Caesars Freezer 2012

Today marked the end of the 2012 sailing season in the Okanagan with the annual running of the Caesers Freezer regatta. We were very fortunate to have the only day without steady rain in the forecast all week. Mostly cloudy skies and 10 to 15 knots out of the South had the fleet off racing with record speed. We were very happy to have another closely matched boat in regards to speed with Peter W's Opposite Lock joining us for the quick sleigh ride down hill. We played the center of the lake heading North downwind with the majority of the fleet staying close to the West shore. We had great pressure and hit planning speeds into the 12 knot range several times on our way to Lake Okanagan Resort. We rounded the leeward mark 4th just behind J and just ahead of GR. We were quickly overpowered with our 150 Genoa up and did a lot of sailing sideways before settling in with a partially furled headsail. The 150 is great for light air but is a major pita in bigger breeze like we had today. We tried to pick the shore with less pressure to allow us to remain in better balance and made way for the Eastern short on our trip back Southbound. Approaching Bear Creek the winds had backed off considerably and we were able to shake out the reef and hang in just behind J and GR. the bottom on our boat must be in need of some attention as we were a constant half knot below our hull speed. We finished 5th just behind GR and ahead of OL. I have decided to keep Litonya for at least another season and make a few more go fast upgrades to see where that takes us. She still has lots to teach me. Thanks everyone for a very enjoyable 2012 sailing season and once again, see you on the start line in March.

M