Mille Lacs Crossing Advice - Windsurfing

[Fred MPL]

I thought it would be nice to get some opinions from experienced windsurfers regarding the crossing. I still consider myself not a beginner, but not quite a true intermediate windsurfer.

This will be my second attempt at the Crossing. Last year I was frankly way out of my league with winds blowing 25-35 mph on a formula board with a 6.5M sail. I went out a mile or two and came back, knowing that I probably would have been stranded if I went out any further.

I would love to get some tips from some of those who have crossed Mille Lacs on the best way to survive this ultimate challenge!

Fred

[steveb]

Make sure you wear a life jacket,good clothing, helmet and.....
Just keep doing it. You've more experience than this time last year, enter the sport fleet and go for it.
Every time you try you learn.Most important things making sure you have the right equipment, make sure you know the wind strength and rig what you usually use in those conditions. Make sure you understand the course, start sequence, safety rules and go for it.
It's tough, experienced sailors have been rescued after having things go wrong, but it's very rewarding.
Good Luck

[Woody]

Aside from the very important safety aspects that Steve mentioned, here's my take on the Crossing from a windsurfer perspective:

- Longboards are usually the call, but maybe not so much now with the out-n'-back race format.
- Rig big if you want to be competitive. There are usually lulls in the wind with a long race like this and you'll be happy you have the extra sail to carry you through them. Sometimes plaining for just a couple of minutes longer than someone else will be the difference between 1st and 10th.
- Rig smaller if you just want to enjoy the ride and finish! Finishing is the most important part of the race. And like Steve said, there are prices to pay for rigging big...even the best have been picked up, or have had to come in as a result of being over-powered.
- Get out on the water well before the start! Sail out a mile or two then back. You'll have a pretty good idea if you're powered up enough, and, you can also use this time to set you harness lines etc if that hasn't been done already.
- Finally, hydrate yourself well the day before and prior to the race, but not with beer like I do

Hope this helps Fred

PS. don't forget to wave to the kiters as you pass by them

[Fred MPL]

Steve and Woody,

Thanks for the response. This is exactly what I am looking for!

By the way, I am just looking to finish!

We'll see you guys up there. Ol' Vojta is even coming up!

Fred

[Michael F]

I, for one, would never call him 'ol Vojta to his face. He has a tendency to make most everyone else look old, or lacking. But he certainly has been missed. Without his contributions, this weekend would not be happening.

[Fred MPL]

Yeah, I originally wrote 'old' and thought I better change it to ol'. More of a term of endearment than anything

[windthrash]

It's my first year too, and I'm looking at being as competitive as possible for a 19 year old to be as well as finish. I'm going to bring my two biggest boards and two biggest sails, a 125L and 152L, and a 7.8 and 9.6. I can't afford any of the nice carbon equipment or formula gear, so I will have to work hard... Look forward to seeing all yall up there!!!!

[gregg]

Woody,

I get a little concerned when my Canadian friends start talking about hydrating, whether on land or sea.

Just once, I would like to see that official Canadian survival belt that keeps surfacing empty from the wild evenings before completely stocked.

Gregg