Friday, October 27, 2006

Gale Warning

GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON

SAT
SE WINDS 25 TO 30 KT...BECOMING SW IN THE AFTERNOON. GUSTS UP TO 45 KT. SEAS 3 TO 5 FT. RAIN. VSBY 1 TO 3 NM.

SAT NIGHT
SW WINDS 25 TO 30 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 KT. SEAS 3 TO 5 FT.

SUN
W WINDS 25 TO 30 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 KT. SEAS 3 TO 5 FT.

Having spent three weeks in Europe followed by a much-needed granddaughter fix last weekend, I've missed the first three weeks of our Laser frostbiting season. The weather forecast for Sunday is shaping up for an awesome day: 25 to 30 knots with gusts up to 45 knots. My buddy has asked me to bring along his Radial mast for him - could be a wise move. My son just called to say his Laser fleet in Boston is thinking of calling off their regatta, much to his personal disgust.

I'm psyched - even though last year in my first race of the season with this fleet I suffered a broken neck. Now where did I leave my drysuit after last winter?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

25-30 knots sounds fun...but gusts up to 45 knots in a Laser is a bit too exciting for me... :D

Have fun Tillerman...try not to drown or get hypothermic...

Tillerman said...

My theory is that if I can learn to survive in 45 knot gusts, then next time I am racing in only 44 knot gusts it will be easy.

Tillerman said...

Stuff can break on a Laser in much less than that - usually because of corrosion to a fitting on a spar that will cause the fitting to tear out or the spar to break. Capsizes can put a lot of strain on the boat too, especially if the mast gets stuck in the mud.

EVK4 said...

When I had an MG, I always joked that I needed three cars: a daily runner, a backup, and a parts car. I have a feeling you'll need three lasers if you're going out in 45 knot gusts. Or extra wetsuits. Or your local North and Harken reps on speed-dial.

-Fair Weather Sailor

Tillerman said...

Great idea Edward. I will call the dealer immediately and order my two spare Lasers. Can you please explain to Tillerwoman why she won't be getting a Xmas present this year.

Anonymous said...

I'd rather feed lions than be the one telling Tillerwoman why Tillerman is buying two new Lasers instead of a nice X-mas gift. :D

Ed's right about the breakage in those kinds of winds.

Tillerman said...

But she can use the backup Laser when I'm not using it.

EVK4 said...

What part of three sailboats is a bad idea? It'll be like a one design household.

I might do that with TP52s next time I'm in the market for a boat. Or some of those cool RC sailboats if the budget is tight.

Tillerman said...

It's not a bad idea at all Edward. At one point I owned three Lasers and three Sunfish. (But at that time my sons were at home and sailed those classes too).

Tillerman said...

Oh - and good luck with the three boat TP52 campaign. I think that's definitely the way to go.

If you are looking for someone to helm your second or third boats, just note that I am unbeaten in 12 meter match racing and have crossed the Pacific 8 times (though not strictly speaking on a boat).

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