Official Results
My first Nationals...
This was my first National competition at any RC sailing event. Friday was practice day at the Bridgeway Lakes venue (which was absolutely beautiful). The winds were high and the sailors slowly trickled in to start setting up their boats and getting some initial experience with the lake winds. I was impressed with the willingness to help fellow sailors tune their boat (I've only been sailing RC for 10 months). Before my boat even hit the water I was taken through a full tuning of my boat by Bob Spraker (Tuscon AZ). I was fortunate to RV camp out with 'Satch' Tom Yarbrough from our club every night and he gave me great advice on racing tactics as well as telling me some great sailing stories.
Saturday was the first official day of racing and it was clear that we were amongst the best of the best! There was lighthearted banter prior to each race but as soon as the clock started it was game on. The winds were moderate and some of the finishes were less than a boat length apart. It was great to meet up with everyone for dinner at the local specialty burger joint to share sailing stories and advice for the next day of racing.
Sunday was a light day of wind so everyone had to be on their game. Even with all the intensity of the final day there was still plenty of comrodery amongst the sailors. I had so much fun watching both the boats and their skippers as they took advantage of every small puff of air!
Overall the experience was fantastic and I can't wait to get out on the pond at our local club and start practicing for the next nationals!
Bert Duvoisin
