Junior Sailing on August 2, 2005 - First Race Day

With the boats assigned and rigged, Coach Dolan holds a "Skipper's Meeting". The course: a triangle. Group Red goes first, followed by Yellow, then Green. The five basic rules were reviewed and emphasis given to Rule 1: Don't hit other boats. Thanks to Marg Crawford for the picture.

And they're off. Just after the start, Faith and Adrianne are in the lead, with Cody Eggenberger and Alex Powell close behind. Coach Messerschmidt sails alongside in his Laser to give on-the-water pointers.

Anna Hamilton sailed one of the Optis - but started in a later group because of her previous experience.

On the way to the first mark - a mark set at the windward end of the course. Greg Scovill leads this group, followed by the duo of Grant Messerschmidt and Drew Krogulecki, then Doug Crawford.

The second mark found many of the boats very close together. Everyone did a great job of avoiding collisions as Coach Messerschmidt watches the action.

Doug Crawford is the winner of the first race.

Anna was pretty relaxed about things.

Sailing fast, Greg Scovill looks over his shoulder to see if he can safely tack and sail in front of Anna on his way to the finish line.

Going around the gybe mark in another race, Cody leads the group - but just barely. And those bigger boats with larger sail areas look very intimidating.

Cody still holds a slight lead after the leeward mark as mom and dad look on from their power boat and take some pics. Alex Powell takes the flag at the end of this race, coming from behind and taking full advantage of his faster boat.

Early in the evening, Faith Krogulecki and Adrianne Powell try to figure out why the boat won't turn. Hint: the rudder works a lot better when the boat is moving.

By the last race they had it figured out. Check out the smiles of the race three winners.