American Yacht Club
Rye, NY
Yet again, another fantastic event. It has been four years that I have attend to the HPDO, and each and every time we were blessed with an amazing organization and weather.
Talking of weather, we were more then sever. It started on Saturday morning with a NE of ±18 knots. We were all wondering if we should launch from the beach on the east side of the yacht club. First to be up there, Mr. Tallguy! When we saw Blair put is boat in the water, the wind increase at around 22 knots and the direction was way upwind in the small breach between the rock from that beach. So we all convince him that he shouldn’t go out.
And then begin the worst chicken fight ever! Everybody got suddenly scared to go out… Except one. Greg that was coming from another club a bit more north. He was there, won easily the first race. I was getting angry not to be out there, but it wasn’t my boat so I couldn’t argue really. But after a couple attempt, YES we are going out! We made it just on time for the start of the second race. Wow the close fight, 2 boats.
But the funniest was to come. After seeing us, Greg and the crazy Canadians, on the water, two other chicken decided to give it a try, Mike with the Ronstan rocket and Tallguy with his MKII. The only thing, halfway from the YC and the race course, the committee decided to cancel the rest of the races. I had a smile on my face at that time! So we were heading back to shore in those massive waves (the only other time I saw big waves like that was in Belgium 2008 F18’s world). Greg turtled his Capricorn and destroyed his main sail (sorry mate). He even needed extra help, so Mike gave him his crew. We waited with Mike a bit but when we saw rescue boat coming to help Greg, it was time also for us to go to shore cause it was getting nasty out there (gust up to 32 knots). I must admit, it was at that time that I got impress. Mike bringing the boat back by himself. Just doing the bear off, Tony and I were scared as shit. Sorry Tripp but I think Mike doesn’t need you anymore!!!
Next day, wind was a little bit less (20-22 knots diminishing to 18-20) but still with those humongous waves. We had three races that day. Fortunately we had more people on the water that day. The biggest lesson we learn that day, go read the freaking panel on the committee boat for the number of legs to do. Anyway, even with that mistake and a capsize on the another race, we managed to keep our advance (oh yeah cause a lot of the others chickened out the day before) and won the event!
Was great to see all of guys again. Some will go do the Americas in Sarasota and others the Catacup in St-Barth, so good luck to all!
Maxime Loiselle
