Been traveling so finally catching up on the event. We had a blast on this distance race and the Lake Norman Yacht Club, who sponsored the event, were fantastic hosts. Light winds but with gusts up to 8mph. I recall it was set at 6 miles because of the lighter winds
Well, in the amateur class of four cats, we blew the start after what looked like a perfect approach... I was too early to the line so eased off and ended up in irons and behind the rest of the race and came in DFL. But we were gratified at the awards later to learn we came in second place in amateur with the handicap (which placed us behind a modern Viper with two years experience [husband/wife team], and ahead of another Viper and an H18.) Goes to prove an '85 H16 can compete even with newbs aboard against "ultra-modern cats!" Give it a try!
The overall and pro class winner was a 84 year old gent single handling his cat to first place. He confessed to us he cannot see too well anymore so follows what he determines as the fastest boat thru the course until the end and "just passes 'em up."
Here's us, after the regatta, with a couple of the Nacra entries from the pro fleet on the beach before the thunderstorm blew over us:
[OK
hobiesrock - you can 'dis our red looking water again - just kidding
]