Photo by Scott Berry, as seen on WGN Weather Center Blog
Category: Photos
-
2007 Tri-State Regatta:
Finches Make Good Crew
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.
HelmMore Photos: 2007 Tri-State Regattta finch crew photos -
2007 Chicago Mackinac Race photos
Stay tuned for Chicago Mackinac race photos, coming soon…
-
Chicago 2007 NOOD Regatta:
Day 3, Course B Racing pictures2007 Chicago NOOD Regatta racing pictures from Day 3, Course B:
http://www.sailfastchicago.com/2007ChicagoNOODRegatta_Day3CourseB
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
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
-
Chicago 2007 NOOD Regatta:
Awards & Party pictures
2007 Chicago NOOD Regatta Awards & Party pictures are online.
http://www.sailfastchicago.com/2007ChicagoNOODRegatta_PartyPictures
-
Chicago 2007 NOOD Regatta:
Sailing World coverage
2007 Sperry Top-Sider Chicago NOOD
Sailing WorldNews:
-
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 OverallFinal Results:
Photo Galleries:
-
2007-06-03 LMSRF Area III Long Distance Classic Race
(click any photo to enlarge)
Tony Bowker’s Wings returns to Chicago after racing.
John Dybas observes mixed cloud formations over Chicago affecting winds over the race course.
Bright sunshine behind ominous dark clouds over Chicago generated interesting race conditions throughout the day.
A brief, heavy rain after racing gave way to a spectacular rainbow off Chicago’s Navy Pier.
A pair of geese has nested at the end of the Columbia Yacht Club pier. One of the geese stands guard (pictured) while the other nests (out of view). -
Multimedia update
The 2007 sailing season is well underway, and we’ve been busy documenting some of the activities with photos and video. It will take some time to sort through the media we’ve acquired, and we’re exploring different options for streamlining the workflow.
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 – photosWe 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.
-
Hello, 2007 sailing season…
(click photo to enlarge)
Bring it!Here is a familiar and welcome sight!
