VIPER LAKE LANIER REGATTA REPORT FROM TEAM JACKPOT

Here’s an update from Jackpot, sponsored by Sail22Gear.com:

As we packed up and headed south from the cold that had now settled in Detroit Michigan, we thought about the warmer times that lay ahead of us in Lake Lanier, Georgia. We arrived at the Yacht club early Friday morning to rig Jackpot and head out to practice. While out on the water, we were joined by two or three other Vipers that stayed out with us while the wind built to 15-20 knots. We did some speed testing and practiced some boat handling manoeuvres, it was nice to be out in the fresh water again.

We woke up on Saturday morning, it was a tropical 42 degrees and raining. Although it was very cold, we completed a strong 5 races in the 12-18 knots of breeze mixed in with the osculating winds of inland sailing. There were many close battles with Umburger, Porter and Guggs throughout the day. We finished the first day on top, with a final point score of 8 (finishes of 4,1,1,1,1). Thoroughly chilled, we came into the club to have some rum drinks by the fire. There was some excellent regatta food that tasted some good old down home cooking.

Sunday rolled around with more of the same cold weather, but without the rain. In the two races held on Sunday, we continued to battle with Umburger and Porter for the first place spot. On the last take down of the first race, our Spinnaker became hooked on the sprit, but we managed to keep it in good enough shape to be able to finish the last race in first place. On the sail in, we watched a Viper gybe in big breeze and go over. It kept going and going until she turtled. That experience led me to believe that the new heavier keel and carbon rig are important additions to theboat.

The whole regatta had a very down home, blue collar feel. Everyone there was very hospitable and they did a great job of putting on a regatta. We hope to return again next year.