Susan Rogers

Regrettably, an uncharacteristically stable period of calm settled over the Finger Lakes region for the duration of Saturday. An extremely localized northerly wind began to fill in the mid afternoon, prompting the regatta organizers to launch the fleet in anticipation of a brief racing window. After a period of on-the-water postponement, winds peaked and sustained readings were measured across the course from 4.5-5 knots. Racing commenced, but by the end of the final run, winds had dropped to 2 knots. However, the race was not abandoned because of the highly consistent angle of the Cayuga northerly, which ensured that no significant lead changes occurred after the wind diminished. After the race, sailors returned to shore just as the wind dropped to zero, and Cayuga’s waters glassed off for the remainder of the day.

With airflow stagnant overnight, it seemed impossible that another racing window could come and go without some change to the weather system. Unfortunately, the stagnation persisted, and although teams made good use of their on-shore postponement with studying, socializing, and plenty of lawn games, there was no opportunity to race. The race committee took wind readings as a few fleeting catspaws danced across the lake, but the anemometer never read more than 2 knots. Thanks to all the competitors for joining us for the Susan Rogers ’75 regatta, honoring the two-time team captain, Mid-Atlantic champion, and pioneer in Women’s college sailing. We hope to provide better conditions next year!