Hobie 20 North American Championship 2008

2008 Hobie 20 NAC - Day Three

2008-06-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Strong Easterly winds and storms on Thursday gave way to clearer skies Friday morning, however the winds had shifted to the West and were blowing 25 and gusting even higher, kicking up huge swells that looked ominous as they crashed against the rocks on the dam. People could see that going out on the water was asking for trouble as the nightmares from the previous day were fresh in everyone's mind.

Hobie Beach sits back in a protected area if the wind is from the West. The shining sun and protection from the strong winds made several sailors anxious to hit the water; but one look at the middle of the lake through a pair of binoculars made it clear that winds were still very strong and we would need to hold out a bit longer. Around 2:00pm PU became impatient with Mother Nature and decided that it was time to head out.

The signal boat left the marina and drove past Hobie Beach heading to the West. Well, they were trying to head to the West. The spectacle of watching this 32ft Irwan get tossed around by the oncoming waves had everyone on the beach both intrigued and amused.

At approx 3:45pm the postponement flag was lowered, which meant races would begin in 30 min. Cautiously some of the sailors prepared, while others who recalled the previous days carnage wished their comrades luck on their impending voyage. (What we didn't know is that the winds were only blowing 17-22knots.) Half of the fleet left the beach and headed for the start line. Two of those boats went out with the jib furled,...which later came back to haunt them. The first race began and over the course of the next hour the winds gradually let up. There were no capsizes, no carnage, only good fun sailing in the clear blue skies.

Four races were completed, each successive race with less and less wind.

The day ended with the sun setting in the West, lighting up the golden bluffs in Nebraska over the blue waters reminding us that this lake has a beauty all it's own.

2008 Hobie 20 NAC - Day Two

2008-06-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, as the saying goes in the Midwest,....if you aren't sure what the weather is going to do,...wait 5 minutes and it will change.

After some evening storms passed from the night before, we awoke to a cloudy, but nice morning with winds from the NE at 12-15 knots. Once all the Hobies hit the water, conditions changed. With storms approaching from the Southwest, the winds picked up significantly. Midway through the first race winds increased to over 25knots which resulted in a very hectic conditions. Several boats capsized, 2 de-masted. The people from Hawaii were loving the wind as they typically sail in strong winds.

At 11:30 the local park officials informed us that strong winds and hail were rapidly approaching and the race was abandoned. Unfortunately the conditions became too severe for some sailors to make it back to Hobie Beach. With the help of beach captain Melinda Bommersbach and several volunteers the approaching Hobies were quickly grabbed and strapped down. A tense hour for the committee ensued as they worked very hard to locate all sailors who did not make it back to Hobie Beach to ensure they were safe. Thankfully the winds never exceeded 40knots and no hail was received.

By 3:00pm the days races were officially canceled. Roughly a half dozen sailors were assessing the damage to determine if they would be able to continue racing. Mike and Dawn Brindisi of Select Sail and Sports (The Hobie Dealer on site) were doing what they could to help people patch up and prepare for two more days of racing.

Winds are forecasted to be 20-30 on Thursday,...so it could be another very busy day.

2008 Hobie 20 NAC - Day One

2008-06-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

The first day of sailing started off cloudy and cool at 70 degrees and little wind. After the skippers meeting clouds began to break and the sailors were greeted with partial sun and winds from the east at 5 knots. After two practice starts the wind built to 10 knots, the course was set and racing began. Shifty easterly winds challenged the sailors to find the proper course. By late afternoon threatening thunderstorms loomed on the horizon and the fourth race was cancelled.

Evening activities included a chili cook-off at the Party Barn. Some sailors enjoyed horseshoes and pool as well, in addition to reminiscing about the day of sailing.

The days highlight was that Bobbie Ray Edmonds and the Hobie Class Association of North America presented the local Boy Scout troop with two new Hobie 16s. These boat will be used to enhance the youth sailing program at Yankton, SD and to build interest in Hobie sailing in the area.

Welcome to Yankton SD

2008-06-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

WELCOME:
On behalf of Hobie Fleet 291, I would like to take this moment to welcome all of the Hobie 20 Sailors to Yankton SD. Especailly those from far away,..such as Hawaii ! We are thrilled to host such a prestigious event and want to make sure that all goes well for all of our competitors who have made the trip. Over the next few days we hope to provide all of you with some photos and perhaps some video of this event. (Dan Williams brought the head cam but said he might not bring it out on the first day,...c'mon Dan!)

RECENT ARRIVALS
Hobie Beach was very busy today with local sailors on the beach welcoming travelers from afar. Two teams from Hawaii arrived after their trek through the Black Hills, as well as some of our neighbors from the South (OK and KS) some whom also ventured Westward to see Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills.

CONDITIONS: Weather right now is beautiful. In the 80's and sunny. Howeer in the Midwest we can alway count on 1 thing,..changing weather. In fact the forecast for this week has changed more times in one day than a 3-week old baby changes diapers. So far it's looking good for wind. Please stay posted for daily updates and news from Yankton SD.

David Rice
Event Chair
2008 Hobie 20 North American Championships