O'Day 26 For Sale: Motivated Sellers

1064 Open Regatta; make your plans

It will be here before you know it. The lake's first open regatta, The 1064, hosted by Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC). Named for the lake level the first time they held the event, we may just make history. With only a little more than two feet to go, we could very well be racing at the appropriate altitude when the first boat hits the line.

There are a lot of great reasons to come out. One of which is the price, only $15.00. You get a great day of racing and a good after event party for you and your crew. Plus, they really want to encourage participation from the Racer Cruiser crowd. We want to build a fleet of you guys so you can join in on the fun as well. We will also be announcing the LARC Sailor of the Year during the after regatta event.

So mark your calendar, Saturday, February 4th and plan to come join the fun.
Notice of Race
Registration Form

LARC Results Posted

I finally have some LARC results to share for the second half of the 2011-2012 LARC Series. Those that showed up this past Saturday to compete already know, no race was attempted and racing was cancelled due to weather. So race one and two make up your results through three races. The next Winter LARC is scheduled for Sunday February 12th, hosted by SSC.

Team Zhik in Islamorada, FL

Team Zhik, consisting of Mike Krantz and David Lennard, recently returned from the 2012 Tradewinds Midwinter Open Cat Nationals in Islamorada, Florida. It's a multihull regatta hosting a wide variety of classes from the Inter 20 to the Hobie Wave. Sailing their F-18, they made a successful event out of it taking a third out of a fleet of sixteen boats. Mike captured a little bowsprit video action of the racing from day three. With the shitty weather we've been having, I thought I would go ahead and share the nearly ten minutes of blue skies and warmer temperatures. Thanks Mike. Enjoy!

A Little Key West Race Action

and I do mean a little. The trend at Key West Race Week continues its downward spiral. Despite the attraction of beautiful water and warm temperatures, the scratch sheets continue to get shorter and shorter. What a shame. They can blame it on the economy all they want, that's an easy excuse to ride, but the fact is they are going to have to do something different. What's the saying, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." And with the surge of Charleston Race Week in terms of popularity, the folks in Key West have reason to worry. I'm thinking there is a fat lady lounging around in Key West on some Morgan Out Island somewhere that needs to start warming up her pipes.

DesTopNews Weekly Sailing Updates

SSC Icebreaker Happy Snaps

What a pretty day yesterday was. Sunshine and decent temps for January mixed well with the light winds of the afternoon. Fourteen boats played hard in the second round of the SSC Icebreaker series. It was great light air racing on a beautiful day. See more SSC Icebreaker Happy Snaps at my Google + Photo site.

LLSC Frostbiting Lasers

The LLSC Frostbite Series has begun as well. My buddy Ben Harbin forwarded me a link to their photo action too. Photos by Warren Collier. See the Frostbite Photos Here.

Holy Shit! It's a Fenderpalooza!

DesTopNews Weekly Sailing Updates

1064 Open Regatta Announced

Every year, the Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) is proud to kickoff the new racing year with the lake's first open regatta, the 1064 Open Regatta. 2012 will be no different. This is a one day regatta and scheduled for Saturday, February 4th. At just $15.00, the entry fee is perfect in size. Hell, you can probably find that much in loose change by digging around your couch.

Interested parties are encouraged to register early, but onsite registration is allowed the day of the race. Skipper's meeting is set for 0900 at the LLSC Clubhouse. The first warning is scheduled for 1055. No races will be started after 1500. Party at the clubhouse afterwards! But you can get all these detail by downloading the Notice of Race and the Registration Form.

Bill the Cat goes GoPro HERO

Photo Mike Powell took his new GoPro Hero on Bill the Cat recently and grabbed some footage. Now we are ready to release one of his first little projects. You guys know I love submitted content so I can share. This is a perfect example. While it didn't appear to be a very exciting day, I love the reflection effect on the bug glasses. Thanks, Mike! Keep em coming!

Winter LARC #2

This Saturday the University Yacht Club (UYC) will host race two in the second half of the LARC 2011-2012 season. And like their race in the first half, they will supplant the traditional post race dirt-up with a breakfast spread. Breakfast will be served starting at 1000 with the skipper's meeting beginning at 1100 as scheduled.

This is a pursuit start event, so your presence is required at the skippers meeting to collect the course, distance, and your start time. These changes have been posted to the Notice Board on the LARC Corner.

The lake hits 1060

On its slow rise above sea level, the lake finally broke 1060 this week, welcomed news. The lake's rebound from its last low of 1057.91 has been slow, but steady. The last time the lake saw 1060 was back on 21 October. With more rain in the forecast, hopefully the Corps will keep withholding water at the dam and allow this trend to continue (fingers crossed).

At any rate, having the lake up more than a couple feet is good news for sailors, but we still have to be careful. There are still plenty of wet spots out there where the birds can walk. Proceed with caution.

Happy Snaps 2012

I guess it only fitting that I start the 2012 SailLanier season off with a couple of Happy Snaps. They are from this past Saturday, a day that offered just a little bit of everything before it ended. Thanks to my bride, I was able to enjoy the best of it while at the con of JoyRide.

Basically, it worked like this. I was in the back of the house doing some extremely dangerous yard work, raking, mowing, weed pulling. I even went as far as putting down some pine straw. Yeah, I know it was a huge risk to take, especially without anyone around to make sure things went as planned, but I'm one of those edgy, seat of my pants kind of guys.

Anyway, I'm out there doing my thing, actually whistling while I work when the bride opens the back door and says, "Hey, I'm tired of watching you work and I'm bored. The wind is blowing. Let's go for a sail."

I dropped my rake and ran.

Saturday just ended up being a nice day on the water. Who in their right mind would argue with having temps in the low 60s and a steady breeze to move you along, IN JANUARY!

Well, I didn't do a lot of Happy Snapping, but I was able to catch Mike Maury on his Corsair F28, Godspeed, and a pretty Cal 25 II enjoying the day. And I'm happy to report that based on my observations, there were no Fenderpalooza violations to report. That would have just ruined everything!

I've never been happier to bring in a New Year. With 2012 firmly on the calendar, I am ready to take on the challenges that 2012 brings. There will be plenty. In addition to all the regular Strictly Sailing, Sail Lanier, racing, and pleasure sailing, I have thrown myself into another fire taking the helm as the Race Commodore of SSC's race program. Plus, with the introduction of my new personal blog, I plan to spend more time writing. And then there are the Happy Snaps. I want to take more of them too. Simply put, it is going to be a busy year for Jockell.

2012 claims several glass slippers

When the clock struck midnight and the New Year rolled in, for many of the racing Cinderellas, their PHRF certificates turned into pumpkins. Yes, we are now in a new racing year and many have once again allowed their PHRF certificates to expire, not good. But all is not lost; the PHRF committee will resume their monthly meetings next month. I encourage the leadership of each club to reach out and remind their racing membership of their responsibility to maintain active and valid certificates.

The LLPHRF Website has been updated to reflect the current certificates for 2012. It has also established a page to highlight those certificates that have recently expired. If your boat is on the Expired Certificate List, and you plan to continue racing in 2012, please get your renewal application and check into the LLPHRF committee for the February meeting. Just get it done.

To You and Yours ...

2011 Fall LARC Series in the books.

University Yacht Club closed out the Fall 2011 LARC Series last Saturady as they hosted race #5 of part one of the 2011/2012 season. Due to afternoon scheduling conflicts, UYC hosted a skipper's meeting breakfast instead of the traditional post race dirt-up. In observation, based on the volume of additional, personal ballast taken on by a good number of those in attendance, the idea was well reveived. I'm guessing this may end up being a signature event for the UYC camp. No complaints here. A few made jovial comments about missing Bloody Mary's, but the fact is, this crowd doesn't need any reason to get started any earlier than they already do.

Anyway, the results are up and can be seen by clicking here or up on the results link in the LARC Corner. Cheers and have a great weekend.

Made in the USA

Strictly Sailing is always looking for new sailboat classified listings. It always works out that way, particularly this time of year. Site traffic shows people are still looking at boats, but new offerings are down. That makes sense. People are thinking about the Holiday's right now, especially Christmas with all the crazy shopping.

Unfortunately, for many, this Christmas will lack a certain amount of glamour and attractiveness. Unemployment is high and income levels are down. Times are tough.

So, I would like to propose an idea as you wind up your holiday shopping. Go out of your way to think and to purchase items made in the USA. That will be tough, but it can be done.

I'm not saying that your shopping should be USA exclusive. As cool as that would be, as much of a domestic, economic boost that would yield, it is not very practical. But the fact is, if you plan, do some research, and look at a label or two, you will find that perfect item for that perfect sailor in your life.

For example, what sailor doesn't wear flip-flops? Everybody I know does. So, why buy your flip-flops from China? Because that's where they are all made. Ahhhh,not really.

Let me introduce you to Okabashi. Their molded Flip-Flops are high quality of great construction, feel good on your feet, recyclable, and sailor friendly. Oh, and aside from being made right here in Buford, GA. These American gems are incredibly affordable. To give you an idea, my Men's Classic Flop are priced everyday at $14.99. That is stupid cheap. And right now, shipping is free for orders over $40.00.

So check them out on the web and put a little Okabashi under the tree. I did.

Wind Chase For Sale - S2 9.1

Ask Strictly Sailing

When you run websites like Strictly Sailing and Sail Lanier, eventually the readership calls in with questions. For example, I might get one that asks, why can't I see my ad yet, Jackass? Or, I might see more sensitive inquiries such as, what is hull speed and how is it calculated? Questions, they continue to pop in from time to time.

I'm working on a frequently asked questions section to handle inquiries about classified ads. That is well overdue and should be released soon. But some of the other questions I receive might be best answered as content for the website. After all, if one person is asking, chances are others are wondering the same thing.

I held a board meeting last night with a bottle of Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009. We discussed the idea of posting answers to questions and the like and it got thumbs up from all around. We would do just that. The best business decisions are often made after consulting with a good business partner.

Once that was settled I began to think about all the various questions that have come my way over the years. Memories started to flood my head. How would I approach each question? Which writing style would I adopt? Which question would I select for the first post? So many decisions to make.

While contemplating, my bride entered the board room, a cozy little Florida nook off the back of our house. Sitting, she reached over and picked up the bottle of wine and got a little pissy. "Really! I mean, really!" she said putting the bottle back, now back on her feet. "You drank the whole bottle? You didn't stop to think that I may have wanted a glass?"

Looking over the top of my cheater readers, left lens missing because that eye is still good, I said, "Huh? Oh, I guess not. Sorry bout that. It was full of too many good ideas. You know how I am about good ideas. Get em while you can."

"Good ideas, huh!" she said, hands firmly placed on the hips. "So, what little brainstorm did you and the Gladiator come up with this time."

I proceeded to tell her my plans. She knows how important fresh content is to the websites and I could see in her eyes and expression the idea was being met with approval. The hands had moved from the hips and fingers and thumb were now tugging at her chin in thought. Her position began to soften.

"So what are you going to call this new section, something like, Dear Kirk?" she asked with a helpful smile on her face.

"No. No. No" I replied. "Got to keep it true to the theme of the website. I'm going to call it Ask Strictly Sailing, ASS for short. Kind of like FAQ for Frequently Asked Questions, except ..."

"I get it!" she said, cutting me off in mid-thought and returning to her previous disposition. "You're kidding me right? You're just joking. You're not really going to call this thing, ASS, are you?"

"Well, heck yeah," I replied. "Spelling the whole thing out takes way too long and besides, it's kind of a play on words. Did you catch that?"

Her eyes were beginning to roll back into her head.

Reaching out and holding up both hands as if to frame the idea in mid air, I continued, "So, here is the genius behind all this. Stay with me now. I've got it all sorted out right here," gently tapping my right temple with my index finger. "Over time and as this thing develops, when guys are thinking about a little ass, subliminally they will want to go to Strictly Sailing. They won't we able to help themselves. It's truly genius, what do you think?"

Picking up the empty wine bottle and walking out she said, "The whole thing already makes me think of a little ass, a drunken ass."

I called back as she left the room, "Thanks, honey. I love you too. Don't forget to put that bottle in the recycling bin."

LARC #4 Results

The above photo was taken by the nameless girl friend of Patrick Shelby. It is of the rounding of the leeward mark while things got a little crowded this past Sunday. Rubbing's Racing. She and Patrick came out and crewed on Flying Boat with Tom Seibold during the last LARC race. I believe this was their first race, so hopefully they will get the bug. We always need more folks and more boats. Anyway, speaking of LARC #4, the results can be found here and up on the LARC Corner.

Note: There were some slight changes to the result calculations of LARC race #3. The distance was miscalculated which in turn mixed things up on corrected time. Fortunately, it only affected the results for a couple of boats, JoyRide and Windwalker, with the later nudging ahead. Congrats to the Windwalker crowd.

Finished! Done!

It wasn't the best day of sailing by any stretch of the imagination. It didn't even come close. It was exceptional, though. At least, it ended that way.

It was this past Sunday's LARC race, the fourth in a series of five for the fall season. A nice east breeze lined everything up to create a reasonable windward-leeward course using the static race marks already on the lake.

On the second down hill run to the leeward mark, things on the boat were quiet. I like it when it's like that, nice and quiet. The things you can hear on a sailboat, if you will just shut-up and listen, are incredible. Listening is important. Your boat will tell you when you're doing something wrong. Conversely, she will sing your praises with speed and balance when you're getting it right. You can actually hear it.

With the jib poled out she seemed to like everything just fine, but something wasn't right. I was trying to figure it out when things got really quite. So quiet I couldn't even hear the boat. The whistle of the wind, the roar of the bow wave and the creaking of the rigging all fell silent. The only utterance was an inner voice, a vox that often guides me. The message was very clear. You're not having fun. Nonsense.

But, it was true. I wasn't having fun. I was simply going through the motions. In an honest moment of clarity, I was leading the series and felt like I had to be there, to protect my position. Not because I loved doing it and wanted to be there, but because I had to. Like my weekday nine to five grind, I just had to be there.

I sailed on trying to sort things out, trying to make sense of it all. Then, I looked down the lake. What I saw made me grin. It was my old friend Alex, the Spaniard, in his Freedom 40, Nani. He was coming up the lake on a nice reach, just sailing. He wasn't in a hurry, but sailing fast. He wasn't necessarily going anywhere, but he'd get there eventually.

It made me think back to when I had Mental Floss, my Pearson 26, and Alex had an earlier Nani, a Beneteau First 28, we used to do that a lot; sail to nowhere and get there eventually. All of a sudden, that sounded appealing.

And I was willing to bet Alex didn't hesitate before heading out the door that morning to go to the boat. I actually had. I kissed and told my wife good-by at least four times, as if to give her a chance to stop me, to ask me if I really wanted to go. Truth is, that was how I felt the last several times I left the house to race the JoyRide. That was my reality.

With my head back in the boat we continued down the lake, a leg and a half to go. I looked down the companionway to see my redneck cooler, a galley sink, full of ice, covered with a towel, cold beer and water waiting. The sight made me thirsty; I grabbed a Stella, opened it and put it in the koozie already waiting in the binnacle cup holder.

With a cold beer in striking distance, my attitude improved. Plus, unbeknownst to me, the voice of the boat had returned. She was talking to me again, this time giving me a hint. I sprung into action. I struck the whisker pole and heated her up on a hot starboard broad reach. She liked that.

I sailed her on that board until the shoreline forced me to jibe away towards the leeward mark. The layline was another great reach, the wind almost abeam. It was fast and, more importantly, fun.

Approaching the mark, I smiled. Boats that were once behind me were now rounding ahead. I had become the Honey Badger. I just didn't give a shit.

In the distance, I again saw Alex, still plugging along going nowhere fast. I held up my beer. Thanks, Bud.

The uphill leg to finish took a couple more tacks than normal. I kept the boat on a nice balanced close reach and let her steer herself on virtually every leg. She tracked nicely as I stood on the starboard combing, one hand on the backstay for balance. On one tack, I simply watched the spin fleet run down hill one more time as the old girl just made her way. It was the best seat in the house.

As I finally tacked and trimmed the boat towards the flag pole finish, she was again under her own devices. Tracking true to the line I gave her a little pat and thanked her for a nice afternoon. A few seconds later I told her, "You know. You don't have to do this, if you don't want to."

Moments later she got a nice little lift and settled into a new point of sail, straight at the pin end of the finish. I almost grabbed the wheel, but pulled my hand back. With about three boat lengths left I said, "It's entirely up to you."

She answered, digging her port bow into the water and driving up and outside the pin end. We were finished, really finished. It was over. Turns out, the JoyRide has a bit of Honey Badger in her too.

LARC #4 Tomorrow

The Windfinder has the breeze at a solid 10 mph, gusting to the mid teens. But it's forecasted to come out of the east, so you know what that means. It could be anything.

But at any length, it will be a great day to get your ass out on the water and go sailing, preferably racing. Tomorrow will be race no. 4 in the Fall LARC Series. LLSC is hosting, so the Skipper's meeting will be at the LLSC clubhouseat 1100, not Aqualand.

Only two more races to go before the Christmas-Hanukah break and that will sew thing up for the first half.

It's been a fun series. Participation has been pretty good, but we could use more boats. I know the water is still down just a bit as it hovers around 1058, but there are boats still in the water. Come on out.

And Remember! There is no fee to race. Your sailing club has already covered that. So go tell the spouse that you are going to save some real money for the shopping season and go racing.

Plus, the dirt-up after the race should be pretty good. Rumor has it that Randy Phillips, local sailor and Mandy & Randy toy-maker (shameless subliminal hint to those looking for the perfect baby gift), will be hosting the food. Which, as he tells me, should be pretty awesome and in good supply. That just makes for another good reason to get out of the house and go sailing!