|
From the south shore of Lake Erie - by
Chet Bates US 1476.
With all the changes over the past three years it seems high time we update your
information concerning the very active Shark fleet here at the Dunkirk Yacht
Club. Our Shark fleet now numbers six boats with three more slated for launching
in 2005.
We sail as a fleet twice a week most of the time with a few weekend races
bringing that up to a three days of competitive racing on holidays. Seldom is a
shark left at the dock for lack of skipper or crew. To help insure this, the
welcome is always out for other club members to sail on our sharks, to feel the
adrenalin rush of one design racing, or to just sharpen their sailing skills.
Without knowing it, we were duplicating the current trend of short windward
leeward courses. Our emphasis has been on several very short races Thursday
evenings, saving the longer races for Sunday afternoons.
Most of our boats are berthed in slips. That affords us the opportunity to sail
from and back to them without need of the iron wind. Amazing what can be done
with 24 foot boats and aggressive crews that truly believe a shark can do just
about anything. We have also had some scheduled man-overboard practice and some
real incidents that were not scheduled, but that’s another story. It pays to
remember that the sea calls the tune and we only dance to it.
Four Sharks from our club crossed Lake Erie for the Sugarloaf Regatta held off
Port Colborne. The Canadian boats bested us, but that was probably because our
boats were not accustomed to Canadian water. We expect to return in 2005 with a
bit more experience under our belts. I have already been asked how much farther
is the Buffalo Canoe Club and if they have regattas? You can’t hold a good thing
back.
Dunkirk harbor has a boatyard with a travel lift and the city operates a boat
ramp for those able to launch from their trailers. Come sail the south shore of
Lake Erie with us. Visiting Sharks from other Yacht Clubs are always welcome at
the Dunkirk Yacht Club.
Chet US 1476
|
us
