BROAD REACHERS

It’s been a quiet month for sailing for the Broad Reachers!! The lack of wind, too much wind, or extremely chilly temperatures have kept the girls off the water. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate in the months to come for our upcoming FWSA Interclub, Captain’s Race, our annual Sail to Hotel Zamora for lunch, and maybe a trip out to Sand Key.

Back in November, we sent two sailors to the FWSA Championship down in Sarasota to sail in 420’s. We’re proud to announce that Marti Cochran and Dee Gill, sailing for the Broad Reachers in the non-spin category, finished in second place. They had 1719k winds gusting to the mid-20’s. Marti said they were in survival mode. Three boats did capsize and one boat never left the shore.

January weather was not kind to the Salty Sisters for Sailing. Co-Captain Valerie Massengill tried for several weeks to get some practice and racing in for the Annual Maggie Mug in Ideals. The first Wednesday, Valerie reported that six Ideals left the dock and eventually made their way out to the bay only to be abandoned due to 1.1 knot winds. The following two Wednesdays, there was no wind or too much wind, so many sailors practiced handling spinnakers at the dock. Other education classes were held in lieu of sailing and the various classes included race committee, tactics, some basic rules, and learning flags. The classes were taught by PC Sherrie Welch, PC Kathy Ahern, PC Gina Bowden-Pierce and Helle Getz. The last week PC Barbara Watson finishing up by teaching a wonderful knot tying class.

On Wednesday, January 18th, the Broads hosted the FWSA General Meeting with 72 participants from nine other Clubs. Broad Reacher 1st Delegate, Gloria Davis and her volunteers did a marvelous job planning and preparing for the meeting.

Valerie Massingill and Katie Rodgers handled the registration, Joanne Simmons along with Carroll McClain (Mainsheet Mamas) handled the re-gifting table (all proceeds going to the FWSA Young Woman’s Sailing Award), and Marti Cochran with Susanne Boohar handled the raffle tickets. Guest Speaker Dr. Scott Rubin DC, DACBSP, talked about things we can do to maintain and heal our bodies.

Come join us for Saturday morning for some fun sailing and racing. You can participate as a sailor, race committee, or safety ashore. For more information about becoming a Broad Reacher, contact Carol Hansen at Carol@dband1.com.

by Bob Frazee, President