Norman Reid Team Race

Just a few minutes after report time, a southeasterly puff filled on the previously glassy waters of Mystic lake. Sailors scrambled to their larks as RC rushed to adjust the course which had been arranged for the forecasted westerly. Alas, by the time the first race had started, breeze had collapsed on the right side of the racecourse, leaving several boat-end starters becalmed. By the time the pin starters were roll tacking their way up to mark 1, the flags on the bottom reach and at the finish were completely still. With no viable path to the finish, the race was abandoned. After a lengthy on-the-water postponement, a thin strand of pressure filled from the south, but never connected fully to the north end of the lake, and before RC could finish shifting the course, that puff collapsed as well. Thereafter the fleet postponed ashore. The course was shifted again for a patchy westerly puff, which collapsed in a similar fashion as the final mark was being pulled into place. As the afternoon dragged on, it became clear that the mystic was caught in the seam between a battling weak sea breeze and weak westerly, and racing was abandoned for the day. Thanks to the competitors for their patience, to the Jumbos for lifting larks with alacrity despite the dubious outlook, and especially to Greta Traver for volunteering to be marooned on the motorless finish boat. Hopefully we will have better luck tomorrow!