Purdy with good 20 mph winds that day. That is my cup of
tea.

Best regards, Don Hansen

----Original Message-----
From: g.mejlaender <GregNW44@...>
To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 3:58 am
Subject: 2009 Winduro Info.

We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I decided
at the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last year we had
12… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted wind, we agreed
that even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed wind portion, they
would likely be faster out in the open water, so that would even things out
(perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many variables)… anyway, we
agreed, one start this year.

We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30 for a
picture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most filtered out a
minute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out off the beach… he and
I started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off the Newcastle dock, and
all of us wanted to head right downwind towards the East Channel Bridge. By the
time Mark and I started, Glenn was already down towards the Bridge… everybody
else was struggling a bit trying to head that direction right from the beach.
None of us had been out sailing in these conditions yet (except Mark, who'd
sailed here from the south end)… so we were all (except Glenn) a bit "out of
it". It's a challenge to sail right down wind in the chop, with a bigger sail
than you'd normally use in this wind. Mark (already dialed into the conditions)
took right off, perfect. I did ok, and was on a deep broad reach, but couldn't
get quite as down wind as I wanted. I was moving pretty good, tracking with the
centerboard down… I wanted to retract it some, to facilitate steering down wind
at this speed, but with the side load, couldn't move it. I just got this F2
Lightning Race some months ago, and have only sailed it, less than 10 times, and
in mostly light winds… so I am not really dialed into it yet. I have approx 20
years experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in every conceivable wind…
And this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost every way, so it is not a
huge change for me. But it is a little different: the centerboard and how it
functions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and the footstraps are in a
little different position too. Anyway, I knew this race would teach me a lot
about how to use this board in the best way possible, and what I would have to
practice on.

Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge… then
got going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I remember
correctly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed them. John
and Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see Glenn on FW and
Mark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter and calmer water along
the NE shoreline of Mercer Island.

My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I sailed
under the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I was
wearing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the hood
pulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing was that,
because of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting to steer as
down wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without hooking into
the harness lines.

The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15 minutes…
and my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after sailing an 8.2
pretty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using my harness. The
good news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had started last together,
and yes he was way in front of me already on the downwind side of the Bridge,
but I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and it looked like I was gaining on
him.

So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is approx
2 miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous gusts of more
(15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which I had straight
down. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was keeping the board
totally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only a little soft leech at
the very top of the sail to twist off. It is much more powerful than most modern
sails of similar size. I had the sail perpendicular to the centerline of the
board, my arms mostly straight, with my frozen fingers hooked over the boom.
This "harness unhooked technique" was working really well, cause I could keep
full power in the sail, sheeting in and out, with all the gusts. I was not
falling and I was making good speed, and although I know that Glenn and Mark
would be doing the same thing, I was gaining on them. In these conditions… 10,
with gusts to 15… there's no question that a raceboard is faster than a Formula
(of course, in windier and steadier condition, the reverse is true)… so I passed
Glenn. The big surprise to me is that I slowly but surely caught Mark too. No
contest, that his modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine in these
winds. And he weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would normally put him
way ahead of me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him, is two things… 1)
He stayed quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I stayed just a bit
farther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2) My fuller 8.2 is
more powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start costing me, big
time).

Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island (I was
going faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off :) But of
course, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great skill, allowed him
to out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise of the floating bridge
back ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and he did much better
getting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me. By the time I got
there, he was already through… I kept looking back downwind waiting to see if
Glenn would round the north end, but I never saw him. Soon enough I was under
the bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling through. Two times, I got
slammed down into the water head first under the bridge. But I kept the sail
somewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two of them under the bridge, while
trying to keep from floating into those huge concrete pillars. Finally I was
out, on the south and upwind side, of the bridge. My hands were totally numb, my
arms were like noodles, and my head was freezing!

I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away from
the floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had the
strength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I think) 25
mph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good port close reach,
and be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT would be the best thing.
(Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what I did… and it worked great.
I could see Mark working his way up towards Seward Park. And I got a great port
close reach from the corner of Mercer Island and I-90. I headed kinda parallel
to the bridge but was also making good upwind progress with my raceboard heeled
over, slicing neatly through the bridge voo-doo chop. I was hooked in, so that
was saving my exhausted arms and frozen hands. I was going so fast, I had to
slow and adjust the centerboard a couple times, to find the right angle for good
upwind progress yet trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling the board over to
leeward). I DID NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put as much distance
between myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as possible.

It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost up to
the Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and sat down to
rest. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
filled-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching for
Glenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my head
(ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack off, and
sitting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It took a while to
get them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they would warm up… but I
was very happy, cause they eventually did. Unfortunately, these gloves don't
have any grip, which I knew would make my spent forearms and biceps even worse.

Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be comfortable
and conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I forgot about the
energy robbing tacks that would be required… and the continued crashes, half of
these I would water-start and half I would uphaul… it totally depended on how I
fell, and in what position everything was after the crash. I had been resting
several minutes… I was warmer with my hood and gloves on.

I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling an 8.2
four cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer. Finally I got
rolling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps… centerboard half way down
for good up wind progress but no roll-over at the speed I was going… and mast
track ľ of the way up the track. I flew across the lake up wind, the closer I
got to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers got. Then a big gust came through
and catapulted me. Water start and head back up wind to the west. I worked my
way towards Seward Park, somewhere along the way, after another crash, I sat and
rested again. I decided this was not going to work. My board and sail should be
very good for this. When it was blowing 20, sailing was easy and progress very
good. The 25 stuff was very difficult, but normally should be do-able, except I
just didn't have any strength left… so that would lead to crashes… which would
lead to more fatigue. And the rare gusts to 30, were just "blowing me up". I
decided to sail over to the calmer waters in the lee of Seward Park, and then go
up wind to the beach. I ended up at the NE corner of the Park. With no strength
in my hands and forearms any more, it took forever to get my gear out of the
water.

I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the beach… and
I'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So I figure
approx 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is just over
half way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've been one of my
up wind reaches in the big pond.

I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter path,
south, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look quite windy. I
never saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me like a nice solid
20… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher gusts.

I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking up
wind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I was
bummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've been
working out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still I've been
sailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm definitely stronger
and fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the same exact equipment,
except my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now it's the Lightning, but my
rig is exactly the same. So, the only real difference was that this Winduro was
windier and colder.

I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring and
uneventful. Mark did it in 2 ˝ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3 hours on my
8.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time… I never got
tired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed it for another
lap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger and in better
all-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow, how frustrating.

I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of downhaul,
and another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now totally loose and
twisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same power as a 7.0 or 7.5. My
new plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out from the NE corner of the Park
towards the Island. Then jibe and do another one all the way to the western
shore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere between the sailboat Marina that I'd
seen, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :) Then I was going to call my daughter, or friend,
or someone for a ride.

It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to me.
So I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at the south
end of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking for sailors and
taking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I believed) and Glenn and
Tom (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been looking for Glenn and anybody
else… all that time that I was in the "big pond". I knew that Glenn would
probably come through the western hi-rise, so was carefully watching both of the
openings, and everywhere else. Very curious.

Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to sail
where I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear there… and
they would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I figured that with
the de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be hooked in… feet in
straps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and then a ride… no problem.

So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the Island
as I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I was flying, I
fully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the way back, and got
into the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as fast as a slalom
board… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching the water was the back
one foot or two. I was getting very close to the island very fast, and flying
through the chop, it was wild. I've done this numerous times on my Bamba
raceboard, but never when my arms were like noodles. I thought, well I might as
well try a planning jibe, and I almost did it, but when I unhooked to flip the
8.2, I couldn't hold on and immediately crashed. I had to swim to catch the
board. I looked at my gps – A new max speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I prayed
I had the strength to water-start… made it. Now I was off just the same… I was
flying off the chop air-born a couple times; I thought the stock, 16 year old
fin would spin out, or break. I was so worried about wiping out… I was just
trying to keep the sail and board balanced with my harness and my feet in the
straps… my arms were useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to the
S.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked at the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for a stock
16 year old raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum boom and a
9 year old 60% carbon mast.

After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with Doug
and Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got rides back
to the park.

Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
around. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get your
gps to Michal?

This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8 that
started this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3 turned
back quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ˝ way. Congratulations to the
3 that made it, you guys were amazing! And although it is frustrating to not
have finished, I look at it as another learning experience. Hey you know…
"whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"… And, yes, I learned more about
the same sail I've been using for 16 years… and about my new-to-me raceboard…
and about what I need to do for further physical conditioning… and that I need
to stay warmer. I will be doing it again!

Thanks, Greg

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





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Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Greg, I read that the wind was gusting to 40+. You mentioned gusts of 30 that
I think you under estimated. Thanks  for the complete details of a great story.

The forecast of those high winds and lightening convinced me to wimp it out. I
had a good session at Purdy with good 20 mph winds that day. That is my cup of
tea.

Best regards, Don Hansen

----Original Message-----
From: g.mejlaender <GregNW44@...>
To: NW-WINDTALK@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 3:58 am
Subject: 2009 Winduro Info.






We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I decided
at the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last year we had
12… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted wind, we agreed
that even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed wind portion, they
would likely be faster out in the open water, so that would even things out
(perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many variables)… anyway,
we agreed, one start this year.

We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30 for a
picture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most filtered out a
minute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out off the beach… he
and I started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off the Newcastle dock,
and all of us wanted to head right downwind towards the East Channel Bridge. By
the time Mark and I started, Glenn was already down towards the Bridge…
everybody else was struggling a bit trying to head that direction right from the
beach. None of us had been out sailing in these conditions yet (except Mark,
who'd sailed here from the south end)… so we were all (except Glenn) a bit
"out of it". It's a challenge to sail right down wind in the chop, with a bigger
sail than you'd normally use in this wind. Mark (already dialed into the
conditions) took right off, perfect. I did ok, and was on a deep broad reach,
but couldn't get quite as down wind as I wanted. I was moving pretty good,
tracking with the centerboard down… I wanted to retract it some, to facilitate
steering down wind at this speed, but with the side load, couldn't move it. I
just got this F2 Lightning Race some months ago, and have only sailed it, less
than 10 times, and in mostly light winds… so I am not really dialed into it
yet. I have approx 20 years experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in
every conceivable wind… And this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost
every way, so it is not a huge change for me. But it is a little different: the
centerboard and how it functions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and
the footstraps are in a little different position too. Anyway, I knew this race
would teach me a lot about how to use this board in the best way possible, and
what I would have to practice on.

Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge… then
got going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I remember
correctly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed them. John
and Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see Glenn on FW and
Mark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter and calmer water along
the NE shoreline of Mercer Island.

My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I sailed
under the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I was
wearing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the hood
pulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing was that,
because of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting to steer as
down wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without hooking into
the harness lines.

The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15 minutes…
and my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after sailing an 8.2
pretty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using my harness. The
good news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had started last together,
and yes he was way in front of me already on the downwind side of the Bridge,
but I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and it looked like I was gaining on
him.

So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is approx
2 miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous gusts of more
(15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which I had straight
down. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was keeping the board
totally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only a little soft leech at
the very top of the sail to twist off. It is much more powerful than most modern
sails of similar size. I had the sail perpendicular to the centerline of the
board, my arms mostly straight, with my frozen fingers hooked over the boom.
This "harness unhooked technique" was working really well, cause I could keep
full power in the sail, sheeting in and out, with all the gusts. I was not
falling and I was making good speed, and although I know that Glenn and Mark
would be doing the same thing, I was gaining on them. In these conditions… 10,
with gusts to 15… there's no question that a raceboard is faster than a
Formula (of course, in windier and steadier condition, the reverse is true)…
so I passed Glenn. The big surprise to me is that I slowly but surely caught
Mark too. No contest, that his modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine
in these winds. And he weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would
normally put him way ahead of me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him,
is two things… 1) He stayed quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I
stayed just a bit farther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2)
My fuller 8.2 is more powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start
costing me, big time).

Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island (I was
going faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off :) But of
course, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great skill, allowed him
to out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise of the floating
bridge back ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and he did much
better getting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me. By the time I
got there, he was already through… I kept looking back downwind waiting to see
if Glenn would round the north end, but I never saw him. Soon enough I was under
the bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling through. Two times, I got
slammed down into the water head first under the bridge. But I kept the sail
somewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two of them under the bridge, while
trying to keep from floating into those huge concrete pillars. Finally I was
out, on the south and upwind side, of the bridge. My hands were totally numb, my
arms were like noodles, and my head was freezing!

I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away from
the floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had the
strength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I think) 25
mph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good port close reach,
and be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT would be the best thing.
(Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what I did… and it worked
great. I could see Mark working his way up towards Seward Park. And I got a
great port close reach from the corner of Mercer Island and I-90. I headed kinda
parallel to the bridge but was also making good upwind progress with my
raceboard heeled over, slicing neatly through the bridge voo-doo chop. I was
hooked in, so that was saving my exhausted arms and frozen hands. I was going so
fast, I had to slow and adjust the centerboard a couple times, to find the right
angle for good upwind progress yet trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling
the board over to leeward). I DID NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put
as much distance between myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as
possible.

It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost up
to the Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and sat down
to rest. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
filled-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching for
Glenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my head
(ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack off, and
sitting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It took a while to
get them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they would warm up… but I
was very happy, cause they eventually did. Unfortunately, these gloves don't
have any grip, which I knew would make my spent forearms and biceps even worse.

Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be
comfortable and conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I forgot
about the energy robbing tacks that would be required… and the continued
crashes, half of these I would water-start and half I would uphaul… it totally
depended on how I fell, and in what position everything was after the crash. I
had been resting several minutes… I was warmer with my hood and gloves on.

I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling an
8.2 four cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer. Finally I
got rolling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps… centerboard half
way down for good up wind progress but no roll-over at the speed I was going…
and mast track Âľ of the way up the track. I flew across the lake up wind, the
closer I got to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers got. Then a big gust came
through and catapulted me. Water start and head back up wind to the west. I
worked my way towards Seward Park, somewhere along the way, after another crash,
I sat and rested again. I decided this was not going to work. My board and sail
should be very good for this. When it was blowing 20, sailing was easy and
progress very good. The 25 stuff was very difficult, but normally should be
do-able, except I just didn't have any strength left… so that would lead to
crashes… which would lead to more fatigue. And the rare gusts to 30, were just
"blowing me up". I decided to sail over to the calmer waters in the lee of
Seward Park, and then go up wind to the beach. I ended up at the NE corner of
the Park. With no strength in my hands and forearms any more, it took forever to
get my gear out of the water.

I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the beach…
and I'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So I figure
approx 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is just over
half way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've been one of
my up wind reaches in the big pond.

I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter path,
south, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look quite windy. I
never saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me like a nice solid
20… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher gusts.

I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking up
wind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I was
bummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've been
working out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still I've
been sailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm definitely
stronger and fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the same exact
equipment, except my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now it's the
Lightning, but my rig is exactly the same. So, the only real difference was that
this Winduro was windier and colder.

I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring and
uneventful. Mark did it in 2 ½ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3 hours on my
8.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time… I never got
tired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed it for
another lap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger and in
better all-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow, how
frustrating.

I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of downhaul,
and another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now totally loose and
twisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same power as a 7.0 or 7.5.
My new plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out from the NE corner of the
Park towards the Island. Then jibe and do another one all the way to the western
shore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere between the sailboat Marina that I'd
seen, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :) Then I was going to call my daughter, or friend,
or someone for a ride.

It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to me.
So I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at the
south end of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking for
sailors and taking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I believed)
and Glenn and Tom (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been looking for
Glenn and anybody else… all that time that I was in the "big pond". I knew
that Glenn would probably come through the western hi-rise, so was carefully
watching both of the openings, and everywhere else. Very curious.

Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to sail
where I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear there…
and they would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I figured that
with the de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be hooked in… feet
in straps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and then a ride… no
problem.

So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the Island
as I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I was flying,
I fully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the way back, and
got into the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as fast as a slalom
board… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching the water was the
back one foot or two. I was getting very close to the island very fast, and
flying through the chop, it was wild. I've done this numerous times on my Bamba
raceboard, but never when my arms were like noodles. I thought, well I might as
well try a planning jibe, and I almost did it, but when I unhooked to flip the
8.2, I couldn't hold on and immediately crashed. I had to swim to catch the
board. I looked at my gps – A new max speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I
prayed I had the strength to water-start… made it. Now I was off just the
same… I was flying off the chop air-born a couple times; I thought the stock,
16 year old fin would spin out, or break. I was so worried about wiping out… I
was just trying to keep the sail and board balanced with my harness and my feet
in the straps… my arms were useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to
the S.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked at the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for
a stock 16 year old raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum
boom and a 9 year old 60% carbon mast.

After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with Doug
and Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got rides
back to the park.

Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
around. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get your
gps to Michal?

This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8 that
started this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3 turned
back quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ½ way. Congratulations to
the 3 that made it, you guys were amazing! And although it is frustrating to not
have finished, I look at it as another learning experience. Hey you know…
"whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"… And, yes, I learned more
about the same sail I've been using for 16 years… and about my new-to-me
raceboard… and about what I need to do for further physical conditioning…
and that I need to stay warmer. I will be doing it again!

Thanks, Greg







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We knew Mark D. was sailing up to Newcastle for the start. Glenn and I decided
at the Skipper's Meeting to just do one start for everybody. Last year we had
12… but this year with only 8, and with plenty of forecasted wind, we agreed
that even though the FW would be slower through the shadowed wind portion, they
would likely be faster out in the open water, so that would even things out
(perhaps… we were just guessing… there really are many variables)… anyway, we
agreed, one start this year.

We tried to get all 8 to do a beach start from the "swim beach" at 11:30 for a
picture perfect start. And some did take off right away, but most filtered out a
minute at a time. Mark and I waited till everybody was out off the beach… he and
I started at 11:35. It was white-capping right out off the Newcastle dock, and
all of us wanted to head right downwind towards the East Channel Bridge. By the
time Mark and I started, Glenn was already down towards the Bridge… everybody
else was struggling a bit trying to head that direction right from the beach.
None of us had been out sailing in these conditions yet (except Mark, who'd
sailed here from the south end)… so we were all (except Glenn) a bit "out of
it". It's a challenge to sail right down wind in the chop, with a bigger sail
than you'd normally use in this wind. Mark (already dialed into the conditions)
took right off, perfect. I did ok, and was on a deep broad reach, but couldn't
get quite as down wind as I wanted. I was moving pretty good, tracking with the
centerboard down… I wanted to retract it some, to facilitate steering down wind
at this speed, but with the side load, couldn't move it. I just got this F2
Lightning Race some months ago, and have only sailed it, less than 10 times, and
in mostly light winds… so I am not really dialed into it yet. I have approx 20
years experience, sailing Bic's raceboard, the Bamba, in every conceivable wind…
And this F2 Lightning is very, very similar in almost every way, so it is not a
huge change for me. But it is a little different: the centerboard and how it
functions, and same with the adjustable masttrack, and the footstraps are in a
little different position too. Anyway, I knew this race would teach me a lot
about how to use this board in the best way possible, and what I would have to
practice on.

Anyway, I got pulled "over the handlebars" finally down near the bridge… then
got going again… and sailed under the east Channel Bridge (if I remember
correctly) near Tom and Michal. And (I think) that's where I passed them. John
and Ken and Wright were definitely back behind. And I could see Glenn on FW and
Mark on his Div 2 board out in front of me in the flatter and calmer water along
the NE shoreline of Mercer Island.

My hands were already very cold and my fingers were mostly numb as I sailed
under the Bridge heading down wind through this calmer portion. And I was
wearing a neoprene hooded vest over my wetsuit, but had started with the hood
pulled back off my head. The other issue that was already developing was that,
because of the windy downwind start, with the gusts, and wanting to steer as
down wind as possible… I had sailed the whole way so far without hooking into
the harness lines.

The bad news was that my hands were very cold to numb, after just 15 minutes…
and my arms (forearms and biceps) were already burning after sailing an 8.2
pretty much dead down wind in gusty 15 + winds without using my harness. The
good news was that it was working for me! Mark and I had started last together,
and yes he was way in front of me already on the downwind side of the Bridge,
but I'd passed everybody else except Glenn, and it looked like I was gaining on
him.

So I held that technique up. That wind-shadowed NE shore of the island is approx
2 miles long. I think the wind was right at 10 mph, with numerous gusts of more
(15?). I was facing the bow, straddling the centerboard, which I had straight
down. I had the mast track all the way forward, and was keeping the board
totally flat. I had rigged my 8.2 to be pretty full, only a little soft leech at
the very top of the sail to twist off. It is much more powerful than most modern
sails of similar size. I had the sail perpendicular to the centerline of the
board, my arms mostly straight, with my frozen fingers hooked over the boom.
This "harness unhooked technique" was working really well, cause I could keep
full power in the sail, sheeting in and out, with all the gusts. I was not
falling and I was making good speed, and although I know that Glenn and Mark
would be doing the same thing, I was gaining on them. In these conditions… 10,
with gusts to 15… there's no question that a raceboard is faster than a Formula
(of course, in windier and steadier condition, the reverse is true)… so I passed
Glenn. The big surprise to me is that I slowly but surely caught Mark too. No
contest, that his modified Crit Div 2 board, is the fastest machine in these
winds. And he weighs approx 20 # less… those two things would normally put him
way ahead of me. But the reason (I figure) that I caught him, is two things… 1)
He stayed quite close to the island, on this leeward side. I stayed just a bit
farther out, where I thought the wind would be much better. 2) My fuller 8.2 is
more powerful than his 7.6 (however, that was about to start costing me, big
time).

Anyway, I tried to head up wind as we rounded the north tip of the island (I was
going faster) and, with all due respect, was trying to cut him off :) But of
course, I could not. His magic machine, not to mention great skill, allowed him
to out-point me… and he headed up to the eastern hi-rise of the floating bridge
back ahead of me. It was now getting a lot windier, and he did much better
getting upwind and to the bridge opening faster than me. By the time I got
there, he was already through… I kept looking back downwind waiting to see if
Glenn would round the north end, but I never saw him. Soon enough I was under
the bridge and major gusts and waves were rolling through. Two times, I got
slammed down into the water head first under the bridge. But I kept the sail
somewhat oriented for waterstarts, and did two of them under the bridge, while
trying to keep from floating into those huge concrete pillars. Finally I was
out, on the south and upwind side, of the bridge. My hands were totally numb, my
arms were like noodles, and my head was freezing!

I knew I should follow my own advice, and make a few tacks upwind and away from
the floating bridge wall for a safety margin. But I didn't feel I had the
strength to keep making these short tacks in the choppy rollers and (I think) 25
mph winds at the time. I decided that if I could get on a good port close reach,
and be comfortable hooked into the harness, that, THAT would be the best thing.
(Or maybe my brain was frozen.) Anyway, that's what I did… and it worked great.
I could see Mark working his way up towards Seward Park. And I got a great port
close reach from the corner of Mercer Island and I-90. I headed kinda parallel
to the bridge but was also making good upwind progress with my raceboard heeled
over, slicing neatly through the bridge voo-doo chop. I was hooked in, so that
was saving my exhausted arms and frozen hands. I was going so fast, I had to
slow and adjust the centerboard a couple times, to find the right angle for good
upwind progress yet trying to avoid centerboard plane (rolling the board over to
leeward). I DID NOT want to crash there… I was trying to put as much distance
between myself and the voo-doo chop and bridge wall as possible.

It worked… by the time I got near the west shore of the lake, I was almost up to
the Stan Sayers Pits/Mt Baker Sailing Center. I dropped the sail and sat down to
rest. There were white caps around me… and they were much more
filled-in-looking, up between Seward Park and the Island. I was watching for
Glenn or anybody else, but never saw anyone. I pulled my hood on over my head
(ohhh, that felt good) and I tried to warm my hands. Got the backpack off, and
sitting there resting, had some water, and got my gloves out. It took a while to
get them on my numb, frozen hands. I didn't know if they would warm up… but I
was very happy, cause they eventually did. Unfortunately, these gloves don't
have any grip, which I knew would make my spent forearms and biceps even worse.

Anyway, my plan was that now that I was heading up wind… I would be comfortable
and conserve energy hooked into the harness. Unfortunately, I forgot about the
energy robbing tacks that would be required… and the continued crashes, half of
these I would water-start and half I would uphaul… it totally depended on how I
fell, and in what position everything was after the crash. I had been resting
several minutes… I was warmer with my hood and gloves on.

I uphauled to continue the journey… with no arm strength left, uphauling an 8.2
four cambered race sail with a wide luff sleeve… was a killer. Finally I got
rolling… hooked in… feet in the beating footstraps… centerboard half way down
for good up wind progress but no roll-over at the speed I was going… and mast
track ľ of the way up the track. I flew across the lake up wind, the closer I
got to Mercer Island the bigger the rollers got. Then a big gust came through
and catapulted me. Water start and head back up wind to the west. I worked my
way towards Seward Park, somewhere along the way, after another crash, I sat and
rested again. I decided this was not going to work. My board and sail should be
very good for this. When it was blowing 20, sailing was easy and progress very
good. The 25 stuff was very difficult, but normally should be do-able, except I
just didn't have any strength left… so that would lead to crashes… which would
lead to more fatigue. And the rare gusts to 30, were just "blowing me up". I
decided to sail over to the calmer waters in the lee of Seward Park, and then go
up wind to the beach. I ended up at the NE corner of the Park. With no strength
in my hands and forearms any more, it took forever to get my gear out of the
water.

I think it was about 1 hour 45 minutes after starting, that I hit the beach… and
I'd had two resting sessions out on the board in the big pond. So I figure
approx 1 hour 30 min of sailing time to get to this point, which is just over
half way. The top max. speed on my GPS was 20.5 mph… that must've been one of my
up wind reaches in the big pond.

I was at the Park for a long time. I eventually walked along the perimeter path,
south, to get a look at the water up wind. It continued to look quite windy. I
never saw any white-cap tops being blown off. It looked to me like a nice solid
20… probably varying from 15 to 25… with a few higher gusts.

I decided, I was done… I would not have the strength to continue tacking up
wind, and recovering from falls, and then sail down wind to Newcastle. I was
bummed… and frustrated cause I am in better shape than last year. I've been
working out regularly but I have not sailed as much as I'd like… still I've been
sailing some. Probably about the same as last year… and I'm definitely stronger
and fitter. Last year I sailed this same race, on the same exact equipment,
except my raceboard last year was the Bamba, and now it's the Lightning, but my
rig is exactly the same. So, the only real difference was that this Winduro was
windier and colder.

I just went back and read my report from last year. Wow, it was so boring and
uneventful. Mark did it in 2 ˝ hours on his 11.0 and I was 2nd at 3 hours on my
8.2 sail (same gear as this year). I think I only fell one time… I never got
tired or cold… it was completely comfortable… I could've sailed it for another
lap, after the first one. But this year, when I am stronger and in better
all-around shape… I had to quit at just over half way… wow, how frustrating.

I went back to my board, detached the rig, and pulled another inch of downhaul,
and another inch of out haul. The top 1/3 of my leech was now totally loose and
twisty… I figured my 8.2 would now have about the same power as a 7.0 or 7.5. My
new plan was to sail a moderate broad reach out from the NE corner of the Park
towards the Island. Then jibe and do another one all the way to the western
shore, figuring I'd beach it somewhere between the sailboat Marina that I'd
seen, and the S.S.P/M.B.S.C :)  Then I was going to call my daughter, or friend,
or someone for a ride.

It was, as I was heading into the water, that Doug and Ken yelled hello to me.
So I got back out… and visited with them a long time. They'd parked at the south
end of the park, and walked north around the peninsula, looking for sailors and
taking photos. They said that they'd seen Mark (which I believed) and Glenn and
Tom (which I didn't believe, at first). I had been looking for Glenn and anybody
else… all that time that I was in the "big pond". I knew that Glenn would
probably come through the western hi-rise, so was carefully watching both of the
openings, and everywhere else. Very curious.

Anyway, they offered a ride, I said thanks… and the plan was for me to sail
where I'd planned… over to the western shore… I would leave my gear there… and
they would run me back to Newcastle to get my car. Again, I figured that with
the de-powered sail, and a shallow broad reach… I'd be hooked in… feet in
straps… no energy required… only one turn needed… and then a ride… no problem.

So they started walking back to their cars. And I headed out towards the Island
as I intended. The wind was still very good… had to be 20 to 25. I was flying, I
fully retracted the centerboard, slid the mast track most the way back, and got
into the rear reaching straps. I felt like I was going as fast as a slalom
board… the only part of this 12 foot long board touching the water was the back
one foot or two. I was getting very close to the island very fast, and flying
through the chop, it was wild. I've done this numerous times on my Bamba
raceboard, but never when my arms were like noodles. I thought, well I might as
well try a planning jibe, and I almost did it, but when I unhooked to flip the
8.2, I couldn't hold on and immediately crashed. I had to swim to catch the
board. I looked at my gps – A new max speed had registered – 30.0 mph. I prayed
I had the strength to water-start… made it. Now I was off just the same… I was
flying off the chop air-born a couple times; I thought the stock, 16 year old
fin would spin out, or break. I was so worried about wiping out… I was just
trying to keep the sail and board balanced with my harness and my feet in the
straps… my arms were useless. I kept it together and sailed right up to the
S.S.P/M.B.S.C. Looked at the gps – a new max – 30.2 mph. Pretty good for a stock
16 year old raceboard, rigged with a 16 year old sail and heavy alum boom and a
9 year old 60% carbon mast.

After I was there for a while and getting ready to head to Newcastle with Doug
and Ken… Wright sailed up. He left his gear by mine, and we both got rides back
to the park.

Anyway, I'll get my gps data to Michal this week, even if I didn't make it
around. Mark's will be on there. Does Glenn have gps? Hey Tom, can you get your
gps to Michal?

This year was definitely harder (windier) than last year. Most of the 8 that
started this year, finished the whole thing last year. Yet this year, 3 turned
back quickly, and 2 more of us only made it approx ˝ way. Congratulations to the
3 that made it, you guys were amazing! And although it is frustrating to not
have finished, I look at it as another learning experience. Hey you know…
"whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"… And, yes, I learned more about
the same sail I've been using for 16 years… and about my new-to-me raceboard…
and about what I need to do for further physical conditioning… and that I need
to stay warmer. I will be doing it again!

Thanks,  Greg

And a special Thanks to Brett (a Winduro veteran, but he didn't sail Sat.) … and
Doug (for also taking pics) and Ken!! These 3 drove around a bit, checking
different places on the course, making cell calls and trying to make sure
everybody was ok and accounted for. This is VERY MUCH appreciated. Personally, I
was worn out by the time I got to Seward Park… I eventually sailed back downwind
a bit, to the Stan Sayers Hydroplane Pits/Mt Baker Rowing and Sailing Center.
And then later, after Wright W. got there, we both left our gear on the beach,
and Doug and Ken gave us rides back to Newcastle. We got our cars and went back
to the west side of the lake to get our gear. I had a cell with me, and a couple
folks to call if I needed, but those guys were there… So we took them up on the
offer for a ride. Thanks again!!!!

It was tough this year finding a weekend Fall day with "the right" conditions
for The Winduro… and… when enough folks would be available to make an event out
of it. We are all busy with a million things… so thanks for being flexible and
working this last-minute-race into your busy lives.

Eight hardy souls braved the inclement conditions. And although most of us were
there to start the race at the proposed time… we did get delayed for a few
reasons. But everybody seemed flexible and easy going about trying to make it
work for the most people. So the time got pushed back a bit. The pouring rain
made it a little slower getting ready… and a couple people got there a little
late or needed more time getting everything ready. After all, this is a much
bigger deal than just heading out, for a little back-and-forth sailing from your
local beach.

I collected some info from all the sailors but didn't get (or forgot) Wright's
sail size. But basically, of the eight sailors, three were on Formula boards ( a
Bic, Starboard and F2) with sails ranging from Tom with 6.7 to Michal with 8.2
to Glenn with 9.1 sail. AND, of the five longboards… four of them were early to
mid 90's raceboards (two Mistrals, a Bic and F2). Ken with 6.5, Wright with ?
John M. with 8.0 and me with 8.2 sail. Then there's Mark D's Crit Div 2
longboard with his 7.6 sail.

More to come, Greg

Winduro report 2009

Equipment:

Pro Motion fleece lined long sleeve shirt (thin rubber outside)

Full body rashguard over the shirt

3/3 summer wetsuit with long legs and short sleeves with the seperate sleeve
pieces tucked inside the short sleeves.

5mm neoprene booties

Hydration system with water and Nuun - U:Natural Hydration Tablets
http://www.reusablebags.com/store/nuun-unatural-hydration-tablets-p-1478.html

Flotation vest with sewn in pocket for the hydration bladder

Gath helmet with adjustable tinted face bubble.  The face bubble is good for
sun, rain, or hail.  The bubble stayed up during the race since there was no
significant sun, rain, or hail.  Duct tape covering the ear holes and the vent
holes for warmth and to keep the rain out.

Neoprene mittens with the palms cut out for better grip on the boom and to allow
my hands to push through the holes when the mittens are not needed.

Seat harness

F2 FX 100 IV formula board with the plates removed from the cutouts in the tail.
(232cm long X 100cm wide X 156 liters)

Deboichet R16 68 cm Medium +8 formula fin

Sailworks 2008 NXfw 9.1 m˛ with 4 roller cams with special batten tuning for
high wind racing.

Sailworks Light Stick 100% carbon 490cm mast

HPL Carbon 220 formula race boom with Streamlined "Strap-on" boom head with
Chinook adjustable outhaul system with a thin shock cord tied to the ends of the
adjuster lines that wraps around the front of the mast to keep the adjuster
lines within reach just below the boom.

Sailworks adjustable harness lines

Chinook 2 bolt mast base with Chinook long extension base with Chinook
Hydroshock universal joint

Cellular phone in a waterproof bag with a tether line tied to my flotation vest.


The skippers' meeting was held between 10:30 and 11am.  We all put our names and
phone numbers on a list provided by Greg and some of us entered each other's
phone numbers into our cell phones.  During the meeting I was eating a Powerbar
Energy chocolate covered snack bar with 10g of protein washed down with Brita
filtered water.   We then dragged all of our gear down to the beach and gathered
in the wind shadow of the beach house with the green roof.  At about 11:27am
Greg announced that we had 3 minutes to go before an 11:30am start time.  We all
placed our gear on the water and stood in waiste deep water at the swimm beach
and waited for the call to start the 2009 Winduro.  Greg allowed those who were
not concerned about race time to go out first so John, Tom, and Ken took off
first at about 11:30.  Greg told me to go and he said that the time was 11:31am.
Greg and Mark and the rest of the fleet left the beach at about 11:35am.

The wind was blowing about 12 to 18 when I left Newcastle beach.  I was able to
get on a plane right away but I was under powered and not able to point downwind
very deep.  The SE wind was stronger on the Mercer Island side so by the time I
made the first jibe I was able to go downwind at about a 45-degree angle.  At
the next 3 planing jibes I was about 100 yards form the I-90 bridge and then I
planed until I was right under the middle of the bridge.  I schlogged for a
while and fell off my board in a wind hole just north of the bridge. Mark passed
me about a half mile north of the bridge.  I looked over and noticed how quickly
his board glides through the water straight downwind.  Probably twice as fast as
I was going on a full schlogg.

There were a few short weak gusts in that section of the channel that made the
sail pull harder.  I did get on a plane several times to relieve the pressure
but that made me go sideways and it did not help with VMG because I could see
Tom off to my right side on his FW board going straight downwind and those short
planing runs allowed him to gain position on me.   During this time Greg also
passed me on his longboard.

My hands were getting cold so I used my teethto bite the tip of the each mitten
to pull them from my wrist and onto my hands.  This way I could keep one hand on
the boom while slipping the mitten onto the other hand.

When I was north of the island a very strong gust caught me off guard and I fell
off the board.  Tom was now planing and he was now rounding the north end of the
island but he was farther to the north than I was.  I uphauled quickly and got
onto a plane and headed for the west end of the I-90 floating bridge.  The SE
wind was gusty as it came over the island.  As I got farther away from the
island the wind got steadier but stronger.  The SE wind was strong enough that I
could have pointed upwind to the middle of the bridge but I wanted to go the
west end of the bridge so I only needed to go slightly upwind.  Tom was just
downwind of me on the same course.  When I got close to the bridge I changed
course to go parallel with the bridge so I could stay in the good wind just
before the bridge deck started to rise where the wind shadow had more effect. 
When we dropped out of warp speed we both suddenly reappeared  schlogging in the
wind shadow of the west end high rise bridge.

Now we had to weave our way through the wormhole under the bridge.  I stayed on
the same tack as I schlogged right into the main channel under the bridge and
made my first tack of the race under the bridge.  Tom headed for the shore and
walked under the bridge.  I did several schlogging tacks under the bridge.  I
could see a large Police boat towing a tiny little powerboat out from the psycho
chop on the south side of the bridge.  Just as I was about to come out from
under the bridge the Police boat turns into the main channel and blocks my path.
Two policemen came out on the deck of the boat and started shouting at me to go
back under the bridge and get out of their way.  I just nodded and then tacked
again right away and just narrowly missed a bridge pillar as I came out from
under the bridge.

The wind was gusty and the water was very choppy on the south side of the
bridge.  I had to do several schlogging tacks to get away from the bridge and
the psycho chop.  To make it easier to schlog I needed to adjust my harness
lines.  My mittens were now making it difficult to do that and my hands were now
very warm anyway from the extra work tacking under the bridge.  I pushed my
mittens down around my wrists to free my hands and made my harness lines longer
so I could schlog while hooked in.  I made about 6 tacks in that narrow channel
between the boat docks and the psycho chop.  Tom was just downwind of me about
two or 3 tacks behind.

When I thought I was far enough away from the bridge I started out across the
lake but the chop was still really bad.  Tom was even closer to the bridge as he
headed across the lake and was I was afraid he was going to end up getting
pushed into the bridge when he failed to get on a plane.  I had to point
downwind a little to get enough power to get on a plane.  As I tried to go
faster the psycho chop would toss me around and knock me off the plane.  After
several cycles of that I was able to get into stronger wind and smooth enough
water to point upwind away from the bridge.  I looked back and I could see Tom
turning around to get back out of the psycho chop before he got too far into it.
I could see his sail was still up and he looked like he was going to get back
towards the shore so I continued out across the lake.  If his sail were down I
would have had to tack back across the lake to get upwind of him near the shore
in a safe place to try to see the crazy fool and call 911.  There was no way I
was going back into that psycho chop myself.

Even when I was halfway across the lake heading towards the island there were
several bands of random chop reflected back from the bridge.  As I got closer to
the island (and farther upwind of the bridge) the wind got stronger and the chop
evened out into normal wind swells.  I tacked near the island and headed out
into the big open pond area between the I-90 floating bridge and Seward Park. 
On the west side of the lake I could see 3 or 4 small sailboats with white
sails.  I was headed straight for them as I headed upwind but I did not get too
close to them because the wind looked holey on that side of the lake.  I tacked
before the first sign of weaker wind and headed back towards the island where
the wind was much stronger and tacked again near the island.  As I was headed
back out across the lake I was getting close to Seward Park where I could see a
blue porta potty on the north shore of the park.  Even if I needed to use the
porta potty I was not stopping there in that wind shadow.  I tacked before I got
too close to the wind shadow from the park and I headed back towards the island
again.  I tacked near the island again and looked upwind down the channel
between the park and the island and I could see Mark Dix quite a ways south of
Seward Park.  I saw no sign of Greg.  Greg when you get a new sail make sure it
has brighter colors.  I think it was just the gloomy hazy conditions at that
time that made it difficult to spot sails from across the lake.  Also, at this
point I was expecting to see Greg in front of me in the channel so I was not
looking back in the big area between the bridge and Seward Park.  My sail is
yellow and red and Greg did not see me either even though I was making long runs
in the middle of that area.

After I tacked near the island I headed into the channel between the island and
Seward Park.  The wind was gusting over 30mph in the middle of the channel.  At
times I was getting overpowered and so I headed straight south straight down the
channel as the 30+ SE wind gusts come from over the island.  I went right past
the log cabin on the east side of Seward Park and tacked just south of the log
cabin.  As I headed back towards the island there were some weaker wind shadow
spots near the island so I did not get too close to the island this time to
avoid these holes.  I hit one hole and went off the wind and headed back up the
channel for a short time so I tacked early ( before the island).

My right hand was getting cold so I again bit the tip of the mitten with my
teeth and pulled the right mitten onto my hand.  My hand warmed up quickly
inside the mitten and I left that one on for the rest of the Winduro.

My new course pointed me towards the big open pond south of Seward Park.  As I
got farther away from the island the wind became steadier and it was still
blowing between 25 and 30mph.  A formula sailor's dream comes true: steady
winds, wide open water and even a little sunshine sneaking through broken
clouds.  I tacked close the west side of the lake south of Seward Park and
headed back towards the island.  I tacked near the SW corner of the island.  The
wind was steady there as the SE wind was wrapping around the corner of the
island.  I was now headed towards the SW corner of the lake.  I went as far as I
could go while staying in good wind because I wanted to be able to round the
south tip of the island without tacking again.  I had to tack before getting
close to that SW corner of the lake because the wind showed signs of weakening. 
After that tack my new course at first appeared to point me back towards the
island but the wind was strong so I worked on my stance and I was able to point
high enough to just make it around the south tip of the island where the wind
was lighter because it was bumping up against the island's steep hill.  I bagged
out the sail with the adjustable outhaul and was able to maintain good speed
just inside the white no wake markers but with plenty of clearance around the
boat docks.

As I rounded the SE corner of the island I was now going downwind towards the
Seahawks practice facility.  The wind was still from the SSE so it was lighter
near the east side of the lake so I jibed early and headed back towards the
island where the SE wind was stronger.  I looked up the channel and I could see
Mark Dix getting close the end of the race back at Newcastle Beach Park.  I made
several more jibes up the channel being careful not to get into the wind shadows
on the east side of the channel.  I was able to get right back onto a plane
after each jibe and I was making good VMG towards the end of my Winduro 2009 at
Newcastle Beach Park.

I glided past the pier and into the swim area at Newcastle Beach Park on a full
plane and had to put on the brakes just before I was about to smash into the
beach.  I tossed my gear on the sand and pulled out my cell phone that was
tucked into the front of my flotation vest but it was difficult to see the time
through the foggy plastic baggie and the vinyl waterproof bag.  I walked over to
the beach house where Mark Dix told me that it was now 1:46pm.  So I subtracted
one minute and called it 1:45 for my time of finish.  So 1:45pm minus 11:31am
equals my Winduro 2009 time of approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes.

--Glenn Reichenbach (G4)