Post by Windydoug on Jan 7, 2009 11:48:03 GMT -5
I have been watching the winter weather come across our area with more intense interest than in years past. The reason is, I managed to get out on Irodequoit Bay with Rick for a little winter sailing session.
Okay, I tried to pique your interest there.....The session was on the Bay...on the ice. Rick and I were both out on homemade "Skatesailers" or "Freeskates"...depending on who you ask. It was a blast. The Northeastern corner of the Bay is frozen all the way across with some varying ice conditions. Some is black and smooth and some was bumpy chunks frozen together. Other areas had a bit of a crunchy crust from snow while it froze. Ice thickness ranged from 3-5 inches.
If you haven't seen one of these boards before think long skate board (50-60") with wide trucks and 15 inch blades attached where the wheels go. A couple of our new sailors down in Ithaca have one as well and may be out doing the same....haven't heard from them.
Anyhow I am hoping that the rain that is coming down today helps to smooth some of the rough spots out and that the new surface freezes before the snow can slush it up. If so it should be pretty good sailing. Lots of wind in the forecast.
On Monday it was bowing 10 mph and we were out on 4.7-5.2 and when the wind was steady we were nearly doubling the wind speed. I nailed most of my jibes (not yet possible on the water) and all of my tacks. Dan is sitting on a couple of these boards that I am going to try to get a hold of to put blades on. Let me know if you are interested in giving it a shot sometime.
WD
Okay, I tried to pique your interest there.....The session was on the Bay...on the ice. Rick and I were both out on homemade "Skatesailers" or "Freeskates"...depending on who you ask. It was a blast. The Northeastern corner of the Bay is frozen all the way across with some varying ice conditions. Some is black and smooth and some was bumpy chunks frozen together. Other areas had a bit of a crunchy crust from snow while it froze. Ice thickness ranged from 3-5 inches.
If you haven't seen one of these boards before think long skate board (50-60") with wide trucks and 15 inch blades attached where the wheels go. A couple of our new sailors down in Ithaca have one as well and may be out doing the same....haven't heard from them.
Anyhow I am hoping that the rain that is coming down today helps to smooth some of the rough spots out and that the new surface freezes before the snow can slush it up. If so it should be pretty good sailing. Lots of wind in the forecast.
On Monday it was bowing 10 mph and we were out on 4.7-5.2 and when the wind was steady we were nearly doubling the wind speed. I nailed most of my jibes (not yet possible on the water) and all of my tacks. Dan is sitting on a couple of these boards that I am going to try to get a hold of to put blades on. Let me know if you are interested in giving it a shot sometime.
WD
