Single Handed: 2006

Single Handed 2006

Aug 27, 2006      Wind Conditions: Heavy

Steve Jackson race committee, Wind - SSW 10-15 with gusts to 20. Weather - rain, heavy at times. Only the "brave-hearted" turned out for this year's Single-Handed Race, which was a once-around windward-leeward from the Lake George Club to the south-east Diamond Island buoy and back. A narrow starting line close to shore made for an exciting start with many a skipper's rail in or under the water. The fleet did not stay together and split shortly after the start, some choosing the eastern shore, some the middle and some to the west. Spirit led the group to the east through the islands, and Witch Way took the tour along the west shore. The hearty souls that braved a spinnaker set on the way back had to gamble as they knew they would have only one chance at getting it right and provided a great show as they barely made the finish without jibing by accident. Some exciting moments were Alfie Merchant just making the pin end of the line at the start, Rodger Voss going over early at the pin and having to turn back and restart, Bob Rippel overpowerd as he flew the genoa in the high winds to the windward mark, Andrew Brodie getting caught in the classic "J/24 death roll" and last but not least, both Andrew's and Bob's broaches as they struggled to douse the chute after the finish. It was hotly contested in the front and in the back with Happy Days and SeeMor crossing the line together.