2023-06-22 Stevenson Easterly

Boards, Foils, Wings, and sails - all over the beach!

The call last night was for Viento - and early - be on the water by 8:00.

When I got up, I was about to leave, when Blaine came down and said that Jim Mudry had texted him, and that the call was now Stevenson.

When I got to the Stevenson Boat Launch, there were only two other people there.  One guy went out on a WingFoil board and a 5.0 and quickly disappeared upwind.  The other guy went out on a very small wing board and a 3.5 wing and seemed to be powered.....  what to do???

Blaine and Brad arrived shortly after I did.  I went out on my 4.5 wing and 899 foil and had a good session for about a half an hour.  Then the wind started to lighten up, so I came back to switch to my 5.5.

The others were getting ready to head out.  Brad and Blaine were on their 5.2's and Kent was on his new 6.0 FR.

Cam went out on his 6.0 wing because his 5.0 was in the shop getting repaired.  Both Jim's were on their 6.0 sails, and Cynthia was on a 5.3.

Kent enjoyed the moment when he was in the water and Cam jibed around him in one direction, and at the same time, Cynthia jibed around him the other way.  I then jibed around him and did a figure 8 so I could jibe around him again, but blew the second one.... darn.  I always seem to blow the jibes that I am doing in front of our around someone!

Bernd arrived so I showed him where the Kite site is.  Mike and Andreas joined him a short time later so he had no trouble launching.

I think everyone had a great session.  There weren't any big waves, but the wind was steady, and with the calm water, it was a real learning day.  I was working on my touch down foot switches and making them work!  I sailed over 30km which is good for me.

Kent sailed 98km... WTF?  Who would not try to eek out the last 2km to make it a century?

Cynthia was an animal and had the longest time on the water, sailing 80km!  Wow! She is really getting it nailed!

Andreas, Mike and Bernd all had good kiting sessions, although Mike said he was getting a bit board with the flat water.......

I came in around 11:30, completely worn out!  The wind was still blowing, but I was done!

Bernd and I drove down to the "Railway Crossing" for a panini and lemonade, but the place is closed! What a disappointment.  Instead we went to the Bar and Grill on main street.  The service was a bit slow, but the food was really excellent - although too much!

Kent was just coming off the water when we got back to the launch site at 2:00.  Cynthia was still out.

Handré was also coming off the water.  He had done 30km which was a record for him on the foil!  

Everyone had a great day!

Mike and Blaine - after a great session!

I sat around watching people de-rig for a while, and then drove back to Sailworks, taking the scenic route on the Washington side.  At Sailworks, I ran into Rob Mulder - good to see him.  Jim helped me adjust the shims on the base of my Foil.  The bolt wears over time and has to be periodically adjusted.

Pretty well everyone started packing when they got back to the house.  I think tomorrow will be a big flush.  Some plan to leave early, others will hang around to see if they can have a last sail, and then leave later in the day, and a few may leave Saturday - not sure yet.

Back at the house, Andreas, with the help of Handré and others started cooking supper. As an appetizer, I put out the last of Louise's rhubarb chutney with crackers and cheese.  They seemed to go over well.

The meal, steak, potatoes and salad, was amazing!  Everyone had a great time and the party went very late - maybe 10:30.

What a great trip!  Wind and friends for a week!  I think everyone was pretty well all used up - couldn't ask for more time on the water!  Looking forward to fall allready!

Cynthia sent me some photos of the wild "end of trip" party!

Blaine and Big Air Jim - Cleaning up!