Chester Race Week

Chester Raceweek was a fantastic blur! Sue an I left from Fall River in the morning, and met the boat in back harbour. It was red shirt day and we got two races in, placing third overall. We went to the club afterwards and I spotted some old crew I used to race with in Siren (with Mickey Cormier): Derek & Doug. The results were delayed so we left and went home. Chris had arrived at the cottage in Chester Grant, with the RV and was setting it up (however all my GF food was still in Sue’s fridge).
Since I was affectionately know as the Dillon fill-in (and have been each time I’ve done Raceweek on King of Normandy), there was a bag full of outfits to wear each day.
On day two the winds went light and we had only one race…. Louis and Allison went for a swim.
Day 3 we had three races to make up for the day before and one of the legs of a race we couldn’t get the spinnaker up (it was packed bad, put up wrong and on the third or fourth try we got it up in time to cross the finish line).
We were racing in the Bravo fleet, class 3, and had two Sonars in the fleet, one owned (and helmed) by an Olympian sailor. First was out of reach.
However, on day 4, with one long race, we placed 1st overall that day, and solidified a 3rd place overall.
Some of the crew went back into the club for ABBA night, and dancing, but I was tired and happy to stay behind and relax in the RV. It is great to be with someone when you don’t need to talk… you can just be. Sue and I have been racing Chester since 1998 or 99, and friends since 1986.
Even though I live on a boat, racing felt so great. It was nice to have a role (flying the spinnaker) and owning it. To be part of a team, and to be light hearted and forgiving when things go wrong. King of Normandy is a great boat, and Francois a likewise, great captain. The crew are fun and authentic, and no subject is restricted. We had meals and breakfasts together and Louis made sandwiches on the race course. A tiring but fabulous time, doing what I love, with awesome people and a long time bestie!Read more