Heat slows wind in regatta

Rick Devereux

The first day of the Junior Olympic Sailing races kicked off at the

Newport Harbor Yacht Club Friday with less than perfect conditions.

“It has been hot, and the wind doesn’t really pick up when there

is heat,” Regatta Chairman Phil Ramming said. “There was enough wind.

The competitors got up to 6-8 knots all day for all of the classes.”

Ramming said 6 knots is the absolute lowest wind speed, with ideal

being between 12-15. He said all six classes reached the goal of

being able to run four races.

As slow as the wind might have been, Ramming said Thursday’s

practices were even worse.

“[Thursday] was wild,” he said. “It was super hot and we had to

bring a girl in because she was out in the sun too long, we had less

wind than [Friday], and we attacked by a swarm of bees.”

Newport Harbor Yacht Club race director Jenn Lancaster said the

races, approximately one mile long, get competitive.

“When you’re out there, it’s every man for himself,” she said.

Ramming added that while everyone wants to win, there are still

bonds made between the sailors.

“They can be out there racing and not give a quarter to the

competitor, but when they get back on land they’re the best of

friends,” he said.

The races continue through Sunday.