[L16-usa] Rain in Maine Plainly Inhumane

[Sturgis Haskins]

LUDERS REMAIN IN MAINE BURROWS

Mount Desert Island's June Luders series has been pretty much a fizzle. In
fact, totally a, er..washout.  Doomed  Weeks of rain and fog and gloom. Two
Saturday races cancelled thus far with a likely repeat for tomorrow. Maine
racers tend to be a hardy lot, but such prolonged dampness has thwarted boat
yards and owner's painting schedules. At this writing it appears that only
two boats are afloat; Tom Rolfes's PALADIN and the MDI- Community Sailing
Center's loan, WEETAMOE. In all some 6 were intended to be afloat and racing
by now. Winter fantasies awash.

Perhaps racers in Chicago and New Orleans will brighten our unhappy lot with
bright tales of spirited spring races.  How about updates here!

Two of the Sorrento Yacht Club Luders, north on Frenchman's Bay, have been
hauled out of their sheds and lie in waiting for agreeable launching
weather. These are ADAGIO (photo sent last week) and BAT - both
well-maintained jewels. The anticipated delivery of a Sodus, Great Lakes
Luders has been delayed for want of hauler. 

Eventually, the sun will appear and Maine Luders will bloom brightly.

Last week Tom and Ginny Rolfes hosted what was supposed to be a post-race
pot-luck /meeting at their home, SOME VIEW.  The race, of course, did not
materialize for want of sailing conditions. A fine gathering, nevertheless,
ensued. Under Tom's impetus (he is our fleet vice fleet captain), we will
enter the annual Mount Desert Hospice Regatta this July. It will also be our
regular race day which is convenient. The occasion seemed opportune to
invite the new Luders racers over from Frenchman's Bay - towing being a
contending obstacle.  An accompanying idea popped up also. Two of the 1912
Northeast Harbor 28-foot  A-class boats (of a high of 50)  remain in Mount
Desert waters and might be temped to race - starting just ahead or behind
Luders. Two other A-boats are in Frenchman's Bay and moored near the Luders
there. Perhaps, someone opined, we could arrange tows for these two and make
a fleet of 4 for the event. This would add much to the scenery and
excitement of the day, especially as all four A-boats are in like-new
condition. 

The upcoming nationals in Chicago was briefly discussed. Ann Waldron, our
fleet secretary, said she thought that Edward McCormick Blair, of Chicago,
would be glad to have us stay at his lake side home outside of Chicago. This
seemed a very generous possibity and will be pursued. Shortly, following
dessert, most racers departed for a lower room (our host's house is very
large) to fondle jibs. The Mount Desert Island Luders fleet uses working
jibs in its regular races (regattas being excepted). Unfortunately, there
seem many variations of the working jibs dimensions. Some racers have
reported problems with sheeting and Tom has spearheaded an effort to bring
uniformity  to  jibdom in this fleet. He is working closely with Will
Welles, a sail maker, to resolve this matter and has commissioned a New
Improved working jib which will be shared this summer.

In all, a fine evening adding new spirit to Mount Desert Luders racers.

Perhaps, distant fleets could - similarly - send accounts of their 2005
early season races.  We await!
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