30 July 2016
Racing in Maui had been a childhood dream for
45 years.
At the grand old age of 50, it finally came
true.
Having never raced there before or sailed there
in the summer, we thought it would be a good idea to get there a week before
the Hawaii State Championship. That would also be just in time to compete in
the Mean Line fin slalom as a learning exercise.
The plan worked fine initially as we landed on Friday and managed to sail the same day.
I met my friend Dan Ellis who I hadn't seen
since 2008 at least. It was great to sail with Dan after all these years.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Darby struck Maui the
following day so all the State parks were closed and the Mean line fin slalom
had to be postponed to Tuesday or Saturday July 30.
We were fortunate to be able to launch from
Camp 1 where we were staying on Saturday 23 July. Despite the Hurricane, the
conditions were perfect with solid winds and some sunshine.
We had some big swell and it was great to sail
in the waves on slalom kit with Dan.
The following day (Sunday), the wind was light
with showers. I still managed to go out late in the afternoon with the 8.6.
Over the next few days, the wind kept picking
up to the point where I was overpowered on the smallest sail I had (5.4 Gaastra
Vapor).
The Mean Line fin slalom was postponed to
Saturday July 30, on the same day as the Hawaii State Championship. The Meanline
fin slalom would run first followed by the Neil Pryde Hawaii State
Championship. Two slaloms in one day, that was a packed schedule!
The Mean Line Fin slalom went well.
I was competing in my age group, 40 to 59.
My starts were consistent and I was battling
out with Mike Yasak. I got 3rd, 2nd and 3rd. Mike got 2nd, 3rd and 2nd so he
came out on top with second place and I finished third.
Phil McGain was unbeatable with all first
places.
Next was the Neil Pryde Hawaii State
Championship. Again, I started in my age group with three races. This time, I
beat Mike Yasak with a second, third and second to finish in second place.
Phil McGain was flying in front with three
firsts.
I had entered the Pro fleet for the afternoon
races. That event was four races.
I was over early at the first start and I
crashed at the first jibe in the second race.
Races 3 and 4 went better with a fourth and a
fifth place.
Overall the event was awesome with so many top
racers and amazing conditions!