Saturday:

Saturday Weather

Sunday:

Sunday Weather

going…

Going…

GONE!

 
Now you can show your friends what it looks like when you encounter a dark weather front out on the lake…

This picture captures the ghostly tendrils descending from the gray skies where a gap in the cloud cover is indicated by sunlight highlighting the phenomenon.

The distinctly gothic elements of the cloudy overcast, dark water, and architecture of the distant Chicago skyline on the horizon on a cold and gloomy November afternoon contrasted sharply with Roy Disney’s “Morning Light” sailing documentary playing in local theaters at the time.

Photograph shot on Saturday, November 15, 2008.

after racing 100’s of miles…

Fog 26219, Stingray 250 and Tango 258 – Beneteau 36.7’s

racing within boatlengths of each other through Grays Reef and Straits of Mackinac

…and only miles to go to finishing!

www.first367.com

another great day

long courses well-chosen to provide more racing, amidst rapidly changing conditions

spectacular views, interesting weather challenges

more later

another great night

more later

Mooring cans in secret location are covered with snow, destined for Monroe Harbor as the weather warms.

Photo gallery here

Photo by Scott Berry, as seen on WGN Weather Center Blog

Hungry finches visited many boats returning to Chicago on the third leg of the Tri-State Regatta this year. The animated birds seemed very friendly, sometimes landing on or near racing crewmembers. Hopping around the boat, the little birds brought good cheer and happily ate tiny insects and pesky flies.

The finches were occasionally joined by bats. Our boat had several bats swoop by. One took a break by clinging upside down on the jib, while another one flew to the boom gooseneck and disappeared into the boom. He could not be seen anywhere inside, but outhaul adjustments or tapping the boom did not seem to disturb the heavy sleeper. After docking the boat in the harbor and night fell, the furry stowaway decided to come out and flew away.

Recognizing the nimble agility, light weight, and insect-eating abilities of the little finches, we decided to recruit them as alternate crew. The slow race gave us time to train them with the necessary basic skills to fill all crew positions on the boat. Take a look at the finch crew pictures here.

Stay tuned for Chicago Mackinac race photos, coming soon…

The day began under postponement, due to light wind conditions. Beneteau’s rafted to swim, socialize, pass the time and share cold beverages.

Program sports the most expensive, yet very stylish, fender in the Beneteau 36.7 fleet (and the envy of many wishing for a quick beer run to cool their thirst).

Wanda effortlessly displays her light-air performance, breezing past the rafted Beneslow’s. Wanda, a Viper 830, was ready and eager to race in conditions when none of the other boats on the course could possibly get up to starting speed.

Impetuous successfully tows a water-skiing crewmember.

The attention signal from the RC called the boats to the starting sequence, concluding the fun and frivolity of pre-race postponement activities.

In contrast to the relaxation and recreation earlier in the day, racing was very competitive in mild winds and flat water ideal for sailing. Here, the entire Vayu crew concentrate their focus and determination during a tight crossing.

More pictures in the complete (unedited, bulk upload) photo gallery:
http://www.sailfastchicago.com/2007ChicagoNOODRegatta_Day3CourseB

Chicago Beer Can Racing (Monroe) – June 20, 2007 pictures are online.

The weather was fantastic, and the sunset was amazing…

Tough call by the race committee to shorten the course in light air, cutting racing short on such an amazing night. The wind filled in as boats finished, which would have easily allowed more racing to finish the full course. The unpredictable winds of summer evenings in Chicago on Lake Michigan could just as easily have stayed light, so it was probably a good decision. The boats that were enjoying themselves stayed out longer, to enjoy more sailing and the usual Wednesday night firework display off Navy Pier.

http://www.sailfastchicago.com/20070620_ChicagoBeerCanRacing

2007 Chicago NOOD Regatta Awards & Party pictures are online.

http://www.sailfastchicago.com/2007ChicagoNOODRegatta_PartyPictures

News:

Day 1: Beneteaus Boom in the (Not So) Windy City
Day 2: If You Wanna Win, You Gotta Find the Wind
Day 3: Laser Sailor Wins T-10 Class, First Overall

Final Results:

2007 Sperry Top-Sider Chicago NOOD: Final Results

Photo Galleries:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Here’s some of the events that you can look forward to seeing online in days ahead (as quickly time permits, given our busy schedule):

2007-04-29 sailboat delivery, river trip, mast stepping at Columbia YC – photos
2007-05-09 foggy Dusable Harbor, Chicago Police rescue dive training – photos
2007-05-09 Columbia Yacht Club Beer Can Prep School – photos
2007-05-27 LMSRF Area III race dock prep, boat return – photos
2007-05-30 Columbia YC Beer Can Race – HD video
2007-06-02 MORF race -sailing with new crew, no photo/video
2007-06-03 LMSRF Area III race – HD video
2007-06-03 LMSRF Area III race return, rainbow, wildlife – photos

We usually shoot while racing and actively sailing, rather than as bystanders, which provides a fresh and exciting perspective compared to more static viewpoints. Of course, it has special challenges because of our other simultaneous crew responsiblities, but we get it worked out.

(click photo to enlarge)

Here is a familiar and welcome sight!