2021 Labor Day Regatta
September 4-5
Lake Norman Yacht Club, Mooresville, NC
Sailing Lake Norman’s Labor Day Regatta had been my plan since 2020. I had hoped to do it after being there in 2019 and enjoying the July 4th Regatta.
We had quite the skilled race committee for this event in that they decided to watch or postpone Saturday as there just was little breeze. they went out and checked a few times to confirm it just was not worth it Saturday. Meanwhile back on land we took time to check out each other's boats. Some measured jib lead positions and others took photos of the pulley mechanisms for the center board. We even shared our toughest sailing stories. Then close to three or so we all decided it was five o’clock somewhere.
So on Sunday when we all had higher hopes and predictions for better wind. We were blessed with some 4-6 knots in the morning and then later about 8-15 and varied for the afternoon. Six boats showed up and six came out. Our starting line was quite wide for the six boats so generally we just had to put our nose near the start line at the right time and try to be competitive in our tactics. The line was quite square until later in the afternoon.
Chris Hennon had a new crew, Serena and he wanted her to enjoy sailing so she would come back. He chose to forgo a kite and as the weather picked up too much he would sail in. Honorable and smart I would say.
Katie Richardson and crew on Ja Jette had a good first race. Then early in the second race their jib and forestay attachment totally pulled out of the bow area. That took her and her crew out of the races for the afternoon. Luckily there were enough motor boats around to help out in getting back after they had to lower their main for safety of the mast. This year after having the jib halyard break last year I am hoping our jet family will lend them moral support and help as they work through the challenge of resolving this
Second and Third place generally alternated between the teams of Tom Grace and Paula Pachenko alternated with Lenny Wells and crew Teri Fosmire. The end result was that Lenny took second and Tom took third. Fourth went to Ba Nana sailed by Bruce Sampson and crewed by my wife Paula Michaud who had no idea she would be out there racing. She was expecting to do some sailing photography and saw a need to help fill a crew space in the name of more competition.
That leaves Jet 1136 Red White and Blew was there for the ride and was prepared to be pushed. I got to have one of the best crews ever, my son. We had the honor of first place. We only sail once in a while together but I really enjoyed having him help and when the winds kicked up some that confidence, experience and weight really paid off. The afternoon really had a good bit of necessary hiking. The winds varied from“sit in the boat” to “get out here and hike” several times. Looking forward to some more fall racing in these Jet regattas. My plan next year is to focus on getting to the Board Dash / Bash in late September, when I hear the breeze is a bit more consistent. The venue is beautiful and the comaraderie is excellent.
Ernie Michaud
Jet #1136
