Today we braved some funky weather forecast which called for rain and thunder storms and the possibility of a weather window for a few hours so that we could launch our J30's and Hunter 326's.
Bleary eyed Chicago Sailing staff met at our workshop on Diversey at 6am to drive up to the Wisconsin/ Illinois border where we keep the boats during the winter at the Great Lakes Naval Base. Things did not look good as we were driving up, it was dark, cold, wet, windy and there was lightning ahead of us... we were not even sure if we could launch the boats even if we wanted to.
Luckily for us the weather broke and we actually got some blue sky and sun, it truly was amazing. We prepared the boats for launching and soon they were in the crane and ready to be splashed.It was not long before our crew arrived on the train from Chicago.
We had about 12 sailors that joined us for the trip. When they took the train from Chicago there was a big thunderstorm about to hit but they elected to make the trip anyway in the hope of some good weather and a great first sail of 2007. They were not disappointed!
We set off into what we thought was a southerly wind of about 15knots, this meant that it was right on our nose and it was going to take us quite a while to sail the 30 miles back to Chicago (the dinner plans were being put on hold!!). After about an hour the wind started to clock round to the east which suited us perfectly as we were able to sail on a close reach all the way to Chicago. It was glorious sailing, and not even cold. We were well prepared with thermal underwear, down jackets and wet gear and we did not even need them. What a perfect start to the season.
Here you can see Chris Oles trimming the main on Traveller and Jen helming as we were sailing down to Chicago. Chris and Jen were part of the to brave the Chicago thunderstorm and take the train up to meet us at Great Lakes. Thanks to Chris for remembering to take along a nice case of beer for the trip... it was a welcome addition to the crew!!With the good winds we ended up moving along quite quickly and arriving at B- Dock in Belmont at about 5:30pm- YUP! - we too were amazed. Amazed at the wonderful first sail that we had, amazed that the weather cooperated so well and most of all... amazed that we did not freeze!
Chris summed it up brilliantly...
"It was one of those perfect sailing days that you
talk about for the rest of the season."
Cheers,
Chris
The first of many we are sure...
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