PSU sailing: Gorge Invite etc.

Hey Team,

   Finally summer came around for the Gorge Invite hosted by PSU, and the last collegiate regatta of the season.  Saturday started out with little to no wind but by afternoon it filled in to a consistent 10-13 knots and we were able to get off 4 races in each division before we ran out of water and sunscreen.  After racing James Acton ('07 graduate) and sidekick Tucker X put on an amazing Southern barbeque which caused several people to put off graduation until after next year's event.  Following dinner awards were presented to the NW All-American Sailing Team.  Congratulations to all who were selected including our very own, Captain Stevi Driver, we salute you! 

   Sunday began with plenty of wind in the 13-18 knot range; well short of what the Gorge can dish out but absolutely perfect sailing weather.  There were plenty of great wipe-outs and very close races.  I must point out the excellent sailing and seamanship of Adam who not only handled the weather but kept his boat upright and singlehandedly rescued his crew after he fell out when the hiking strap broke.  Also Julia and Katia who have a combined dry weight of 104 pounds, but handled the boat like prose; charging the line like a mastercard.  And of course Tyler who took a boom to the face and kept on sailing.  Don't worry Tyler fans he is still pretty but now with a cool scar.

   Thanks to Kyle Eaton for once again postponing his life so that we can have a top-notch PRO and also thanks to the CGRA for rounding out the race committee and providing buoys, boats and fuel.

   It was a great year of college sailing and I want to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication. Without everyone on the team it would not be possible to accomplish as much as we did.  From last August until now I have seen the skill and confidence of every sailor grow along with lower scores.  Next year is going to be great; and though I am against animal cruelty I won't promise that any huskies, beavers, ducks, cougars etc will not be harmed.  And finally, thank you to Bill Symes for another year of great coaching; you are in my head every time I move the tiller. 

   I hope that everyone will find some time to sail and try a few club races over the summer; we should have a schedule out soon.  We will continue to sail until the end of the school year on our Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule and would like to have a Saturday sail with the new people soon.  Enough for now I will see you all on the water.

-Josh