Hood River Waterfront Park, Hood River, OR, US
Sailworks Retro 6.5, Retro 5.5, JP Magic Ride 104, JP FreestyleWave 77 Wind: building from 16 knots to 23G30
First, a big thank you to Roo for all the helpful tips and encouragement he provided today!
As I expected, my first day at the Gorge this year was a humbling experience. My cruising around Lac Bay in 15 knot winds didn't fully prepare me for today. I started out OK with the 6.5 and the MR104. Made a couple of runs (of course blew the jibes) and got intimidated by the 58 F water temps (I like the 82F of Bonaire). Eventually mentally calmed down just in time for the wind to build. Rigged the 5.5 but was tailwalking a little with it. Roo suggested switching to the 77 FSW which I did by then the wind was more than I wanted to deal with knowing I was going to spend a lot of time in the damn cold water... Roo provided rigging tips for this type of condition and then provided a tip worth the trip to Oregon - how to clear a race sail luff sleeve when full of water. Use the board as leverage, DO NOT try to lift the tip of the sail.
Roo commented:
Great day out at the park, steadily building breeze but a touch gusty and very bumpy, got worse as the day wore on. Barton is back in town so fun to catch up and sail together, even if the water is a touch cold for him! Solid 30 knots at the end and chop Suey had taken up residence.
I commented:
Great numbers Roo and Al. Watching Roo cruise in the conditions today was a great learning experience for me - and he is an amazing sailor, BTW
Roo commented:
Thank you for the nice compliments Barton, look forward to more time on water the next few days. We'll get you feeling comfortable out there.
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