SYC Hyperbolic Paraboloid Shelter 1962
Welcome to Shawnee Yacht Club
Since 1941, SYC has promoted sailing on Lake Shawnee for the recreational benefit of the local community. In addition to the opportunity to sail on beautiful Lake Shawnee, the club provides:
- sailing lessons for those new to the sport,
- various sizes and classes of sailboats for members to use,
- a fenced boatyard with a boat ramp where members can keep their boats year-round,
- several docks (provided by Parks and Rec),
- a storage shed for equipment,
- various scheduled club sailing activities, like racing,
- various scheduled club social gatherings throughout the year
Topeka Weather
44.0°F - Fair
Wind
North at 4.6 mph
Wind Chill
41°F
Humidity
71%
Barometer
30.26in
At
1:53am
Coming Events
- 5/5, Spring Work Party, 11:00am, SYC
- 5/5, Spring Social, 5:30pm-10:00pm, SYC
- 5/26, Spring Social Alternate?, 5:30pm-10:00pm, SYC
- 6/2, First Sun Group Sailing, 2:30pm-5:30pm, SYC
SYC on Facebook
Mark's Racing Blog
Wednesday Evening "Race" Report
I usually think of a race as a speed event. The wind didn't blow today and the forecast was for no wind this evening so I told my grandson there wouldn't be any races today. But I went to the club for the fellowship anyway. Well Chuck and Doug showed up as did Don the race committee. So, inspite of no wind, we decided to try for a "race".
With about 30 seconds until the start, Chuck and Doug were coming in on starboard. I tacked in front of Chuck hoping to slow him down and take the start. Couldn't do it so I was about 5 seconds early. The HUGE advantage of winning the start is that you have first choice of which tack to be on and where to go for the best wind. Chuck had first choice and chose well. Doug had second choice and chose to follow Chuck. I had third choice. The windward mark was sitting in a calm spot with the breeze on both sides of it. I gambled the right side was as good as the left and so went that way. Not only was I wrong, but I had both boards up and so made no progress at all. Increasing my deficit, I rounded a distant third.
Down wind. Usually in a dying wind the boats ahead just keep getting further ahead. I tried to stay in the "stronger" part of the wind and jibed back and forth from broad reach to broad reach. Somehow I managed to narrow the gap on the other two boats.
Doug passed Chuck and rounded first. He and Chuck took the longer tack first toward the finish line. Normally this is the smart move. I gambled with a short tack away from the finish line into the stronger wind and then tacked for the finish line. It actually paid off! I passed Chuck and crossed the line only a few seconds behind Doug.
With about 30 seconds until the start, Chuck and Doug were coming in on starboard. I tacked in front of Chuck hoping to slow him down and take the start. Couldn't do it so I was about 5 seconds early. The HUGE advantage of winning the start is that you have first choice of which tack to be on and where to go for the best wind. Chuck had first choice and chose well. Doug had second choice and chose to follow Chuck. I had third choice. The windward mark was sitting in a calm spot with the breeze on both sides of it. I gambled the right side was as good as the left and so went that way. Not only was I wrong, but I had both boards up and so made no progress at all. Increasing my deficit, I rounded a distant third.
Down wind. Usually in a dying wind the boats ahead just keep getting further ahead. I tried to stay in the "stronger" part of the wind and jibed back and forth from broad reach to broad reach. Somehow I managed to narrow the gap on the other two boats.
Doug passed Chuck and rounded first. He and Chuck took the longer tack first toward the finish line. Normally this is the smart move. I gambled with a short tack away from the finish line into the stronger wind and then tacked for the finish line. It actually paid off! I passed Chuck and crossed the line only a few seconds behind Doug.