Patience is a Virture

Yesterday's wind conditions proved that patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to sailing.  At the beginning of our second practice start, the wind died.  While it was tempting to throw in the towel and call it a day, all of a sudden the wind shifted 180 degrees and came rolling up the Rappahannock and resulted in ideal conditions for our first race day.  Our speedy mark boat crew led by George Kuper with an assist from Tom Armstrong quickly reset the marks making it possible to squeeze in one race...and a well contended race it was!

The five women teams sailed nicely.  In the lead was Venturi until the very last split second at the finish line when Ty Affair pulled a brilliant (and very sneaky!) maneuver making a port tack to break through the finish line.  Well done captain Kuper!

The official results were:

1. Ty Affair:  Danielle Kuper and Lisa Shivers (and w/o a coach!)
2. Venturi:  Stephanie Chaufournier and Pat Julian with Coach Tom Watkins
3. Kestrel:  CJ Carter and Amy Groh with Coach Gary Hooper
4. Radio Flyer:  Sam van Saun and Lisa Watlington with Coach Mike Kennedy
5. Ladybug:  Alison Jayne and Sabina German with Coach Ned Crockett

Kudos to the ladies new to our fleet - Sabina, CJ, Pat, Amy, Sam and Lisa W.  - well done on your first day out...especially to those who were racing for the very first time!  And nice sailing to veteran sailors Alison, Lisa, Danielle and Stephanie.

Special thanks to our coaches - Tom, Gary, Mike and Ned - for the excellent guidance.  And to our supportive Race Committee led by PRO Lance Franke, George Kuper, Bruce Julian, Tom Armstrong and Charles Fulford.  Thanks for making yesterday's race possible!