2009 Hampton Fall Fling Regatta
November 7 - 8, 2009
Hampton Yacht Club
Hampton, VA

LIGHTNING CLASS SERIES SUMMARY

PRO: Bob Thomas ( robert.m.thomas@nasa.gov )

The AccuWeather forecast (always subject to change) for the weekend for Hampton called for sunny skies, 7 -8 MPH winds, and highs in the 60s.  The skies were clear for the Saturday oyster roast.  We had two back-to-back magnificent sailing days on the Hampton Flats, under sunny skies, with temperatures reaching 60 degrees on Saturday and 70 degrees on Sunday.  Winds were excellent on Saturday, out of the south at 8 - 12 MPH, with gusts to 15, and we got in 4 races before calling it a day.  On Sunday the winds were lighter in the morning and petered completely out right after the end of the third race.  The oyster roast was, as usual, to die for.  Crews arriving on Friday and/or going to dinner after the Oyster Roast on Saturday found excellent seafood at Harpoon Larry's, just up the street on Armistead Ave.

Despite the absence of local Joe Buczowski who was out to sea serving our Country, there was a great turnout from the far reaches of the District.  First time Fall Flingers Constants/Constants and Constants sailed untouched for the weekend in what turned out to be very comfortable conditions with great winds save the last race of the regatta.  The first leg as is often the case was pivotal for boats.  In the first race of the regatta, the Prior boat won the top mark but lost boats due to course confusion @ the Leeward mark, thus allowing several boats to move up behind Constants.  After that the top mark would belong to Constants for the remainder of the regatta...not always by much but they defended well thereafter. 

The first days races were sailed with nice winds but sometimes confusing waves which needed to be watched closely or boat speed was temporarily reduced.  Also staying flat and hiking hard paid dividends.  We all too often had a good view of the Constants boat which sailed flat, despite some struggles to do the same on our part. 

The Sunday races began warmer and with less winds which progressively lessened as the day advanced. Throughout the regatta one had to keep an eye on which end of the line was favored as there were usually small but significant differences and the wind was often oscillating in the 5-10 degree range.  There developed enough of a shift that the committee eventually moved the mark to keep the course square.  This was likely obvious to them when boats rounded the top mark, set their chutes and immediately jibed onto port to head to the leeward mark. 

The Kirby boat did a fine job Saturday and Sunday racing consistently to finish ahead of the Alsalam boat for 3rd.  Our focus as the regatta played out became less one of finishing ahead of Constants than rather to cover the perceived challengers from behind.  As a result we often saw the fierce concentration of Kirby and associates!  The last race provided some entertainment with a dying breeze.  Our boat noticed a shaft of wind which went down the center of the course causing boats which ventured to the edges to slow down.  So despite not wanting to tack or jibe much in light air we decided to just stay in breeze which worked well.

As further indication that this regatta weekend was "owned" by the Constants boat, we attempted to catch and pass their boat on the final race to the dock by paddling while under light spin.  We managed to nearly catch up but then the wind filled in ahead  thus negating our gains.  It could have been worse as the Boaz boat had a long tow/sail back when their tow boat's engine failed and they had to sail all alone in the light breeze from behind, arriving at the dock as everyone was putting the last touches on their boats for the ride home.

Thanks go out to Hampton YC  for another fine regatta, dinner, awards and general welcoming attitude.  It's one regatta which helps shorten the winter season and which is getting more competitive and well attended.   See you next year!