2009 Carolina Keelboat One Design Regatta

Well, it’s history. And what a weekend of sailing we had in spite of the dismal weather forecast!

Thursday – U20 being towed to the CKOD behind a flaming VW van through Kentucky (long story, favorable ending, the U20 (Zipper) not charred)

Friday – Winds blowing 12 to 15 during the skippers meeting. Shortly thereafter the U20 fleet starts first in a decent breeze, race abandoned due to drop in wind five minutes after the start. RC watches wind clock around and around, drop to 1 and build to 3, clock and drop. What a great day for beers ashore followed by tailgate hors d’oeuvres and the infamous Goombay Smash.

Saturday – Never before in CKOD history, five races in one day (4=twice around, 1=once around) in 8 to 12 knot breezes. There was some moaning and groaning about the condition of certain body parts but absolutely no complaining the about the great day on the water sailing.

Sunday – First race completed in nice breeze and second race started in nice breeze but finished in a dying breeze to complete the regatta.

The regatta was absolutely terrific due to the officiating, organization, wind (thank God) and partying.

Thanks to all who traveled in from Canada, Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Ramsey Creek.

Thanks to all who helped to pull this event off, job well done.

Don Corey U20 #25 fore

The Whole Flaming Story

Zipper, my U20, is fine. The Zipper INN, my VW camper is back up and running with the distinct smell of burnt plastics, a new retrofitted catalytic converter and one interesting welding job by a Kentucky repair shop.  At some point during the crisis I had to make the decision between fighting the fire and saving the boat.  I tried to unhook the vehicle and role it away but the heat from the red hot converter had vaporized all the gas in the tank and I was on a downhill slope so I couldn't move either.  Turns out the class required fire extinguisher, a leaky back hatch with a bailer and wet towels come in handy when fighting a car fire.  The state trooper and the fire truck went to work on the grass fire that had started on the road side so I was on my own to douse the flames in the van. 

I was 10 hours into a 20 hour trip, in the middle of nowhere with no other option than to move forward.  The guy at the auto shop said "Usually when they are this bad they don't make it in for repairs they just burn the whole vehicle."   He said "You were pretty close to becoming Kentucky BBQ"

Story by Mark Dobie