Thanks.

Can you put a "TAKEN" sign on it and I'll make arrangements for the Halloween Regatta.

I'll get that fresh water bath at Lk Jackson earlier that month...can't get too many baths to cleanse the boat of the salt and sand grit <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

There are actually two sailors considering new boat options. Both are "empty nesters" without crew and are looking for a versatile boat. Also a very good F17/18 square sailor to compete (and convert) with. A F16 showing would give a very good impression. I'll get out more info. Got to www.birminghamsailingclub.org for a tour. Great camping spots and ammenities.

I will point out that it is the weekend before the Alter Cup qulaifier in Gulfport, FL.

That is going to make participation problematic

Wouter

Yep. I am afraid it has pretty much wiped out the fleet from the South.

The bigger problem is that this is Hirams Haul weekend. What you really should see if you can pull off is get those guys to come down here for that. Part of the Harken series, but an easy distance race down the intracoastal ending at Capt Hirams beach bar. Great party place and a sail back with BBQ to close it out. No logistic issues involved, everyone is pretty much trapped there, and did I mention great party! It was my first race when I moved to FL and deffinitely one of my favorites. There should be at least a few Blades sailing in it.

Matt

Made the first long road trip with the new trailer this weekend. The boat seems to ride a lot smoother when supported by the beams. The hulls don't bounce around at all. I guess that is a good thing. Still want to put the double rollers back on the rear for loading and move the axle forward for better balance.

Oh, and i got my a$$ handed to me in Navarre Beach <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Results?

Never saw a complete results list, but am still looking. I asked to be put in the "big boy" fleet Friday night. The RC had me in the middle fleet with no other spin boats. They agreed as this was just a fun regatta. Our class was made up of 3 ARC 22s, 5 or 6 I20s, 2 F18HTs (Bim), 1 F18 (Nacra, not Infusion) and me.

Saturday was an approx 35 miles round trip distance race. First half dead downwind and second half straight back up. I was actually doing very well until we made the halfway point and turned to come back upwind. Not too far behind the ARC 22s and I20s (ahead of 1 I20) at the halfway point and ahead of both F18HTs and F18. Light conditions really favored the 1-up F16 under spin. Upwind the 18s quickly passed me as I was having to foot off 5 to 10 degrees to keep the boat powered up. Corrected out to 3rd in fleet, I think.

Sunday were windward-leewards with the same story. Struggled upwind and became overpowered downwind. Not confident enough to sail under spin from the wire. One ARC 22 and the F18 capsized in the first Sunday race.

I was kind of surprised I did not correct better Sunday, due to the capsizes.

Fleet was won by B Newkirk (I20), M Kelly (ARC 22) and K Newkirk (I20). All very good sailors, so I probably did not deserve any higher a finish (although both Newkirk's were behind me after Sat).

Upwind problems related to too much prebend in the mast. Could not get the luff of the sail to be efficient. Not as much effect on Sunday as I was depowering anyway. Obviously going to have to make some changes.

The F18HTs were absolutely flying in Sunday (Edderer and Murray). Those boats were scary fast in mid to heavy wind conditions (59.3 Portsmouth rating, ouch).

LOL! That ain't a a$$ whippin'. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I'd say you did okay, considering the company you were keeping.

Felt like it as the two F18HTs and F18 passed me like I wasn't there.....It was a good group of sailors and a fun regatta. I'll get them next time. Arrrrgh.