Wilmette Sailing

kiteboarding + hydrfoils + multihulls = fast fun with friends.

so how did they nominate the guy who is harnessed up to the kite (and attached fast to the boat)?

Scott and I head out on December 11, 2011 (at an undisclosed location) for some winter sailing. Hope everyone has a safe holiday season.

Watch these guys on an (ARC22?) miscalculate bridge height. That sucks.
https://picasaweb.google.com/SailingImagesByMica/Steeplechase2011#568463...

Monday, November 21 the Park District "Parks and Rec Committee" voted to keep the "Sail at Your Own Risk Policy".

The underlying discussion was whether or not the Park District should change the policy and close the sailing beach on "Red Flag" days.

About 20 sailors showed up, about 10 spoke giving reasons/recommendations to keep the policy as-is. No sailors spoke in favor of changing the policy. One "local politician" spoke out saying the park district does have some responsibility to close. One committee member strongly disagreed with this "politician", stating 'if a sailor wants to challenge themselves and understands the risk (and policy), then who are we to stop them'. Ahem brother, well said!

There will be a change to the wording in the beach contracts surrounding the rescue boat and when/how/why beach staff are inclined to provide assistance to sailors. This is yet to be finalized, but expect the word "rescue" to be eliminated.

54 degree air temp and 20-25 kts from the NNE made for some big waves and challenging conditions , so what do you do? Grab the boys and head out of course. Not a long sail but an intense one ... and it's on video! The crew performed to perfection as did the boat.

Original Link to Pic

Switching this out to the video... (best yet?)




Here is the orginal Flickr Photo
kudos to Ed for staying aboard.

Step 1. Winds from the NW, waves from the N. Liftoff... note leeward hull.

Step 2. Prepare for re-entry.

Step 3. Splashdown

Epic day... Ed only had a couple hours so he and I teamed up and had some fun. You should see the video from the downwind legs... we were nuking.

Roy and I chased Ed and Roni for about 2 hours on Saturday in 20 kts of breeze. Could have used Roy out on the wire with me. Instead... we flew a hull ... a lot. note Roy is looking to port and stern that's where Ed and Roni are ... to stern.

A slow day (like no wind) turned awesome as the wind notched up. When it was 15-20 kts plus a bit in the gusts I went looking for crew. John Fish raised his hand. An easy 20 kts of boat speed as we surfed on a beam reach. I hear John is looking to sell is wind surfer and get back into cats.

Pay attention! The WPD is considering reviewing the "Sail at your own risk" policy due to recent events
A letter I emailed John Crowley...

Dear Mr. Crowley,

I am writing you in response to your comments in this article,
http://wilmette.suntimes.com/7108416-417/boat-safety-restrictions-to-get....
I want to strongly encourage you against changing the existing policy
of "sail at your own risk". The park district has no place in the
decision of whether or not a boat sails in heavy conditions.
This responsibility rests solely on the shoulders of the boat skipper
and crew. The boats we sail are legally registered with the state of
Illinois and have all the rights and obligations that go along with
that registration, including good decision making, carrying proper
safety equipment and keeping ones boat in good working order.

While I completely understand your concern your the beach staff

Edit: finally uploaded some video of this...


Roni and I headed out into a large swell to find a solid 15 to 18 kts of wind from the NE. I super nice sail. Boat performed great and treated us to a fun evening.



captured some great video!

Sundays weather was unexpectedly way nice. 15kts of wind from the south and sunny skies treated us to a hull flying bonanza!

Winds from the SW at 15-20 kts were forecast. 3 miles offshore ... there they were.

Wheeler and I killed it from 4pm to 6:30pm. After an adult beverage and some bs, I was gas'd. Roni and Wheeler took the beast out and killed it for another 2 hours. Wheeler WILL be sore tomorrow. 4 hrs on the trap will wear you out.... Killer day. Nacra ghosts home after serving (very) well.

After last nights last nights massive storm, you would think the winds would ease. No. Patrick joined me (and Roni after I called for more beefcake on rail). 20+ with some big gusts made for this evenings entertainment.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who pushes it too far now and again...

15 out of the SW with a few gusts made for a nice evening sail. Got some video, will edit later.

http://www.sailflow.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=142&regionProductID=30...

http://www.thebeachcats.com/classifieds/catamarans/p11106-2003-nacra-2fi...
seems a bit steep, but a super clean boat. someone buy this so mine can have a sister-ship!