Wednesday night we all ended up dropping our masts because of storm forcast for that night that could bring 60mph winds. There were some DNS and DNF over the higher wind days. Several folks decided to come in or not go out in the higher winds. On Tuesday neither Ken or I finished a race because of line problems. Ken's trapeze line broke and my traveler line split where it had been whipped together. Eric had a DNF the first day because he flipped and was separated from his boat (these things really move fast when they are on their sides). There were two broken masts that I know of, another mast had the tang ripped out and was repaired the same day. Woody Cope had a broken side stay. All the boats were back out sailing by the next day.

The NA regatta for next year is planned for Cascade Locks. This is a wider, milder spot than Hood River. It is my favorite spot to go sailing. Several National and World events have been held there for small boats. You can check it out by going to www.cgra.org (CGRA stands for Columbia Gorge Racing Association). I think there are links to photos of our A-Cats racing there during the One-Design regatta in August.

I've heard stories about the H-17 regatta in Hood River. I used to own one of the white Gorge sails (much smaller). Sounds like an epic event.

Mike Wallace
USA #128
Vancouver, WA