2007 Mayor's Cup
Lightning Class
Adventure
Saturday, June 16
Single-handed Lightning Racing -- So simple even a
caveman can do it?
by Jeff Storck
Hey all,
We had three Lightnings out on the River for the 2007
Alexandria Mayors Cup, and for those who could not make it, you really
missed out. Bobby and I were single handing, and John Pemberton came
out with full crew. We agreed not to penalize them for all the extra hands
they had. :) As we left the dock, we had a beautiful southerly
coming in at 8-10 knots. Just what we live for. Some of the
puffs got up to 12 or there-a-bouts, so it was tough for a singleton to
keep the boat flat at times. I found that I was playing the traveler a lot
in that first race. The RC set a long course (S-2-7-2-7-F for those who
know the channel markers) of about 5.75 miles. That made for a loooooooong
windward beat.
The really great thing about the racing was how
close we all were. Both races were marked by multiple lead changes,
with all three boats being in the lead at one time or another. The pin end
was very very favored on the starts, in fact we each of us decided
that starting at the pin on port was the right idea. The first race
remained close until John decided to jibe for Virginia on the last
downwind leg. Bobby and I let him go, and continued up the Maryland
side. This proved our undoing as he caught a puff over there and passed us
by. He went on to win that one. I came in second mainly because Bobby had
trouble dowsing the kite on his last leeward rounding and I didn't.
I sailed right by him. The second race was shorter (s-2-6-2-6-F) and with
the breeze dying, it was cut even shorter thankfully. John and co., had
decided to call it a day before the race started. Something about
places to go and people to see.
Bobby and I stuck it out, and started in 4-5 knots that
was slowly fading. In this race, Bobby led most of the way around the
course, with me hot on his heels. I just tried to hang in there and look
for an opportunity. I got one on the last Windward mark rounding, when we
both rounded at the same time as a straggler keel boat. Bobby went high, I
went low, we both managed to get by the keel boat, but I was in a tougher
position with a lot of dirty air from the bigger boat. At this point the
breeze started to disappear completely. Bobby was stalled and his kite was
drooping. I looked around and saw a little wind line over by Virginia, so
I jibed and went for it. Bobby was stuck above the keel boat and tried to
wait for a puff. eventually he dropped the chute as he just was not
getting enough air to fill it. I got to the wind line, jibed back for the
mark and sailed. My kite was really only half full, but it was enough to
get by him and start to extend a lead. At this point Bobby took the hint,
jibed and took the keel boats stern to come my way for a bit of breeze. It
was too late though as the RC shortened course and finished us down wind
at the start pin. I was the winner! The scores:
| Competitor |
Place |
Total |
Race 1 |
Race 2 |
| Jeff Storck |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
| Bob Astrove |
2 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
| John Pemberton |
3 |
6 |
1 |
5/DNS |
Even though I won the days honors, it was obvious that we were all evenly
matched and anyone could have won the day. I felt like I followed Bobby
around the course all day long. John, you guys should have stayed out!
I have to say, that sailing those races single handed was one of the most
fun things I have ever done on my boat. I had a blast with my I-Pod
cranked up, jamming to tunes all the way around the course. There were
only 2 bummers on the whole exercise: One, I had to paddle myself almost
all the way back to the dock when the wind died. Two, there was no-one to
hand me a beer!! I actually had to get them myself! Inconceivable.
I also have to say, that after racing roughly 8.5 miles in 2 races all by
myself, I was whipped when I got home. I was very sore and stiff all day
yesterday too. Racing single handed is an order of magnitude tougher than
just day sailing alone.
Would I do it again?? I can't wait!!
Cheers,
Jeff
PS: This was a terrific little regatta, I hope our fleet will support it
next year. The keel boaters were very gracious, I even got a trophy (I've
got trophy's for Bobby and John too). GEICO was the sponsor, and in
addition to a great day of sailing, and trophy's, we got a nice t-shirt,
some caveman beer cozy's and a canvas bag full of other stuff. Lets put
this one on our schedule!
Winds at National Airport were:
