Wednesday, July 10, 2002  (Day 1 of Racing)

The mood changed somewhat today.  Instead of casual arrivals, morning coffee and friendly chatting, the competitors were focused.  Today was the reason that everyone had come for - to race.  The evening before, the strategies started.  Everyone was sizing each other up.  They had watched each other during the training camp and now all of the information was being shaped into who the competition was going to be.  Some teams were extremely confident, even cocky.  Other's were humble although their sailing biographies boasted their accomplishments.  Still other's were just quiet.

The day promised to be hot and sunny.  Usually in the Okanagan, that can mean very little wind.  Every team knew that in order to take the all- important first win, they were going to have to do everything right.  Hit the line exactly at the right time, with the most speed and in the best position, read the wind - however light it might be- and don't make any mistakes.  Some of the skippers were not familiar with sailing Hobie 16's with trapseats.  Others had met their crew less than 48 hours before.

Mistakes did prove to be costly during that first race.  An odds-on-favourite Finnish team got off to a perfect start, only to bump another boat and be forced to take a penalty 360.  Later in the race, a little trouble with a mark would cost them again.

One of the heavily favoured teams, Mike Strahle and his brother Carl from California, seemed to have everything in hand.  They too experienced the challenge of mastering unfamiliar boats, thanks to the assigned random boat rotation.  As they were about to slice over the line in first place, the boat didn't respond exactly as expected.  Hitting the mark resulted in a penalty 360 knocking them down to fourth place.

The rest of the afternoon consisted of a hot, sweaty and disappointing wait for wind.  The blazing sun perched high on cloudless, blue skies forced temperatures to near 40 degrees Celsius.  Even some of our visiting California residents found the heat unbearable.  Many took to the lake for a refreshing dip while other's found sanctuary in the shade of trees or tents.  Everyone quenched their thirst with liters of water and slapped on sun screen to protect themselves from the rays.  Some teams will be suffering from tender, pink skin tomorrow.

One of the host club's creative volunteers (Campbell Sinclair, right) even created a "Wind God" to which several offerings almost created a puff or two of wind.  At 4:40 pm, the day's racing was called with only one race complete.  The leaders had their confidence reinforced while the pack considered new strategies.  Many were pleased to have the first race under their belt.  Tomorrow will be a new day.

A delightful Italian-themed dinner, accompanied by local singer Ellen Churchill, renewed the relaxed atmosphere.  No doubt every competitor, organizer and volunteer will be wishing for better winds in their prayer's tonight.

Submitted by D. Hamilton