Last summer I was lucky enough to participate in the Opti Sabot Exchange with Riverside Yacht Club in Connecticut. Since then, I have been very interested in Opti’s and have done several Opti regattas. On June 21 through 23rd I decided to take on the Heavy Weather Regatta at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.
The first day of the regatta was a beautiful day in San Francisco and I was ready for an exciting day of sailing. I was a little nervous because of the expectation of high winds and big waves. The Heavy Weather Regatta typically lives up to it’s name. I got out on the water and started hiking immediately. I got to the weather mark doing really well in the race. But I death rolled, and by the time I finished bailing I was freezing cold and couldn’t go any longer. I went in. Although I had practiced and worked with coaches to prepare for this regatta, Southern California provides few chances to practice in similar conditions.
On the second day I finished one race which was an accomplishment for me and an improvement over the first day. I started the second race but couldn’t finish the race. The cold and conditions were as tough as the regatta’s name implies.
On the third day I finished all of the races. Conditions were much lighter and my ability to handle them had improved a bit each day.
This regatta was a great learning experience for me. I learned a lot about heavy winds and big waves. This has given me a new perspective on sailing. The windiest of days here in Southern California seem like easy sailing after experiencing the conditions in San Francisco.
I am really enjoying sailing the Opti. The opportunities to sail in different conditions and places have provided me with a great deal of new knowledge and understanding about sailing. I can’t wait for the next Heavy Weather Regatta. I will bring another year’s worth of learning with me and hope to finish all the races with good results to represent BYC. Thank you to MSSF for their continued support.
Jack Joslin
BYC Jr. Race Team