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10/11/09

Chili and football, or chilly and sailing. Which one do you pick? That was the option of the KBRS fleet. Since the Racing and Multihull Fleets were pretty much sealed up, most chose chili. However there was a lot of interest in the Cruising Fleet since the finishes were so close and one more race could make the difference between 1st and 3rd. Five skippers braved the sub-40 deg weather in light winds to run a short race around the marks, four were from the Cruising Fleet, and one from the Multihull Fleet (Lew is quite a trooper since he was mathematically eliminated). In the end, Cheryl and Bob Born won the Cruising Fleet, and Lew Enns won the Multihull Fleet. The Fall Series final places are as follows:
Cruising Fleet: Cheryl and Bob Born (1st), Allen Archer and Patrick Adams (both tied for 2nd)
Racing Fleet: Screaming Eagle (1st), Ron Kinnane (2nd), Kevin Findley (3rd)
Multihull Fleet: Larry Greenwood (1st)

Have a great winter, get ready for the first race next April.

10/4/09

Fall is certainly in the air. Jeans and jackets were the norm a short time ago, versus tee shirts and shorts now. The wind remained brisk throughout the race providing an opportunity for the bigger boats that do well in the heavy wind to perform well. The finish for second place in the Cruising Fleet was especially close with Marino Garci barely edging out Alan Loehr by only a few seconds, both driving Catalina 30s in the 5 mile race. Today's winners were Allen Archer in the Cruising Fleet, Viki and Gary Cheatum in the Racing Fleet, and Lew Enns in the Multihull Fleet. Yes, you can tell fall is here, the fleet is starting to shrink. See you all next week for the final race of the season. Don't forget to bring a sample of your best chili, or at least a bowl and spoon!

9/27/09

What a great day for the last race of September. Too bad one sailor had to lose his mast so late in the season. One notable item is there is a new leader in the cruising fleet. Patrick Adams took the lead with today's race. Great times had by all (except for the unexpected de-masting). Today's winners were Allen Archer in the Cruising Fleet, Kevin Findley in the Racing Fleet, and Lew Enns in the multihull fleet. Congratulation winners, two more to go this year. See you on the lake.

9/20/09

There are good days racing and there are great days. Today was a great day. Fourteen boats came out and raced around the marks to set up a fantastic finish. In the end, Patrick Adams won the Cruising Fleet, but not without a cost of a headsail. Kevin Findley won the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood won the Multihull Fleet. Congrats to all, see you next week. Only 3 races left in the season. Looks like a great finish of the season, just like some of the finishes on the lake.

9/13/09

Some noteworthy items from the race today: this is the first weekend race of the year, this is the first "standard start" race in recent KBRS history, and the numbers are in for a lot of boats for the fall series. The standard start turned out to be pretty successful as most racers were at the line right on the start and were driving to the windward mark It was really cool from the Race Committee boat perspective. Many racers don't have enough finishes, but for those that do, there is a great run for the score in the cruising fleet. Tonight's winners are Patrick Adams in the Cruising Fleet, Ron Kinnane in the Racing Fleet, and Danny Acridge in the Centerboard Fleet. Congrats to all. See you next Sunday.

9/9/09

I lament every year about the end of the Wednesday night races, and this year is no different. Like the turning of the leaves in fall, the last Wednesday race is a marker of the impending winter and pause to our local sailing. But before we totally give up, we have five more races to go beginning on Sunday. So let's make the best of the rest of our time on the lake, both in the races and on casual cruising (some of us would be challenged to demonstrate the difference between the two). And don't forget about the cookout after the Sunday's race. The fall cookout always seems to be the best, maybe because we have more time to relax before we depart for home. Tonight's winners were Patrick Adams in the Cruising Fleet, Kevin Findley in the Racing fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet. Congratulations to all. See you on Sunday. Race starts at 3.

9/2/09

Arriving to the lake early, I thought to myself "finally, we've got decent wind for a big boat". Whitecaps on the lake with winds clocking just below 20 mph. I should have known better. By the time we set the course, it was down around 14... still good, but not ideal. But when the first gun sounded, no whitecaps could be seen. And alas, by the middle of the race, it was down even further to around 7 or 8. Bummer for the big lead sleds (I blame it on Marilyn). The winners tonight were Cheryl and Bob Born in the Cruising Fleet, Screaming Eagle in the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet. Congrats to all. Pray for wind.

Quick note... last KBRS Cookout after the September 13 race.. BUT, after the last race, October 11, Alan Kostelecky has challenged all to a Chili cookoff. Same format as the cookout, but bring your chili entry. I believe Jim and Marlys Pierce have already accepted the challenge. Hey, fun at the lake with your sweater on!

8/26/09

Mother nature tried to fool us again. Arriving at the lake, there was no wind, but she took pity on us poor sailors and produced a window just long enough to race, bracketed in the front by a smooth lake, and in the end by a severe thunderstorm. We were very fortunate to get the race started, much less completed. Tonight's winners are Cheryl and Bob Born in the Cruising Fleet, Screaming Eagle in the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet.

8/19/09

Finally, some heavier wind for the big boats. Then the wind started dying, dying, and dying. At the end of the race, a few boats were FIP'd and pointed toward the NSA docks. However, it was a beautiful night at the lake and those remaining on the race course late were treated to a wonderful sunset and mild temperatures. Remote storms occasionally lit up the distant clouds reminding us how lucky we are to have the opportunity to spend Wednesday nights running around the marks with friends. Tonight's winners were: Cheryl and Bob Born in the Cruising Fleet, Screaming Eagle in the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet. See you at the lake next week.

8/12/09

Fifteen boats. Make that FIFTEEN BOATS! Fifteen sets of boats, skippers, and crews participated in the KBRS race this week, more than any in recent memory out competing on any single night. It was a beautiful night with lots of good friendly competition sailing around the marks. Holding a 5-mile race in mid-August in light winds kept the racers on the lake until just after sundown (well, some made it back earlier, but it wasn't our boat). At that time the Kansas skies treated those that stuck around to an early-evening meteor shower. One came so low it looked like a flare at the end of B-dock. A person really gets to see some cool things on race night: water cannons, sailboats backing up during a race, and an occasional full moon (all names withheld to protect the guilty). Tonight's winners were Patrick Adams (the one and only) in the Cruising Fleet, Screaming Eagle in the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet. Congratulations to all, see you next week. (Dear God: those of us in the big lead sleds could really use some more wind.)

8/5/09

What a night for a race! Wind for all types of sailboats. I'm guessing the breeze at the beginning of the race was around 17 mph. By the end of the race it calmed to around five. In short, the big boats ruled the beginning of the race, but the lighter ones controlled the end. The Race Committee was treated (?) to some very close finishes with multiple boats crossing within seconds of each other. Tonight's winners were: Screaming Eagle in the Racing Fleet, Bill and Sue Coffman in the Cruising Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet. We're moving into the prettiest time of the year for sailing in Kansas, so keep on racing!

7/29/09

The rain showers moved out of the area leaving a relatively light wind evening for the KBRS racers. A two mile course was set to accomodate the light air and the scheduled cookout after the race. There was an abundance of new boats racing which really added to the fun. Following the finish, the racers gathered at the Afterdeck to enjoy burgers, dogs, side dishes, and an assortment of beverages. Thanks to the Pierce Family for starting the grill, and grilling the burgers and franks. It was a wonderful evening at the lake. Tonight's winners were Screaming Eagle in the Racing Class, and Cheryl and Bob Born in the Cruising Class. Congratulations to both of you. See you on the lake next week.

7/22/09

Thirteen sets of skippers and crews took a chance and traveled to the lake to participate in the weekly race around the marks tonight. Although all early indication was the race would be cancelled for lack of wind, and evening breeze developed and rewarded the racers with a night of light wind and mild temperatures. After the race the participants gathered for snacks, beverages compliments of Alan Kostelecky (thanks Alan and crew), and the trophy distribution from the Spring Series. Tonight's winners were Frank Couch in the Cruising Fleet, Screaming Eagle in the Racing Fleet, and Curtis Kramer in the Centerboard Fleet. Congrats to all.

7/15/09

The KBRS racers really showed up to race tonight but Mother Nature wouldn't cooperate. Constant rumblings of thunder and a nasty blob on the radar coming out of western Kansas convinced them to hole up in the clubhouse. However that did not stop the fun, with so many people hanging around there was a lot of discussion about the weather, the racing handicaps, and the sudden passing of one of our former racers, Ralph Hudson. We will miss him and his zest for life. So, until we race again, the Fall Series will have to wait. See you next week. Remember the "Meet and Greet" after the race in the clubhouse next Wednesday.. We'll also present the awards for the spring series!

7/8/09

The KBRS Spring Series ended with a fantastic night on the water. Winds remained steady and warm. In the end, all those remaining on the docks were treated with a stunning view of huge clouds building over Wichita. With the sun to our backs, it lit up the clouds bright white. Unfortunately those same clouds were dumping golf-ball sized hail on the middle of the city. In the end, tonight's winners were Alan Loehr in the Cruising Fleet, Greenwood / Pierce in the Racing Fleet, Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet, and Sam Shelly / Curtis Kramer in the Centerboard Fleet. Being the end of the Spring Series, we can now announce the series winners: Frank Couch in the Cruising Fleet and Greenwood / Pierce in the Racing Fleet. Congratulations to the winners, and all participants, as we all won by getting to go out and sail the boats 12 times this spring. See you next week... the beginning of the Fall Series!

7/4/09.

What a great day. Shifting winds made it difficult to set a race course, especially a long course as required by for the Colossus Cup, the oldest sailing trophy in Kansas. After the ten mile course was set, twelve race boats set out to claim the cup, ten of which were KBRS racers. In the end, a Hobie 20 prevailed in a falling breeze, but KBRS racer Larry Greenwood, in the F-27 was close behind. Final scoring for KBRS was Larry Greenwood in the Multihull fleet, MOBY in the Racing fleet, and Allen Archer in the Cruising fleet. This week's scores really tightened up the final standings. Next week will decide the trophies for the Spring Series. See you on the lake for a great finale.

7/1/09

Oh what a night (apologies to the mid-70s song)! Mother nature tried to fool us by keeping the breeze low before the race. But, like on cue, the the breeze filled and made a decent night of racing. In the end, it was a perfect night of beating around the marks. Tonight's winners are Frank Couch in the Cruising fleet and Ron Kinnane in the Racing fleet.Congrats to both. See ya on the lake during the big weekend ahead.

6/24/09

Whew, that was a hot one! 90+ degrees, high humidity, and fairly low wind. Combine that with a wind shift immediately before the race and it made for a less than stellar night for KBRS racing but it sure beats sitting at home kenneled up in the house. The light winds enticed the spinnakers to come out and play as well. As we all know, it's cooler on the water and by the end of the race the temps dropped to make a nice social during the sunset. Tonight's winners are Frank Couch in the Cruising Fleet, Screaming Eagle in the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet. Already
looking forward to next week, lets just hope for a little less heat and a little more wind. See ya on the lake.

6/17/09

What a night for a race. Overcast skies threatening the lake with storms, wind just dropping low enough to launch the committee boat, and Frank's birthday (nothing gets past Marilyn). Another new boat was added to the fleet and it was sailed really well. That J-27 looked fantastic with the rail buried and skipper and crew stretched out across the cockpit during the upwind legs. One of the boats was in need of a structural engineer as they experienced a minor equipment failure, but the skipper reacted quickly which prevented harm to the crew and further damage to the boat. They are expected to return to the races next week. Congratulations to this week's winners: Bill Coffman (the J-27) in the Cruising Fleet, Ron Kinnane in the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet.

6/10/09

The cool misty day didn't scare away the KBRS crews, but the smooth water an hour before the race made them wonder if they made the trip to the lake for nothing. But when the storm clouds passed, the breeze filled in and gave the racers a beautiful night of sailing. Some mid-race wind shifts really helped some of the teams that were able to catch them. Unfortunately, the shifts also killed the others that were about to round the marks. The final leg of the race was particularly exciting to see three boats finish within 5 seconds of each other. The winners were: Larry Greenwood in the Multihull fleet, Screaming Eagle in the Racing fleet, and Frank Couch in the Cruising fleet. Keep up those exciting finishes, and we'll see you on the lake.

6/3/09

Wow, what a race finish. The Race Committee was treated (or maybe inundated) by a mass of boats finishing all at once. Only two minutes separated eight of the nine boats at the finish line. It was great to see a few more racers back to the fun, including Kevin Findley and Larry Greenwood. What a spectacular ending to a beautiful night. Tonight's winners were: Alan Loehr in the Cruising Fleet, Ron Kinnane in the Racing Fleet, and Larry Greenwood in the Multihull Fleet. Congratulations winners. See everyone next week.

5/27
The race tonight started off pretty chilly, but the breeze settled to a nice 9 knots and the sun eventually started to shine. All spirits warmed up after the race with the first cookout. A good time was had by all and it was nice to see the racers hang around and chat. The race winners this week are:

Cruising Fleet - Alan Kostelecky
Racing Fleet - MOBY

5/20/09
You know, two weeks ago I bragged how we held the first three races of the season without cancellation... and I cursed us, because after that we have had two blowouts. As much as the sailors wanted to participate, there's no reason to get anybody hurt, to mess up a sailboat. I guess we hope for the best next week. See you on the lake.

5/13/09
Oh well, the streak was fun while it lasted. Getting all first four races off in a season would have been unheard of. The winds were 20+ mph and gusting above that, so the race turned into a social night and fun was still had by all. After the three shots, any of the sailors sat around on tailgates and BS'ed far a few hours since the picnic tables were under water. Oh well, we'll try again next week. See ya at the lake.

5/6/09
The race night started out great: steady 15 mph breeze right down the middle of the lake. As luck would have it, yours truly was tasked to set the course. At this wind speed, a 5 mile race was in order so marks were set and we motored back out to start the race. We noticed the wind starting to drop about 30 minutes before the gun. Little did we know it would be almost non-existent after the race started. Oh well, we shortened the course and the boats that chose to participate were greeted by a fantastic sunset just as the race was finished, balanced by a full moon from the east. Terrific ending to a so-so race. Since this was the first warm race ending, the sailors hung around talking and eating b-day cookies (happy birthday to ME!). Amazingly enough, this was the third race of the season, meaning we are 3 of 3 for the year. I don't recall this ever happening before. Let's enjoy it while we can. The winners tonight were Alan Kostelecky in the Cruising Fleet, and Gary Cheatum in the Racing Fleet. See ya at the lake.

4/29/09
The weather forecast tried to fool all the Wednesday night racers by calling for 30 mph gusts, but a 11 kt steady wind was reality so the race committee set up the second race of the season with a 5 mile, 2 lap course. The wind was blowing straight down the middle of the lake so the nine boats had plenty of room to maneuver and practice some good sailing tactics. It turned out to be a good night for Catalina 30s because Alan Loehr took the gun in the Cruising Fleet, and Gregg Greenwood took the gun in the Racing Fleet for the second week in a row. Keep up the great sailing. See ya at the lake.

4-22-09 Wednesday

The first KBRS race of the year is one everyone expects will be cancelled. Rain , wind, and cold are the usual reasons.. Not this year. Temperature in the 70's and wind below 10 knots made this a nice evening for the first race. Although storm clouds threatened from the West, the race was long over before there were any effects at the lake. It did get a bit chilly on the lake and a light coat turned out to be handy.

Frank Couch took the gun in cruising fleet with Mark Simpson second.

Greenwood/Pierce won in racing fleet with Marino Garci in second.

Hopefully the 29th will have as nice weather and more fun for us!

4-5-09 Sunday

We had the KBRS meeting Sunday. Here are the minutes of the meeting.

Race schedule is approved. It is on the www.kbrs.org web site. The first scheduled race is April 22^nd and starts at 6:30.

In order to provide some experience with standard starts, (everyone starts at once), we will adopt a new starting sequence until further notice.

We will have the standard 10 minute sequence with a standard start at the starting gun. We will then have a rolling 2nd start 5 minutes later, which will be the official starting time for KBRS.

Everyone is urged to participate in the standard start at the first gun, sail the first upwind leg as far as possible based on their actual start time, then return to the starting line to start at their handicapped start time. We will create revised start sequence sheets with this included.

This will add a new element of fun and experience to Wednesday night racing.

Get trained to use the new committee boat. There will be a training on the committee boat on April 18^th at noon.

It was brought up that KBRS needs to work to bring more NSA members out to try KBRS racing.

We agreed that we would offer to accompany any boat owner out on their boat to show them how to get started. This offer is in the mainsheet and will be sent out on the RCH.

Dues are again $45 per boat.

Dues need to be paid within 8 weeks of the first race to be included in scoring for fleet places.