2008 Lake Norman Midwinters plagued with Crazy Weather!

What an event, Thursday was great for setup with 68 degrees and sun. Friday rain and/or soaking drizzle all day and light air, not a great day for setup or practice except for a few eager sailors, but an excellent day for an afternoon dry-out (indoor) tailgate party. Saturday slightly more than the forecasted 20 to 30 mph winds, how about 25 to 40 knots. Thankfully the race committee would not even leave the dock except to go out and take an hourly wind reading. The U20 fleet migrated by foot and/or SUV to the home of Chet and Barb Wiesenmayer's lakeside home (U20 #148 Lotsaknots) for some terrific cancelled race activities including a few Strohs beers. Post unscheduled party activities included four U20s (no J24s or J80s) venturing out about 4pm for some practice in a still very healthy breeze. Dinner at the clubhouse and possibly some partying afterwards (not in attendance). Sunday am, first day of DST and the RC posted a one hour earlier start to accommodate three races, did we lose two hours sleep on that deal? The wind on Sunday was tolerable (slightly shifty and little puffy) for sailing but the RC managed to get off three races in light winds. Thanks to all that traveled in to make this a great event with fourteen U20s and congrats to Emily, Alison and BJ Jones for their terrific family win (#151 Rumbullion)

Story by Don Corey