10/13 DCIB sunset cruise

[JimSouthwick]

Didn't look like it was going to happen up here, so I went out roller skiing, and before long, there was some air movement. More of a breeze than a wind, but I'm still trying to determine how much (how little really) wind it takes to plane on a formula board with a large sail (e.g. 9.5) so I decided to head down to IB and have a look. Got there a little after 5. No hint of whitecaps; wind meter readings 0-10 mph. Hit the water at 5:30. Had to uphaul; not enough wind to beach start even with the 9.5. Was able to glide along and admire the scenery. The setting sun peaking out beneath a cloudy sky produced Glenn Dubock lighting. Got on a plane (barely, briefly) a couple of times, but kept hoping for the fabled sunset gust phenomenon. And it happened! The peak on the beach was only 12 mph (average while I was at IB, 3.4 mph) but it was enough!! Got about 15 minutes of solid planing rides. Not a great session, probably not worth driving for, but definitely worth rigging for.

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