2010 Highlander Midwinter Championship

I just got back from a fun weekend at Lake Norman sailing the Highlander Midwinters.  The regatta is held in late April, along with club racing from LNYC.  This is always a beautiful place to visit.  I was lucky enough to be able to deliver new sails to the event.  For the past several years, the Highlander Class has embraced us, especially since we've gone on our own as Dieball Sailing.  We appreciate all the business that we've gotten from this class and look forward to returning the favor with information on this web site and continual knowledge sharing. 

In addition to delivering sails, I was invited to sail with my friends Jamey and Tanya

Carey.  We have not sailed together on a Highlander and I was looking forward to learning a bit more about the boat from experienced Highlander sailors.

Lake Norman offers a variety of conditions and Saturday morning greeted us with very mild weather and light air.  We got off the dock for a 11:00 start.  The first race was abandoned after the fleets had drifted around the leeward mark with no promise of wind to come.  The RC looked very smart as the breeze came in from the total opposite direction and provided 4 races in outstanding conditions.

LNYC hosted a very nice dinner on Saturday night.  There was a lot of storytelling and camaraderie enjoyed by all.  With overnight storms in the area leaving very unsettled weather for Sunday, racing was called after wind readings were taken and the forecast was considered.  A bit disappointing, but it got the out-of-towners on the road a little earlier.

When the dust settled, Rob Spring won with a very nice series.  Our team slipped by Harold Bauer for 2nd and Harold 3rd.  Mike Shayeson posted very consistent scores for 4th and new boat owner Jon McClean was 5th.  Racing was tight and exciting and it made for a great weekend!

Thanks got to Steve Hesler and his team for providing another great trip to North Carolina.  I always enjoy Lake Norman and look forward to next year.