Well, it’s officially on in South Hampton Roads. The winter frostbite got off to a great start with 11 sailors rigging up and nine boats taking the line for a 5-race series on the Elizabeth River near Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.
Fall favority Neil Ford had his way again, with four firsts out of five. And he has your narrator to thank, too, for surrendering the lead on at least three occasions due to poor leeward mark roundings. YOU’RE WELCOME. Neil really worked the 13-knot breeze that packed a lot of shifts and puffs coming down the course – and fought his way back from a tough start to take second in the fourth race.
And for once, it really felt like winter, with temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s. Fortunately, the chop was light with the shipping terminal providing a bit of protection from the northerly breeze.
A notable performance was turned in by junior sailor Conrad Roos, who really got in a groove. Keeping his boat very flat, getting good starts and defending his position smartly, Conrade had consistent, high finishes all day to end in third.
Race veteran Mike Moore also had a stellar day, and sacrificed the first race to help another sailor get in the water. If he had started, he likely would have had a top three finish. Thanks for the support Mike.
I would like to extend the group’s thanks to ODU for use of the Lasers and facilities. This series would not happen without you.
One last thanks to my son Ian and Monica and David Tunnicliffe, who kept score and kept the line square.
For those keeping score, here are Sunday’s results: DNS was scored as 10 (nine plus one). Any errors are mine, and I will be happy to correct them. Here’s Ian in his official Race PRO Moose Hat.
Onboard Video by Richard Biggs:
Pre-race onboard video by Robert Suhay:
| Sailor | Race 1 | Race 2 | Race 3 | Race 4 | Race5 | total | |
| 1 | Neil Ford | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 2 | Robert Suhay | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 13 |
| 3 | Conrad Roos | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 17 |
| 4 | Mike Moore | 9 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 21 |
| 5 | Grey Kiger | 4 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 25 |
| 6 | Graeme Alderman | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 36 |
| 7 | Eric Roos | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 36 |
| 8 | Glenn Atherton | 7 | 6 | 9 | 5 | DNS | 36 |
| 9 | Richard Biggs | 6 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 37 |
| 10 | Andrew Molitor | DNS | DNS | DNS | DNS | DNS | 50 |
| 11 | Frank Patch | DNS | DNS | DNS | DNS | DNS | 50 |
ILCA-NA District 11 