The stress filled process of measurement, weigh in, sail checks etc are over. It took the better part of two days for us to get all our measurements and check ins done, I was impressed with how thoroughly they go over every inch of the boat, sails, hull and sail cards, insurance, etc. Boom, mast, spinnaker pole, every hull dimension, every last wing nut on the bulk heads, even the length of the hiking line on the console. All are checked. The boat weighed in at 1523 kg, just a few pounds more than when she was weighed when made in 2001. Just about average for the competing boats. The check of the safety gear was impressive. They even had a template to assure the paddles blades were of the correct square inch size and length! They even checked the length and diameter of the tow line. You all know me, I had done this myself preparing over the last year. I was amazed at how many boats we have competed against over the past few years at major regattas that had paddles too short, or anchors without a proper chain, or PFDs without whistles. I hope the Chicago West Marine was well stocked. You must select only 5 sails for the entire regatta, and they are precisely measured. If they fail, they are placed in Quarantine, and you don't get them back till after the event.
Seems like we are building a reputation for having a good inventory of tools and spare parts. All day long its was:"can we borrow your dremel, can I borrow your drill, do you have a 1/4 20 tap and die", etc, etc. 1199 is sailing with one of our spare Jib C/Forestay/sealing block assemblies, 1313 is using one of our spare TackTick compass brackets. Must be something about being from Maine that people think you are prepared and willing to help out.
We launched on Friday, and I had the honor of sailing in a "mock" race, designed to expose some of Chicago's inner city kids to sailboat racing. The two kids who sailed on VooDoo Too were Jesus and Alida, ages 14 and 16. What nice kids, very polite and excited. It was the first time Jesus had been on any boat, of any kind. and Alida's first time on a sailboat. They had a live camera on Andy Beadsworth's boat and the event was shown on the local ABC new channel 7 affliates nightly news. It was an honor to participate. Even though we didn't win, Jesus was on the helm as we crossed the finish line and got our horn and wave from the race committee. We pumped our fists and high 5ed, just as if we had won the America's Cup. Yesterday was the practice race, with all 85 boats out. They gave us 4 starts, where we went through a full sequence, then they post a general recall about 5 minutes after the start so everyone came back and we did it again. Finally on the last one they let us go. We thought it was another practice start and we were OCS, so waited for the General Recall and it didn't come so we kept racing. Glad it was practice. We had a good day, the boat seemed fast at times, our crew work was solid, and we picked up some good technique at sailing though the tricky lake chop that is so different than ocean seas.
Now today is the big day. I can't tell you how anxious I am. The weather call for fair skies , but fairly light breezes of 7 to 10 knots. Whatever the conditions we'll be ready to give it our best shot. First warning is scheduled for 11:30 Chicago time or 12:30 in Maine. Check out the etchells worlds website, (link through http://www.etchellsworlds2008.com/Results.aspx). Give us a cheer and throw us a little love, we certainly can use it with this competition.
Best regards Ralph
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