October 9

I suppose we could have gone out and run a race in the rain, just so we'd have a perfect record for the series having not cancelled a single race. But, lack of participants, and reluctance of others let sensibility prevail and the race was cancelled. Probably another factor was all the hot chili waiting in the afterdeck.  There were I believe 8 chili entries, and they were all delicious. Thanks to all the chili creators!  We voted on the best 2..  Laura Schmidt won the best chili award.  Second place was a 3 way tie among Ron Kinanne, Jason Brown, and Gary and Viki Cheatum.  There were neat prizes awarded.  As for the KBRS fall series, Patrick Adams was first in cruising fleet, and Ron Kinanne in racing fleet.

So the 2011 season is over as far as racing is concerned, but the first KBRS social is scheduled for October 19th, commencing at 5pm, at Emerson Biggins at 2330 North Maize Road.  Open party for anyone who'd like to talk sailing.

October 2

Another great day for a KBRS race. Brisk winds allowed a 5 mile race  course to be set.  Everyone involved had a good time today. Traveler prevailed in racing fleet, being the sole contender, and Patrick Adams took the gun in cruising fleet.  Next week after the race we'll have the chili cookoff. Be sure to plan to stay for that!

September 25

It was a beautiful day on the lake with winds starting in the teens, dropping below 10 kts at race time. It was a close finish in the racing fleet with Traveler barely staying ahead of Screaming Eagle.  It's shaping up to be a very close finish in the racing fleet. Check out the  fall standings. Two boats still racing, Screaming Eagle and Traveler are tied for first place. In cruising fleet Patrick Adams  took the gun.  Four boats were out to race in the China Fleet.  In 2 weeks on October 9th, we'll have the last race of the 2011 KBRS season followed by a CHILI COOKOFF. The rules are simple. If you have a chile you are proud of, make a batch and bring it to the Afterdeck after the race. Everyone there will vote on the best chili and we'll have neat prizes for the winner and second place. If you don't bring chili, just bring a side item or dessert. We have had a super turnout at this event the last 2 years, and plan to have a great time again.  See you there!

September 18

We had a great day today, temperatures I think in the mid 70's and had 12 to 14 mph winds.
Had nine boats racing and there were a couple non racing boats sailing. Had four boats in the China fleet.  Three more Sunday races to go.. If you don't come out you will wish you had when January rolls around.

September 11

  9/11 10 years

Nice weather but very little wind. In fact the 2 mile race was cut short by FIP several boats. Traveler prevailed in Racing Fleet and  Patrick Adams in cruising fleet. After the race we had the last cookout of the 2011 season. Only 4 more races scheduled on Sundays at 3.  If your boat can still sail, come out and race with us!

September 7

Yes!! What a nice night for sailing.  The temperature was in the low 80's and a really mild breeze made a good mix. Best of all, I got to take a ride on the Ninnescah Flyer.  I had a great time. I was very impressed by the attention to detail in operating the boat and tactival management.  Only problem is that in perspective, I don't feel much above a motorboater now. ha..  Anyway the results of the race were Traveler finishing first in the racing fleet, Patrick Adams in the cruising fleet, the Flyer in the multihull fleet, and China fleet was won by Jim Steck. This coming Sunday is the first of 5 races at 3pm Sunday.  Time to get out and enjoy the rest of the sailing year as best as you can!

August 31

The last day of August... Hope it's the last race of 2011 in over 100 degree heat! Regardless of the heat and low water in the lake, we had 11 boats out racing tonight.  Where were you while we were out there having a good time?  Shortly before the race the wind shifted and increased to about 12 knots, so we had a nice race. Kevin Findley took the gun in racing fleet, and Mark Simpson won in cruising fleet. There are lots of pictures and videos from the race. After the race we had a birthday celebration and an extended good time.  Be there next week for the last wednesday race!

August 24

Plenty hot tonight!  But, that didn't prevent 12 boats from coming out to sail in the KBRS race this evening.  The wind was plenty at about 17 knots to start and dropping to about 13 at the finish.  We had a really close finish in racing fleet which you can watch HERE.  Also check out the pictures of the race. Gary and Viki Cheatum took the gun in the racing fleet, and Mark Simpson won in cruising fleet. Ninnescah Flyer and crew were out and showed us how the tri can go in higher winds. Next week is the first of 2 wednesday races which start at 6:30. After that, on the 11th of September, we'll begin the last leg of the fall series with the first of 5 races held at 3pm on Sunday. Additionally, September 11th will be the last KBRS cookout of 2011. Thanks to all for a great evening and we'll see you next week at 6:30.

August 17

It would seem many of the participants judged the weather to be lacking enough wind to be fun. It appeared they might be correct until 15 minutes before the race.  About that Time, a small storm was passing to the south, and as it neared Wichita, we received a nice wind at the lake. Probably about 14 to 18 knts. The race committee reset a 3 mile course, and the first contestants covered that distance in about 40 minutes.  Screaming Eagle finished first in racing fleet, Marino Garci in cruising fleet, and the magnificent Ninnescah Flyer in multihull.  See you next week!

August 10

After all the recent complaining about the heat, we were given a welcome respite last night.  Temperature in the lower 80's was appreciated by crews on 15 boats!  Welcome to all the China Fleet participants!  Lots of fun sailing around in the midst of so many sailboats.  Race committee set a long 5 mile 2 lap course which was great for the brisk wind conditions.  Mark Simpson finished first in Cruising Fleet and Douthit/Olsen in Racing Fleet.. Of course the ever entertaining sight of Ninnescah Flyer let everyone see how fast a sailboat can go. What were you doing last night when you could have been out there with us? Next wednesday is another chance....

August  3

It's August now and one would expect it to be hot. So, the weather didn't surprise anyone with 105 degrees.  What WAS a pleasant surprise was the emergence of a new fleet dubbed "China Fleet".  Frank Couch decided he didn't want to give up sailing after most of the larger boats pulled out due to the low water.  So he created  and organized the "China Fleet", in which we had 4 boats racing tonight.   You can read about "China Fleet"  HERE.  If you have any thought about coming out on a Wednesday night, you will be guaranteed to have fun.  As for the Racing fleet and Cruising fleet, they were won by Ron Kinnane and  Patrick Adams, respectfully. Congratulations to them and their crews.  KBRS is still fun!  Check out the pictures taken by  Louie Heusinkveld of Larry Greenwood's Ninnescah Flyer Crew! 

July 27

Hot weather and low water level in the lake have taken a toll on the KBRS racers. 4 boats went out tonight to race in 105 degree heat.  Most of the big boats have pulled out because of the low water level in the lake. Last I looked the level was 2 feet below pool level.  Anyway, Screaming Eagle won the racing fleet and Marino Garci won cruising fleet.  After the race we had the second cookout of the year, which we held inside the Afterdeck to escape the heat.  It was better attended than the race and we had a nice time.  Hope the weather changes soon!

July 20

Another awesome race night. We had a nice 12-15 kt. breeze. Race committee set a 6 mile course which was  especially nice due to the fact that all of the big boats will be out until the lake level rises.  Kevin Findley won in racing fleet and Mark Simpson in cruising fleet. We had a F course which helped the non spinnaker boats in the first half of the race.  We'll have the cookout after next week's race so be sure to attend.

Stay cool and have a nice weekend.

July 13

You couldn't ask for a better racing night!  The breeze was around 12 knts and the temp was lower than recent days.. (about 98 degrees)  We had a good time racing tonight!  In the first race of the fall series, Kevin Findley bested the racing fleet.  But the drama was in the race for second place. Traveler/Screaming Eagle/Moby took second/third/fourth finishing within a span of 3 seconds.. Whew!  In the Cruising fleet, Allen Archer ran away from the fleet with a first place finish. Rumor is he installed a folding prop, which is making a noticable difference. We all had a good time. In addition to 11 KBRS member boats, we had a welcome 3 Junior sailing boats out.. Actually one of them, on a sunfish, finished first overall! 

Next week we will have a standard start race committeed by Gary Cheatum.. More fun!  And in 2 weeks, the mid season cookout after the race!

July 6

The last race of the spring series! And what a race it was! 14 total boats were out tonight and had a good time. The wind was blowing in the upper teens so it was definitely a big boat night. As evidence, both fleets were won by Catalina 30's.. Greenwood/Pierce in the racing fleet and Marino Garci in the cruising fleet.  The finish of Moby/Eagle/Traveler in the racing fleet tonight produced an interesting phenomenon in that those 3 boats tied for first place in the spring series. In the cruising fleet, the final win boosted Marino Garci into first place in the spring series. Congratulations to the skippers and crews on those boats and everyone who competed. Next week begins the fall series and is the time to get your boat out and compete with us!

July 4

Colossus Cup is included in KBRS scoring as well as being a fun midseason sail. In a very close finish, Ron Kinnane, along with Rodney Johnson and Brad Spiker took the Colossus Cup. The race was long and hot as there was little wind and lots of sun. The normally 8 to 10 mile Colossus Cup Regatta was shortened to 4 miles due to the conditions. Easily the lightest wind race we've had this year. As for KBRS scoring, Ron Kinnane was first in racing fleet and Marino Garci in Cruising fleet. Larry Greenwood took the gun in multihull.  This wednesday is the last race of the spring series, and unlike most years, it's a very close series. Check the standings.  Good luck to all and be safe!

June 29

Hot times at the lake!  And loads of wind as well. But it didn't keep 12 boats and 13 total crews from coming out for another wednesday night of sailboat racing.  There were plenty of problems for many boats dealing with the strong gusty wind. Kevin Findley and Steve Bixler showed their high wind skills as they rolled to a win in racing fleet.  Frank Couch must have his Hunter dialed in well as he won in cruising fleet. After the race there was the normal social hour(s) around the boats and tables.  If you have thought of coming out racing, now is the time.. The first series is nearing it's end (next week), so our racing season is nearly half done.  Only the races on the 4th (colossus) and the 6th are left!  Have a great weekend!

June 22

Great night to be sailing.  Brisk wind and temp in the low 90's.. Not bad for summer in Kansas.  Eleven boats came out to race tonight.  The wind was at 17 knts or so at the beginning of the race so the pace was rapid. Race committee set an I couse of 4 miles with a mid leg start/finish. It's nice to finish on an upwind leg. Frank Couch was the victor in the cruising fleet and Ron Kinnane in the racing fleet. Check out the standings as it's beginning to get interesting.

 Mark Simpson found a winch handle on the water during the race. Just get with him if you lost one.  Have a great weekend, and see you out again next wednesday.

June 15

Tonight we had 13 boats on the water for a great KBRS race.  Including the race committee, that's 14 total crews represented!. The race committee decided to run a standard racing start, so every boat crowded to the starting line at the same time.  Makes for some exciting moments and good experience for any one-design racers. The wind was ample at from 10 to 12 knts, which was welcome as the forecast early in the week had us sailing in 2knts.  Allen Archer took the gun in cruising fleet and Ron Kinnane in racing fleet.  I think everyone had a good time, and we celebrated Frank Couch's and Tom Olsen's birthdays after the race.  If you weren't there you missed a great race!  Come out next week!

June 8

Yet another windy evening. The race committee decided to postpone the start of the race, hoping the wind would follow the predictions and lay down.. They waited until nearly 7pm before finally calling the race off.  At that time the weather station was still showing over 30mph gusts.  Several large boats went out a bit later, at least one of which broke some equipment..  Anyone have parts for the Catalina 30 curved cabin top traveler?  This wind pattern has to change soon!

June 1

Plenty of wind tonight. The course was set and the race began. The wind was borderline, and several boats decided not to race due to the conditions. Eleven boats came out and 10 boats started the race. Race committee told me they had expected the wind to lay down some, but it didn't during the race. Anyway, thanks to Findley/Bixler for getting a race in. . Nice to finally have one again ~)   Made for an exciting evening.  Marino Garci won the cruising fleet and Douthit/Olsen (Screaming Eagle) won the racing fleet. After the race we held the first Kookout of the season.. (KBRS cookout)

May 25

First the cookout was postponed, then the race was cancelled.  As I write this short description of the lack of a race tonight, the temperature at the lake is 58 and the wind is still blowing at 27mph. Recent tornados in Joplin and OKC have heightened folks awareness of the risk being out when weather is brewing.  Have a nice Memorial Day weekend, and see you next week.

May 18

Tonight we had 10 boats out with crew enjoying the extended cool conditions. Most had coats or windbreakers on as the temp was in the mid 50s and wind was about 15-18 kts. No one had any complaints after the race, though, especially since the rain came later.  In the racing fleet Moby (Pierce/Greenwood) took the gun, while in the cruising fleet it was Predator 2  (Couch). After the race, a number of crew stayed until the rain increased and sent them home.  It was a really nice evening and enjoyed by all.  I know I will be wishing for cool weather soon when the 100 degree days return.  Have a nice weekend!

May 11

Another spring weather cancellation.  With gusty conditions and radar showing storms in the area, the race committee decided sending sailors out on the lake wasn't smart. Lots of racing left in the young season. If you haven't been out yet, get your boat ready and be at the starting line by 6:45 next week. If you need help racing, let us know.  Have fun at the lake this weekend.

May 4

Wind!  Not the movie.. At the lake.  And just yesterday it was so nice.. Anyway, tonight's race is cancelled due to winds in the 30 to 35 MPH range.  No fun for even the big boats, with the exception of Dave Barker who is probably out there now.  Anyway we'll be going to Brooklyn's / Players instead if you care to do that with your time.  Have a good week and weekend.

April 27

What a Brrrrace we had tonight. Temp in the low 50's and 15-20 MPG wind at race time made for a chilly contest. Big boats pretty much had their way in the wind and chop. But actually the sun was out for most of the race, so it wasn't as cold as it might have been.  Marino Garci took the gun in the cruising fleet, and Screaming Eagle in the racing fleet.  Lots of no-shows tonight which is understandable. Hope for a little warmer weather next week. Have a good weekend.

April 20

Twelve boats! Twelve boats for the first race... wow, that's unprecedented.

The KBRS racers must have had a lot of pent up desire to get out and compete. The view from the committee boat was fantastic at the first leeward mark rounding and finish. In the end, the winners were MOBY in the Racing Fleet and Alan Kostelecky in the Cruising Fleet (he must have been practicing in the Caribbean all winter). Congratulations to all participants as we are all winners for being on the lake on such a beautiful Spring evening. See ya on the lake.

You will notice a different organization for the website data..  All the weekly results will be accessible from this page. Also notice that the 2 weather related images on the www.kbrs.org home page are links to the NSA weather station and Weather Underground, respectively. this should make it easy to select them from your iphone..Or from any iphone wannabee.. he ha