2010 Chiefs Interlake Regatta

The "Chief's regatta" in Columbus is the first regatta of the Interlake season at a focal point of the class.  This means that you can expect 30 boats on the line and lots of rusty sailors. The weatherman said it was "supposed" to be 15-20 with puffs to 25+ and a bit of electricity for good measure.  This propaganda scared off many competitors leaving 22 of the truly die-hard wackos to duke it out.  Fortunately, the Chief (yes, Chief Leatherlips) had his own agenda--he usually does--  and so the conditions didn't agree at all with the forecast.     The storm came through at sunrise and was followed by 5-12 knots of shifty winds for the weekend.

I hooked up with buddy Andy Nixon.  Andy and I hadn't sailed before but I knew we'd have fun and be competitive so off we went.  With no practice together (heck, I haven't sailed since November) it was a blast to get back "in the mix."  We had great starts and locked horns with past National Champs at the front of the fleet.  Places changed every puff/shift...which is to say constantly...so patience was key.  I hail from the pristine waters and winds of Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City Michigan.  I saw more shifts that weekend than I see in a month on the bay.  It was tough but a great experience as it took me out of my comfort zone and forced other parts of my game to get better.  Thats one of the great parts of sailing...there is always something different awaiting you if you just go and do it.  Another great part is the parties.  Sailors are social, especially Interlakers, and the lies told around the keg were fun.  Whats not to love?

On Sunday we had another solid start.  Our boat handling was better.  It is fun when your team clicks and your equipment works smoothly.  Andy had his boat ready and his Dieball sails shifted gears to any mode we wanted.  Upwind we were tough.  Real tough.  Often leading depending on the shift of the moment.  Downwind, we were Rockmen.  I've always been good at picking downwind shifts & puffs and the DS spinnaker just made me look all the smarter.  I agree with Dennis Conner..its better to be fast than smart.  But the Chief was mad at me.  Sat night I rooted for the Boston Celtics over Cleveland.  He made me pay.  The last beat saw the "luck of the Chief" trump everything as boats behind hit a corner while we battled with the leaders up the middle.  The corner came in just enough so that we where kissing rudders at the finish.  (&*^!  Leaves ya hungry for revenge.  I can't wait to do it all again.   (yes, I'm a sailing wacko.)