On June 28, 2024 we converged on Kerr Lake near Henderson, NC for a routine club series weekend event.  The wind forecast for racing was weak, only 2 Weta’s were attending, and it was going to be hot during some portions of the weekend.  It turned out to be MAGICAL! I was so caught up in each moment that I didn’t take a single picture.

The weekend began with a productive practice session on Friday in 8-12 knots of Breeze. Bill and I took our Wetas out for a great practice sail, experimenting with different downwind setups. We developed some working theories about downwind planing speeds and when to go “hot” and when not to.  The easterly wind was very similar to the Sunday of East Coast Championships.  It was very interesting to confirm the wind patterns we perceived just 2 weeks before.  The evening was marked by Bill's culinary skills as he grilled burgers at our campsite, setting the stage for a weekend of both sailing and socializing.

Saturday started with anticipation, but racing was delayed due to light winds. Undeterred, Bill and I anchored our Wetas and conducted some practical experiments, measuring hull displacements by positioning ourselves at different points on the boat. This provided valuable insights. We then ventured out in the light, steady breeze of 3 knots to test various light wind sailing theories.  Several of the other 13 boats also joined us on the water.

Despite us all trying to will the wind up, the Race Committee (RC) eventually canceled racing for the day. However, this didn't dampen our spirits. We returned to shore and enjoyed a magical social gathering with fellow sailors, indulging in hot dogs, fruit salad, potato salad, and chips with salsa—all without plates, adding a rustic charm to the affair.  Being sailors, we were creative as some made plates out of folded tin foil.  Others used plastic lids.  No one was deterred from eating.

As the day progressed, we noticed that the breeze had picked up to a steady 4-5 knots. Seizing the opportunity, Bill and I went back out on the water to further refine our light wind sailing techniques.  Bill managed to take an unplanned swim while transitioning from an ama to the trampoline. This should be interesting we both thought. It was a little, but Bill climbed back aboard like a ninja and I recovered his floating shoe. With both Saturday sessions we spent a total about 5 hours on the water improving our light wind working theories. The time in between sessions was great for discussing what we had learned and making adjustments for the second session.

The evening culminated in a delightful pop-up potluck at one of the campsites. The event began with a floating bar (a paddle board) as several of us gathered around it in shoulder deep water and discussed all things sailing. About twelve CSC sailors joined us for a memorable meal, filled with delicious food and lively conversations. We shared stories, made new friends, and basked in the sense of community that sailing fosters.

The wind built overnight, filling us with encouragement for a good day of racing. The day before, the RC moved the start time up by an hour to capitalize on the favorable forecast. We managed to get in two races before the wind died down. The racing was intense and rewarding, making all the practice and theory testing worthwhile.

After a hot and busy boat breakdown, we packed up and headed home. The weekend was a blend of learning, racing, and connecting with fellow sailors, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Do I wish there would have been more Weta’s? Yes.  Do I wish there had been more wind? Yes. Do I wish there had been more races? Yes. BUT it was a very fulfilling weekend on and off the water.  It was one of the more productive sailing knowledge gains that I have experienced with Dragonfly in this our second year together.  This magical weekend was a testament to the joys of sailing—where every moment on the water, whether racing or experimenting, is a chance to learn and grow. The camaraderie shared with fellow sailors and the unforgettable experiences made it a truly special event.