Seattle Laser Fleet

Welcome to the Seattle Laster Fleet and ILCA District 6. Fleet members race regularly on Puget sound and in regional regattas. Join us for the tightest one design racing in the Northwest.

Frigid Digit 2010

This past weekend was the fleet's annual Frigid Digit Regatta. The 2010 edition marked the 37th year for the Frigid Digit. Conditions both days were a light, shifty Southerly. However, once again this year it was not Frigid. While we didn't see the sun except for a brief glimpse Sunday morning, temperatures were fairly comfortable for the end of January.

Seventeen sailors total showed up to sail; 14 full rigs and 3 radials. The fleet was a great mix of SLF regulars as well as out of town folks from Canada and Oregon. We also welcomed a newcomer, sailing her first Laser regatta, Kelly Pensell. Please welcome Kelly to the fleet when you see her out on Thursday nights this Spring.

Saturday the RC setup just south of Meadow Point. Current was a big factor with the various rivers of current giving the sailors a major variable in their decision making. The short races made picking a side critical since you didn't much time to dig out from a mistake. Seven races were sailed on Saturday and the fleet sailed in as the last of the breeze for the day faded to zero.

Sunday the course was in our more typical location with the start line just south of the "hamburger" buoy. By Sunday the fleet had managed to shake the rust off and the starts were what we expect from Laser sailors, aggressive. After two General Recalls trying to get off the second race of the day, the RC begrudgingly made the line much longer. Unfortunately that resulted in yet another General. Finally the race got off on the fourth attempt. By the fourth race of the day, race eleven for the regatta, the wind began to shut off completely and the RC shortened the course at the leeward mark and sent everyone back to the dock.

We held a barbeque and shared food and stories at the clubhouse. Prizes and awards were handed out. If you were not out there this weekend take special notice of David Brink. He has just started out sailing the Laser and put together an impressive series, sailing at the front of the fleet and winning a race and taking 3rd in his first ever Frigid Digit. Regatta winner, Bill Symes, travelling up from Portland to join us said "I've been trying to win this regatta for twenty-five years. David gets third his first time." Bill signed the back of the historic Frigid Digit trophy. If you haven"t checked out the trophy you should take a look the next time you are in the clubhouse. Just read the list of winners. It really is an impressive piece of sailing history.

Finally, I just want to take a little space and thank the volunteers. This is a fleet event, and put on completely by us. Fleet Captain Todd Willsie couldn't sail the regatta because of work, but he arranged the awards and provided the course sign board and cards. Fleet webmaster Michael O'Brien also couldn't sail the event, but he brought donuts and coffee Saturday morning and handled registration. Barry Curtin arranged the food for the end of the regatta barbeque. Mark Orme gave up sailing on the weekend to work on RC. Randy Shuman provided his own boat for the RC as well as giving up sailing to work the RC. Finally, Michael Johnson donated his expertise and once again provided the official required documentation; Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions.

I hope everyone can come out in 2011 and sail the Frigid Digit. It's a great way to start the season and always memorable.

Michael Cenname