2026-06-13 The Early Bird Gets the Wind!

 

Waiting for more wind!

The forecast for today was East wind, and Temira's advice was go early.  Most of us arrived at Stevenson round 9:00

Robert and I were the first out, both on 4.5 wings.  I was on my Swift with the 909/375 Foil.

As usual in Stevenson, it took a while to get going, but once I got out past the point there was lots of wind.  I could probably have been on a 3.5 for most of my session, but there were some lulls so I was quite happy on the 4.5.  I had fun chasing Robert around and using him as a jibe marker when he fell.  He is progressing very quickly.  

I'm not sure why, but most of the others took their time coming out.  Cam and Cynthia were next out and joined us upwind by the red buoy.

John was one of the ones who got out early and had a great session!

I sailed for about 20km and then the wind started to lighten up...  as usual for me, I did one reach to many, and ended up slogging all the way home.  Robert had caught a gust and beat me to shore. 

Kent and Ross arrived around 10:00, thinking the wind would build through noon.  Kent was just heading out on his 5.2 as I came in.  Unfortunately he had missed the best wind.  He did get going, but was never fully powered.  Interestingly he said that his top speed in the light wind and on a 5.2m Sail was the same as when he is really powered.  The wind continued to slowly die, so even Kent had to slog home.

Ross was making it work on his 7m, kite, and had fun, but said it wasn't very exciting in the flat water.  I think Ross can always make it work!

Al went out on his 6.5 m, but just couldn't get going, planing only once for a short distance.

Not quite enough wind for Al

Everyone got out, and everyone got a few rides but it was a disappointing day for most.....

Once everyone was back, we sat in the sun and enjoyed our lunch.  As is normal for Stevenson in an east wind, when you are standing on the shore, it looks windier than it is....  I don't know how many times over the years we have been suckered out, only to end up down wind... only to look at the water, convince ourselves it is windy enough, go out again and get even further downwind.....

I'm not saying that Cam and Cynthia are suckers, but they decided to try it again.  

Cynthia took out her dad's 5.2 Sail, and Cam took out a 6m wing and his "canoe" board - long and floaty.  

Cam walked his gear out past the pier, then turned to organize his board...and his wing drifted away from him..... he had forgotten to attach his leash!  Fortunately he was able to chase it down before it got to the rocks...  Also, fortunately, we all saw the action, which provided some good comic relief at Cam's expense..

Cam - attaching his wing leash after chasing down his wing...

Both Cynthia and Cam had a few good reaches, but they really had to work for it, and spent a lot of time slogging.  The wind was definitely better earlier in the day.

It was a beautiful sunny day and quite warm, so there was little to complain about, even if we didn't get a whole lot of sailing.  We all did get lots of practice slogging in light wind!  Not our worst day by far!

After getting back to Hood River, we had a lazy afternoon.  There was a big "meeting of the minds" on the next door condo's deck, which is in the shade.  All the world's problems solved, or at least some of them...

Almost everyone picked up takeout BBQ from Lilo's Hawaiian BBQ.  Blaine said it is his fifth time this trip!  The food is excellent and the price is very reasonable!  Highly recommended!

Blaine

Big Air Jim

Cynthia






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