I know some of you are still snowed in, so I thought I would give you a pick me up. The Punta Gorda Sailing Club held its 20th annual Conquistador Regatta this past weekend. We had over 40 boats signed up. They ranged from a Harbor 20 to a Huter 420. We saw 30 knot wind gusts and some chop.
On Saturday there were two racing circles. One for Spinaker mono hauls and multi hauls and another for non-spinaker and true cruising boats. Each circle held several races. Our circle for the true cruising class held two races. A short windward leward race and a longer triangle twice around with a windward leward finish.
On Sunday it was a reverse start or pursuit race. Slowest boat starts with the signal and all others start according to their handicap. It was a much longer course, approximately 8.4 miles. There were a number of excciting finishes.
Oh, did I mention morning temperatures were in the low 40's and with 15 to 20 knots of wind and higher gusts, this Florida boy about froze. At that point I had a little more empethy for those of you waiting to thaw out. All sailing is fun, so don't be reluctant to try something new, like racing.
On Saturday there were two racing circles. One for Spinaker mono hauls and multi hauls and another for non-spinaker and true cruising boats. Each circle held several races. Our circle for the true cruising class held two races. A short windward leward race and a longer triangle twice around with a windward leward finish.
On Sunday it was a reverse start or pursuit race. Slowest boat starts with the signal and all others start according to their handicap. It was a much longer course, approximately 8.4 miles. There were a number of excciting finishes.
Oh, did I mention morning temperatures were in the low 40's and with 15 to 20 knots of wind and higher gusts, this Florida boy about froze. At that point I had a little more empethy for those of you waiting to thaw out. All sailing is fun, so don't be reluctant to try something new, like racing.
