In yesterday evening's race, we finally beat a Tornado!
My 18 year old son and I race in a mixed fleet (2 minute starts separate the 505/Fireball, Albacore and Catamaran Fleets) on the Ottawa River out of Nepean Sailing Club. Typical diamond-sausage course, usually three races of about 25 - 35 minutes each, depending on wind.
On the way out to the start, we saw a 'not seen before' Tornado screaming along at nearly 20 knots. My first thought was that once again, our SX18 was destined for a dismal last place finish.
However, last night, we really had everything dialled in, and in the 2nd of 2 races, we beat the 'not seen before' 1974 Tornado. What a thrill, every tack was good, our downwind was working great, my son had fun on the wire when we were beating, and the teamwork was perfect.
Later, over refreshments, John the Tornado sailor, sadly admitted that his re-built Tornado has a bad leak, and he took on a huge amount of water. While he has my sympathies, I bought him a cold beverage and thanked him for allowing us to say 'we beat a Tornado'.
_________________ 2015 H16, with spin, SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..." 'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'
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