2015 Hewson Regatta

I can't remember how many times I have done the Hewson. We certainly did it every year we had Meridian and the last 3 on Zattarra, so at least 8. Last weekend makes it 9.

Saturday started out cold and grey but with enough wind to start the race and we headed off at about 6 knots. The wind was from the East so we were tacking down the lake which meant whoever was helming was focused on the tell tales on the headsail. Paul and I spelled each other off. Sharon fed us and Leslie huddled under a blanket and kept us company in the cockpit. We ate wraps, granola bars and cherries, all foods we have found to be easy to eat when underway.

Lovely, its clearing up.

The weather improved and the wind did not, until we finally gave in, took down the sail, and put the motor on because even if we sailed in a straight line (which we couldn't due to wind direction) we would be unable to finish the race in the allotted time. By then it was a lovely day and we were not the only boat to retire.

We motored past the Port Maitland lighthouse and the crowds of people fishing on the pier, up the Grand River to the Dunneville Boat Club. Docking was an experience but after a short hesitation as we ran aground in the muddy river bottom we got a prime spot with a view of the live band and, later, the fireworks.

On the way up the river this float plane took off and flew over us, a little disconcerting. Sharon,
on the helm at the time, ducked, and was then annoyed at herself for doing so.

Vestiges of the free margaritas.

We "pot lucked" with Sharon's sister and brother-in-law (who drove down to join us) and
the crew of Amazing Grace. We all bought our own meat and contributed an array of salads and veg.
Lovely to have someone else BBQ for me.

The fireworks were fabulous, as usual.

The next morning Zatarra hosted a number of people for coffee and Sharon's rhubarb cake and then we were off down the river again.

The lake was still and we started motoring back.

Unison, our committee boat for the weekend, was prepared to start us whenever
we had wind.

Then the fog rolled in,

the flies invaded the cockpit and

it poured with rain.

We decided to celebrate being on a cruising sailboat, with a cockpit covered by a full canopy, auto helm and the ability to make coffee.

Ahhhhhhh.