Here's what I saw, but I too want to hear from Mike.
We moved the venue to Middle lake because the wind was forecast to build to beyond our limits and the race might have had to be cancelled. Seemed like a good call because there was plenty of wind in Middle but not too much.
We set the course with a 50 ft offset at the top mark and a gate into which you enter at the leeward end and could go right or left. The idea for both of these additions is to minimize the congestion of boats at the marks as discussed at our Brunch.
So the wind was maybe 10-12 at 10:00 and everyone seemed to have a good start. Some of us caught a starboard tack wind right in the middle of the lake that actually lifted us above the layline for several seconds at a time. As we began to work our way up I kept crossing with Mike and Glenn, sometimes ahead, other times behind but always pretty close. I believe Mike was first to the mark then me then Glenn. The downwind was all fun, stay in the dark streaks that were coming down the lake and you were fast.The second time up it was apparent that the three of us had some separation from the fleet and were looking good. Mike and I were very close the whole time up. During the next two legs I saw no one but Mike, he was the one to beat today. The third time down I caught a black streak early that he didn't catch and I passed him. So we are going for the gate I'm a bit ahead with only one more leg to go and I'm to the left and should be able to cover him and take the win,,,then we look back and the entire lake had turned into one big black streak, complete with whitecaps. I yelled at Mike I think we should finish here :). We rounded and headed up . I was on port, vang on hard, traveler almost all the way out and heading up. Remember those lifts I mentioned earlier on the first tack, those that lifted us above the layline,.. well those same winds on port tack move from 45 degrees front of you to directly over the beam, so I'm hiked out working like hell to keep it flat and next thing I know the wind shifts to and I'm swimming. I hadn't dropped the windward board yet so I need to get it down if I have any chance to get this thing up again. But then Bill shows up and lifts the mast and after a struggle I'm back in the boat and we're going again. A few boats passed but we're still in this thing. Or so I thought, in just a few seconds I'm swimming again. Bill helps me up but I'm exhausted and can barely get back in the boat, need more upper body workouts I guess. I finish in 10th I think. Jack also took a tumble, on the downwind, probably got the nose down, that can be a real experience we'd love to hear his story. I also heard that Jim lost it just before the finish. a story there too no doubt.
Mary Lou told me later that she and Bill were side by side in their respective vehicles and looked up to see the massive black water heading down the lake. She said to him Bill, I think you're going to be busy.......
Many thanks to Bill who not only was up at 7:30 to help set the buoys but did his rescue think in very trying conditions. We are so fortunate to have him in our club. Then he went on to serve brats at his place afterward.
Thanks to to Joe and Bunny for a well run race in trying conditions.
And a big congratulations to Mike for a hard fought race and a well deserved win.
Due to keeping the gear at Bills instead of here, I don't have the results yet. Maybe Joe could post them.
Thanks