The Atlanta Boardsailing Club

"High Speed Stories of Tasty Sailing Adventure"
Volume 7 No. 10 November/ December 1996
(C) Chris Voith 1996

Featuring these Hot Stories

Fall Classic- "Delicious!"

by Chris Voith

Eighteenth Annual Regatta Features Big Wind

I had an idea she was up to something pretty great when I called Cheryl Zeman on the Wednesday before our fall regatta. She said almost everything was all set with the food preparations and that she was "just doing a little baking". (That turned out to be quite an understatement). All the usual suspects had volunteered to help and I had what I thought would be a great race committee together. Thursday night the forecast was updated and it looked like good wind (albeit a little chilly) for Saturday. Things seemed to be coming together... except for one small detail.

Plans to rennovate the beach and campground area had been in the works for several months. Suddenly on Monday, bulldozers were there pushing a lot of dirt around. Thursday afternoon they were still there, no sod had been laid and the forecast was for rain on Friday (in advance of the cold front). I envisioned a giant mud-hole and fifty or so less than happy campers. I'd helped with some of the planning for the area and knew it would be great when finished, but could it be done in time? The LLSC Rear Commodore, Chuck Weaver, assured me that the landscapers would have the sod down in time. Friday at lunchtime they were still laying sod, but by late afternoon they were done, sort of. They'd run out of sod and there were big areas of bare dirt still exposed. But mostly it looked pretty good, and what an improvement! That wasn't the last we saw of Chuck and his wife Julie, for the weekend. They were instrumental in the Saturday night feast as well. (More about that later).

The forecast was right on, except not much rain on Friday night. Saturday was ideal; a little crisp in the morning and great wind all day. Cheryl had breakfast for fifty ready. Registration ran like a well oiled machine thanks to Gregg Cattanach, Pam Barron and Ginny Ferguson. Then a quick skipper's meeting and we were off to the races.

We started out with the Olympic trapezoid course for the first race then the old "M" course that works well when it's windy. It was windy. We measured a pretty steady 18-22 mph most of the day. A long lunch break,while the committee was occupied with a foundering Hobie, was welcomed by most competitors.

The competition was intense and marked by some very untimely equipment breakdowns. Kevin Osburn made an impressive return to racing in the Open Class. He was ahead by more than a leg in race 1 when his mast poked through the top of his luff sleeve leaving the top of his sail half way down the mast. There was his throwout. Kevin returned in race 2 and 3 to pick up two convincing bullets, another breakdown in race 4, put him out of first place contention. Except for those equipment problems, even a casual observer would say Kevin dominated the fleet.

Dan Burch and Carl Arrigoni had there own battle in Open Class. The winner of the two would win not only the regatta, but one of them would repeat as State Champion. It came down to the wire. Carl was up on Dan by two points going into the final race. If he beat Dan, (or lost to him by no more than one place), Carl had it wrapped up. You could see they both wanted it bad . Both of them were pumping hard and making each other work for everything they got. Ultimately it might have been the pumping that did Carl in. The giant boom on his 9.5 broke under the strain giving him a DNF.

Meanwhile in the Sport Fleet, the grand master, Pat Nugent continued his domination with firsts in every race but one. Ginny "the 'P' is for Pregnant" Ferguson managed to edge out Pat in a dramatic finish for Race 5. After a great tacking duel on the final upwind, Pat looked like he had her covered on his last tack just below the finish line. But when he faltered slightly, Ginny saw her chance, pumped up under him and took First by inches.

Ginny and Jim Tafel had a great duel for second place as they alternated finishing places in Saturday's strong wind. (Ginny vows she will show Jim no mercy in the spring race, even though she will be in her 8th month!)

Laura Chambers who came up with the Shell Point contingent (14 sailors) and continues her steady improvement, finishing fourth in Sport. I believe this is just her second season of racing... she's pretty impressive (and a good sailor too). Also from Shell Point and other one of Joe Reid's minions, was Gerald Myers who sailed great but unfortunately confused the starting sequence in all of Saturday's races and left with the IMCOs. He recovered amazingly on Sunday and did well enough to take First for the heavyweight class in Sport.

Scott Spreen was livin' large in Saturday's wind. I think he was disappointed that the IMCOs were not on the same start with the Open Fleet so he could race straight up with them too. It would have been interesting. Chris Halaschek whose summer training at Beth Powell's really showed, was plagued by equipment problems on Saturday. He came back on Sunday with a vengence and posted three Firsts. It wasn't quite enough to put him the trophies, but watch out for Chris in the spring!

The Workshop Fleet didn't sail Saturday. Instead they took a boat out to get some tips on what was happening on the water and why. Steve Schmidt did a terrific job with this enthusiatsic group. Young Jamie Park made a strong showing in the Workshop Fleet, finishing Second behind yet another Shell Pointer, Sarah Kelly.

Food is always a key part of these regatta weekends in Atlanta since there's no place to eat that is convenient to the race site. The '96 Fall Classic had without doubt, the best meals ever. Saturday night's London Broil with Bernaise sauce, wonderful side dishes and a killer dessert, has to top the list of great dinners. Cheryl orchestrated her crew including Chuck and Julie Weaver, Jerry Zeman, Ginny Ferguson, Toni Dey and Roy DeVoss to feed the hungry masses of wind whipped sailors in grand style and almost made it look easy. She managed the rest of the meals for the weekend, (that's FIVE meals each for FIFTY people!) and smiled the whole way! THANK YOU, CHERYL!

Roy DeVoss also wore a race committee cap all weekend. His wife, Lana pitched in on Sunday. LLSC member, Larry Adams and Commdore Tom Wynn helped on R.C. too. Alastair Donaldson,who was nursing a back injury lent his boardsailing expertise. Gregg Cattanach and Steve Schmidt handled the scoring. Fred Dey was invaluable not only on the committee, but also as the primary sponsor. He lined up some really choice door prizes (not a single key ring or coozie in the pile) from Neil Pryde, Mistral and H2Optics. Scott Spreen provided a rum tasting bar for Saturday night as well as a keg of beer. Marthasville Brewery donated a Keg of their great Sweet Georgia Brown Ale. Jonathan Jewell again did a wonderful job with the notice-of-race, trophy and shirt designs. The very popular Henley-style fleece shirts were sold out even before registration (another small order of shirts will be ready just before Christmas­ call to reserve one).

By any measure, the Fall Classic was a big success (even if I do say so myself). Thanks to all those that so generously helped and to everyone who came to sail and party. Let's all do it again in the spring!

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Missives from the Man with the Mission Statement

by our Exalted Visionary Leader
(This month, I'm eschewing military motif titles and going with a corporate theme. Please refer to me as "Exalted Visionary Leader" or the "Hallowed Enhancer of Club Membership Value".)

- Maybe its the difference between spring and fall but recently I've gotten quite a few calls from prospective members who, instead of being new to the sport, used to windsurf but haven't in a few years. Is it the approach of fall winds that has piqued their interest? While we always enjoy bringing new folks to the sport and club, we shouldn't forget the large number of people who used to sail but somehow have let a few years get between them and the last time they were out. You probably know one. Remind them of the fun and bring them out.

Speaking of new members, it's apparent that a lot of windsurfers in Atlanta simply donıt know that we exist. Sure, we put notices in the local papers, etc. but the fact remains that we miss people who should know about us. Do you have any ideas that would help get the word out? The best idea by the Christmas party wins you a neat piece of sailing gear.

- Make plans to attend our Christmas Party on Friday, December 13. Like last year, Chris Voith has been kind enough to arrange to make the old control tower at Peachtree- De Kalb airport available. This is a really neat spot has a great atmosphere and view. We'll have beverages, munchies and the always amusing White Elephant Gift exchange. We always have a good time and even if you don't know many people in the club (or anyone, in fact) youıll enjoy it. Forget the regattas. Forget the clinics. Forget the meetings (most of you do anyway, yuck, yuck). Come to the party. Yule be glad you did; I guarantee it. (What's the White Elephant Gift Exchange? Bring a gift of either something you recieved in the past that has never made it out of the box or something cute, endearing or mildly silly to share. It doesn't necessarily have to be related to windsurfing. It can be nice or tacky. It could be something you would want for your own or something you have no use for whatsoever. Still confused? 404-237-1431)

- Southeastern Racing Series is Back! We mentioned earlier this year that several clubs, including ours, were working on a racing schedule for 1997. In the past, such series were often dependent upon a title sponsor which could result in great visibility, such as Tudor/Mistral, but also carried the liability that if the sponsor went away, the series did too. As a response, we and Shell Point have begun to establish a framework that would depend upon the clubs, ourselves, and US Windsurfing. While at this time it is highly likely a major sponsor may also join us (which we would love), the series will occur and continue even without one. Joe Reid of Shell Point has taken up the charge and is impementing the actual structure. If you have questions or comments, phone or email me.

A nice dividend of this effort is greater communication between clubs and more joint social and non-racing activities. Ever had the hankering to sail across Mobile Bay? Did you want to party in Jacksonville? Stay tuned.

- On March 22, our club will host our first Dam to Bridge Long Distance Charity Sail on Lanier. This is not a race but a club sail where we have fun and help others in the process. If you know of a specific organization that would be worthy of our efforts and blisters, please call me. This should be a lot of fun but we'll need the help of lots of you- whether on or off the water.

- Do you have an old small sail you hardly ever use but don't quite want to sell? Next high wind day, throw it in the car/ trailer/ truck anyway. Inevitably this time of year, our newer members show up at Van Pugh wanting to take out that shiny 6.5 that worked so well all summer plus itıs all they own anyway. But, it's usually on a day in which the rest of us are getting hammered on our cambered 5.5s. Do them a favor. Chuck them your old 4.5 for the day and let them enjoy it. This year, I've helped four different people stay on the water having fun instead of ending up at the Chestnut Ridge campground (downwind of Van Pugh). Itıs a great way to help newbies appreciate your experience and wisdom, and the virtues of belonging to the club.

- You, hey you...You know who are. The board is starting to gather dust and cobwebs in the garage and youıre thinking about letting your club membership lapse. You used to have a lot of time before the kids came along but now... its different (don't I know!). Before you do something hasty that youıll regret on your deathbed consider a couple of things.

First, this is a sport that you'll still be doing 40 or even 50 years from now. Who do you think really has fun at Hatteras sailing in the fall? The retirees. They all can afford the good houses and equipment; and their jibes are wired. Do you want to spend your golden years playing shuffleboard? (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) Yeah, things are tough for the next few years but then theyıll grow up and go to college. Then what will you do for kicks? Second, think of your children. If you want them to be involved in outdoor activities, you gotta show 'em the way. Do you want under-aged drinking, personal watercrafting hellions as your progeny? (Again, not that there is anything wrong with that.) Don't let them turn to the dark side. Show them the enlightened path. Already, windsurfing's second generation is taking to the water and they are good, very good. Jamie Park and Chris Halaschek were ripping it up at the fall regatta and making their folks very proud. But then again, you could get enough from selling your board to buy your kids Doom III, Doom IV and Doom V, etc. Get the picture?

- Hatteras was fun this year despite the spotty wind. We had another great group totally lacking in wind whiners. We got up a great game of rotating 3 on 3 basketball one afternoon that had us all wheezing and exhausted. Longboards came in handy for beautiful sunset cruises to the channel. Our credit cards were worn thin at the local windsurfing shops. And to top it off, when it blew, it blew. On Wednesday, we were all holding on to 4.5s with our eyelids peeled back. Because of the house's location on the water, we sailed from sunrise to sunset and in one day alone sailed a month of Saturdays at Van Pugh in warm waist deep water. Was it worth the drive? I'm already making plans for next year. Many big thanks to Glenn Tanner for making it happen.

- One day at Hatteras, we were discussing the ideal body type for windsurfing. Letıs see... long arms help in water starts and in hanging on the booms and extending your body away from the sail. Agility is always nice, if only in clambering back on the board. Strong feet to grip the board and keep in the foot straps. Hmmm..... does this sound like one giant leap backwards on the evolutionary path?

- www.notes: Our site continues to grow. We have directions and descriptions of all the hot local spots, as well as some neat places nearby. If you are looking for new launches check out Lake Juliette, Clark's Hill and Hartwell. In the right conditions, these places can be better than our tried and true Van Pugh. Also coming soon, check out our club history. We would like to add an Email directory. Send your address to wfragakis@aol.com and we'll make sure that you find out about club events first. Again, it's http://www.commandcorp.com/atlanta.windsurf/

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Member Profile- Joseph Stanley

by our Editors
It wasn't easy getting a profile for this issue. We originally had asked Jonathan and Wendy Jewell to answer a few questions for us. They are an interesting couple, if for nothing else, they've lived on three continents. Jonathan has been the ace behind the great graphics for this year's regatta trophies and the hot Fall Classic shirt. Well, Jonathan's life got a little too interesting. I was getting worried about getting his profile in time when he phoned. "William," he croaked, " Sorry, I haven't called. I've just gotten out of the hospital. I had my appendix removed." Well, I can't tell you how dismayed I was when I found out that he elected to have the operation performed under general anesthesia. If he had a local, he could have easily taken his laptop in the O.R.
So while Jonathan's scar heals and he and Wendy head off to Alaska to visit her parents (see, he does lead an interesting life) for Thanksgiving, we've asked another club graphics guru, Joseph Stanley to pinch hit. Joseph is one of the club's "second generation" sailors. While many of us learned to sail in the 80s glory days, he learned when boards no longer weighed 40 pounds and booms clamped on. Lucky guy.
ABC: Describe one of your most memorable sessions.
JCS: One of the reasons I windsurf, is because ALL of my sessions are memorable. Although, if I have to select just one memorable session, I'd have to say it was my first west coast wave sailing experience. Last spring I was lucky enough to attend the Waddel Creek wave sailing competition in California along with one of the competitors Brian Caserio (Mark Eberhart had introduced us).
Central California set the stage with clear blues skies, and a strong side shore wind. The Pacific Ocean delivered large and nicely shaped logo high waves, topped with white cap candy. Capitalizing on the awesome conditions, pro level windsurfers were looping, and catching serious air like it was going out of style. Meanwhile, Brian had so graciously set up a rig and board for me to sail. It so happens that the board Brian let me use, is his "Bunny Board". I've seen pictureıs of Brian doing some incredible maneuvers with this board in magazines and videos such as Spring Loaded. I was thrilled to get to ride this particular board in such as great place.
OK, so I've had a little experience with waves, "yeah, the Georgia coast"; enough said, I was a not an expert by no means. So there I was, standing among all the pros with board & rig in hand, and all suited up for my march down accross the beach to the cool Pacific. Funny thing how the waves seem smaller from the bluff above, because they certainly were not small in person. I waited for a big set to pass and then assumed the beach starting position. With everything in place and more then enough power, I initialized myself into the Pacific Ocean with an instantaneous pop onto a ripping plane. OK, feet in straps: check. Hook in harness line: check. Look forward: "Ahhhhhh", a white water surge twelve o'clock! [shrooom-whoosh] I made it over the first white water surge! Still picking up speed, I noticed the first unbroken wave building ahead, and had to wonder if I would made it in time. The race was on . . . I got closer and closer, while the wave got bigger and bigger. Closer and closer; [BAM! SMASH! whoosh] The wave crashed right on top of me and buried me under tons of white water. I kept the death grip on the boom, and about the time I desparately needed air, I popped to the surface in time to water start and make another run for the outside. Once again on plane toward another wave, I realized that I actually might make it in time. Sure enough, just in time for my first pacific ramp! Ready or not, I was about to get big air by force of no choice. [swooop . . . ] I was airborn into a feeling of silence that lastest seemingly forever, only to be broken by a rude awakening that my landing was going to be totally out of control and earth bound like lead. [SLAP-SPLOOSH] I hit the surface with a great impact, and yeah my seat was surely stinging, but what a rush I made it to the outside! Once on the outside, I could only think about the Waddell Warning of "big fish"; believe me, this motivates grease lighting water starts. Once on the outside, I watched the pros execute one perfect carved jibe, and duck jibe after another as I ripped further and further into the open sea. I realized that, I too, would have to attempt a jibe soon enough. Being that my jibing ratio is 1 success to 100 attempts I was reluctant. Finally, while attempting the perfect jibe I crashed as expected. Again, with the rather "large fish" lerking about, I water started very quickly!
Now was the time to seek out the perfect ride, so I began to sail inward just at the right time to catch a building wave. As the wave built, my speed increased until I had to start to turn in order to stay on the wave; and before I knew it, and to my total joy, I was actually riding my first Pacific wave! Yes, I actually sucessfully rode my first pacific wave all the way in.
ABC: Now, how about one of your least memorable?
JCS: While on land carrying my board! Last summer I was walking around the back of the Econo Lodge in Tybee Island, GA with my board on my head. I had the board situated so the fin was pointed upward and ready to catch any second story balcony available. So as I turned the corner behind the lodge I happened to walk under a second story balcony; my fin immediately hit the deck, stopping the board and causing my feet to fly out from under me. My body rotated into a suspended horizontal position. Then, gravity pulled me flat to the ground. Looking up, my board seemed to hang (like any good jumping board) in suspension exactly where I left it. (ABC: Does this remind you of when Wile E. Coyote looks at you briefly before plunging into the canyon folowed by the boulder?) It then swiftly landed flat on top of me, only leaving my arms exposed on each side. Being summer, there were plenty of people around to view this ridiculous event. Luckily, I only got the wind knocked out of me, and yes, I was quite embarassed.
ABC: So what do you do when not performing comedy at Econo Lodges?
JCS: Watching the Weather Channel (but of course), bowling (just kidding), finding code violations within my house (not kidding), and driving on I-285 (yeah, right). But for real I enjoy, skiiing, scuba diving, surfing the web, and sailing my Oıday Day Sailer II.
ABC: You seem to be a gadget kind of guy. What will the next big breakthtough in windsurfing technology be?
JCS: I have a couple of things in development back at the Skunk Works. A touch of the button automatic self rigging sail that features a plus and minus button on each side of the boom to control the sail surface area size while sailing. This should be in production by fall. And still on the drawing board is a board that floats over land, like the "wheel-less" skateboard featured in Back to the Future II.
ABC: A lot of single sailors say that windsurfing helps with the dating scene. Do you have any tips for others?
JCS: I have a large 10.0 that bring my Explosion to plane when others are slogging.
ABC: Right, Joseph (wink, wink). 'Would you like to come back to my place and see my big 10?' I think most women see through that like new monofilm. What do you say when strangers ask you why your surfboard has straps on it?
JCS: Like Stimpy says, "yooooou i d i o t".
ABC: We loved the footage of Van Pugh you brought to the last meeting. We hear that a famous Hawaiian (R.N.?) saw it and is considering a trip out. Do you have any tips for him?
JCS: Here are some hot tips for Lake Lanier: - When sailing the Iceburg regatta at Lake Lanier this winter, wait till you canıt feel your limbs before attempting a body drag. - When trapped on Lanierıs version of "Bozo Island" don't attempt a winter night lake crossing swim without Mark Eberhart. He knows the way. - Avoid playing chicken with motor boats with Tim Carter. - When the 11-Alive chopper lands at Van Pugh, trying to find out who executed that perfect forward loop they have on video tape, it's local custom to tell them your name is Joseph Stanley.
ABC: Well, Joseph, let's keep up our streak of non-native Atlantans profiled. Where were you born?
JCS: New London, Conn.
ABC: Many thanks Joseph, and a speedy recovery, Jonathan.

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"But what if I don't want to go that way?"

by William Fragakis

Among the highlights of our wonderfully successful fall regatta was the entertainment. Chris and I talked beforehand and dismissed the usual suggestions ranging from live music to guest lecturers expatiating on poet Sidney Lanier's "Song of the Chattahootchee" (thus, the lake was named for him and not some pork barreling senator). On the morning of the regatta,Chris slyly smiled and pointed out a clause in my commodore's agreement (the Columbia House Record Club clause) that said I, as president, had to either race in one regatta (and thus bring mirth and joy to the spectators) or buy twenty CDs of lambada music at the regular club price of $19.95 plus shipping and handling. Since I'm already a member of the Time-Life Lambada-a-Month Club, I strapped Chris's IMCO to my feet and strode into the wind-churned waters of Lanier. So, what's it like in the world of daggerboards?

1) For all of you short board shredheads, it's harder than it looks. First, while I spend many a quiet summer day zipping around on my plastic battlecruiser, the USS HiFly, raceboards are ill-mannered steeds who gladly rail up at the first sign that you are gaining either confidence or progress on the race course. Second, any mistake in technique usually ends up in a swim. Unlike shortboarding, your friends do not wait for you or ask if you need assistance. No, the heathens sail on, exposing your mistake with the yawning and ever-widening gulf between them and you.

2) Racers never engage in the most time-honored ritual of windsurfing. When they first drive up to a launch site, they do not jump out of the car and yell to all, "whatcha riggin?" (Trans.: What is the appropriate sail size for today's conditions?) If it's blowing 2 or 32, they still put up the same thing, the 7.5 (or 9.5 for the mucho macho in open unlimited class). Nor do they down rig when it appears that their choice is a bit suspect as they drift, windblown, towards Cuba. Instead, they have adjustable outhauls and downhauls. That rope you so securely tie off? They believe that the ability to pull it a little harder while sailing will prevent them from looking like a stage prop from "Twister".

3) Unlike a proper sailboat (of which I spent some years racing) raceboards have no rudder. While this seems obvious to you, for the neophyte (me), manuevers in tight quarters that I used to do with aplumb now are measured in geologic rather than human time. Which leads me to...

4) It was bad enough that I couldn't go where I wanted to go when I wanted but I faced a new problem. Sometimes I had to go where I didn't even want to go. Shortboarders enjoy the freedom of calmly flying to and fro (which usually means back and forth on the same beam reach) and turning only when approaching land or imminent danger. Well, during a race I was asked to go UPWIND. Shortboarders NEVER go upwind as a matter of principle if not religion (Do I correctly recall that the Fourth Crusade was about the Christians not wanting to sail upwind from Jerusalem?). If we wanted to go upwind, we would have started there. I even used a slalom board in two races and took it where it has never gone before- upwind. It gave me that same pained and embarrassed look the waiter at "Pano's and Paul's" gives you when you order a cheeseburger.

But wait, there's more! Then I had to go downwind. Not just bear off, mind you, but straight down wind. Sailboards were never intended to go straight downwind. If they were, they would be 12 feet wide as well as 12 feet long, and as you held the sail in front of you, they would have countered the weight of the mast and ungodly heavy 7.5 sail that threated to pull you to one side. Would you walk a tight rope using a balance pole that had 12 lbs of wet monofilm hanging off one end?

5) You have to read the sailing instructions. Why? Sometimes the race committee likes to play Monte Hall and "Lets Make a Race Course."
"Now, William, the finish line is either behind buoy number one, number two or number three. Which is it? Number three? No, I'm sorry. Not only do you not finish, we'll score you as if you hadnıt even spent the last half hour of your life falling in and uphauling to our eternal amusement. We'll pretend you were never here at all and score you that way. But as a consolation gift, we'll give you a one point better score than all the people in the club house who are laughing their kiesters off watching you." Thanks, Monte. I mean I'll just as soon read the racing instructions as read the fine print on an auto lease, ask for directions when Iım lost or let that tourist from South Georgia merge in front of me on the Perimeter.

6) An endless number of sweet and well meaning people come up and ask you if you are having fun. This reminds me of when I lived in Chicago and on frigid sub-zero mornings, the office clown would ask me, "Is if cold enough for ya?" Do I look like I'm having fun or is it something about my drowned rat appearance you might have mistaken?

Well, I did have fun. And like before the spring regatta, where I promised that you would learn a lot by racing, I did. There really are a lot of nice people not only competing but willing to help you learn and enjoy the experience. Give it a try in April if you don't already race. Remember, we have workshop fleets for beginners and sport fleet for the more experienced. Me? I'll be visiting an aged, house-bound aunt in North Carolina that weekend, whatever weekend that is. I hear she might have an old IMCO for sale.

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Attention All Women Windsurfers

Attention all women windsurfers: Jackie Greaner (last month's profilee) will be hosting a get-together at her home from 4 to 6 pm, Sunday, Jan. 12. This is a great time to meet other women sailing partners, mentors and travel buddies. 404-266-3572. I urge you all to attend. It will be fun and will make your sailing much more fun.

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Dan Burch Repeats as State Champion

Congratulations to Dan Burch who edged out Carl Arrigoni in the State Championship Series by just one point. Gregg Cattanach was, as always, in the chase and finished three points back in third.

Youıll recall the scores are based on the inverse of your class score. For example if you finished first in a class of seven, youıd get seven points, second place receives six points, etc. Sport Fleet points are halved. Novice Fleet points are one third.

Scott Spreen was the first IMCO sailor in the ranking with 9 points in only two races. Watch out for Scott in '97 as well as Kevin Osburn who looked really impressive at the fall regatta.

Next year, things are bound to heat up with a lot of renewed interest in a series and more races on the regional calendar. Top Ten Georgia Racers

  1. Dan Burch
  2. Carl Arrogoni
  3. Gregg Cattanach
  4. Scott Spreen
  5. (tie)Chris Voith, Eddie Brodeur
  6. Kevin Osburn
  7. Ginny Ferguson
  8. Bob Zuill
  9. Franz Halaschek

Welcome to our newest members:

We now have 74 individual or family memberships.

IMCO Fleet One - One Design News
One Design to the Third Power

Dan Burch, Fleet Captain
First there was the Superlight ($1050), a nice floaty board, 260 liters, 35 pounds and just over 12 feet long with a funky spring-loaded fin that looked like something from the Barbie Surf Set. Fast in light air and challenging in 20 mph or more, it set the standard for One Designs. With only a 6.3 sq. meter sail, no cambers and no carbon, it made a huge impact on windsurfing. It was the largest One Design class in the world. For years it reigned as the best production, race and free-style board you could buy. But sliding mast tracks, clamp-on booms and foot straps made the old Superlight (1984-1989) obsolete.

Enter the second generation of Mistral One Designs, the IMCO ($1400). The International Mistral Class Organization board weighed in at 34 lbs., 235 liters and once again, just over 12 feet. But there the similarity ends. It came with all the bells and whistles that you would expect from the board that dethroned the former champ. It featured a planing hull, identical to the race-tested Equipe. There was a full quiver of sails available (5.2, 5.9, 6.6) each with full battens and two cambers, an adjustable mast track and more. It seemed like a hot-rod compared to the Superlight. The clamp-on boom could be adjusted to fit any of the sails. You did however need two masts (265 and 295cm) to properly rig the sails. The flex-tip aluminum masts worked well but were priced as high as the lighter and more high-tech carbon masts that were then available. The sharp rails made the board go upwind pretty well, but not nearly as well as the Superlight. In a good breeze, the IMCO could smoke on a reach, having foot straps and an adjustable mast track.

Things were rolling along pretty well for the IMCO as former Superlight owners made the switch. But heavier sailors wanted more sail area to power the planing hull and soon a 7.4 meter sail was made class-legal. This was followed by an excellent True Ames fin and finally carbon masts were made class-legal. All of these improvements, combined with a license to pump and hit marks, made the IMCO an exciting class in which to compete. The pinnacle for IMCO came when it was chosen to replace the esoteric Division II board for the 1996 Olympics. It served very well in Savannah and will repeat for the 2000 games in Sydney. But Mistral has a new idea, one to boost longboard sales and create a new sailing class.

At the USWA-Mistral Nationals in St. Petersburg, the third generation of One Designs was introduced. The Superlight II is 260 liters, 35 lbs and once again the length is over 12 feet. Overall, the package is a pleasure to rig and sail. The 6.4 sail has one camber and works well in a variety of conditions. A carbon mast and a slightly improved boom complete the rig. The mast track is a big improvement. Gone is the rope and pulley system from the IMCO. Instead a slotted bar, similar to Fanatic's, makes positioning the rig secure and easy. An adjustment will have to be made to prevent the track pedal from closing down. This locks the track in place and requires reaching down and lifting the the pedal back up. (It should be simple to remedy this problem).

Two questions seemed to keep coming up whenever discussions about the Superlight II were held. One is when they will let us pump in the Superlight class. You can pump with it in any other class but if you choose to sail in the "Classic Sailing" fleet, no pumping is allowed. This makes novice sailors feel less intimidated about competition and also makes the racing more tactical. Don't look for pumping to be made legal anytime soon.

The other question is, why don't they offer a bigger sail, like a 7.5? Well I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I think Mistral knows that it wouldn't be good for the new One Design to blow the doors off the Olympic board. With a bigger sail, the Superlight II would definitely be faster than the IMCO. Also, keeping the sail size down appeals to most new sailors. According to Mistral's marketing Director, Andy Church, the Superlight II ($1699) is selling at a much faster rate than the IMCO ever did. I had a blast racing the Superlight II in St. Pete. Of course, lots of wind never hurts a regatta. I barely had the urge to pump. But when when the wind drops I would want a bigger sail... Are you listening Andy?

Here's where I go out on a limb and predict that the Classic (non-pumping) Fleet will replace the Sport Fleet. Many Sport Fleet sailors will move up to rejuvenate the Open Class. IMCO will begin to fade away after the 2000 Games only to be replaced by a 260 liter, 28 lb, 12 ft. board with a 6.8 and 8.5 sail. The price? I donıt think Andy would even try to predict that!

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1997 Elections: Lead, follow or Get out of the Way

by Chris Voith
We will elect new officers at the January meeting. This is your chance (turn) to serve. It can be highly amusing and think how great it would look on your resume to have assumed an awe inspiring and powerful position... like one>

Transfer interrupted!