Stay connected in the wind. This forum is for anyone who rides the wind, winter or summer, on whatever board suits their fancy. Share the stoke, find out where people are going, ask any question, share your discoveries, and discuss any esoteric idea you may have related to the pursuit of wind. Please keep it positive.
Wow what a day of sailing!! Both Saturday and Sunday! Today was a bit light, but I just had to go for it! I've signed up 5 years in a row, and this was my first time I actually got accross!! Admittedly 35 out of 39 is nothing to write home about, but what a feeling of satisfaction to actually sail between the red floats marking the finish! I will be back again next year!!
I did have my GPS on me while crossing, and here's what it looked like for my ride:
Kinda fun to see how many times I actually changed direction trying to get upwind! It felt like several more times than what I actually did! Very tired after three hours on my 8.3 and 305cm, 140lt board. Just barely enough for my heavy butt. Shoulda rigged my 9.0, but it looked very strong during rigging, only to drop just before the start.
The skies were mostly clear, and it was just a great time sailing with all the other folks, and the excellent support staff! I'll be ready again come next year!
I love the GPS course plot. I was right behind you and followed you into that back bay 2 miles south of the finish. What a struggle to get to that damn finish. This was my first crossing attempt and I'm psyched that I made it. I want to thank all the people out there that supported us. It was the true "3 hour tour, the 3 hour tour" but it was all well worth it. The peace and serenity felt in the middle of the lake is indescribable. I'm a little jaded by the location of the finish, but it certainly won't deter me from another crossing. However, next year I will rig that bigger sail!!!!!
I've done this kind of GPS tracking, and just about anything will work. For water use, the eTrex are probably the best. You can buy a separate cable that attaches the GPS to your PC's serial port.
There are a number of software packages that will plot your course. For something that will superimpose it over a map, I believe Street Atlas (or similar) will usually import saved GPS tracks. There are also a number of freeware apps online that will let you view your tracks.
Way to go!!! I didn't make it Saturday for obvious reasons, and I couldn't get back on Sunday. Hope I can cross with you next year.