Our annual Midnight Madness Race was held on a beautiful moonlit night this past Friday. Twelve avid sailors and crew embarked on this mission to sail in the dark, and to challenge their sailing abilities.
From my perspective it looked like Christmas in August, with most of the sailboats adoring many interesting arrangements of lights. Our Committee boat was well decorated with more lights and a disco ball for added effect – John Gardner, our Head Race Bosun, takes Midnight Madness to a new level of fun! The race started on time at 10:05 with very little wind and no drama at the start line.
Light wind would be a gross over-statement of the conditions; as Van Sheppard in a Viper 640 noted, their top speed was about 2.5 knots, during a “big” gust shortly after rounding the weather mark, but there were periodic “full stops” when the wind died completely. Line honours would have gone to Viper Wadjet, followed by J-80 Segueh and Mirage 25 Invictus, if the race had not been abandoned, but the wind just wasn’t cooperating.
Ross Ernst (Snoekie) and Stephen Kidd (Tropical Quest) get honorable mention, as Ross sailed solo for the event and Stephen flew his spinnaker for the first time! Thanks to all the other participants for coming out and lighting up the Ottawa River. Special thanks go to Hugh Morrin, John Gardner & Jennifer Holliday, for their support.
David Morralee