Prodigy Class Association

Many of the same competitors showed up for the Prodigy racing at Calema Midwinters, in a little better shape and tuned up, after the previous weekend’s event across the state.  And there were a few new entrants to the class, although they were hardly beginners.

The gusty winds during the weekend made it risky to try planing upwind, although there were times that we felt fully lit up.  How much downhaul to set was the constant question.

The start line was set to accommodate 90 Formula boards, so there was plenty of room…but usually one or the other end was strongly favored, in the shifting wind, so there was bunching at the ends.  However, it was hard to be sure which end was favored, so the fleet tended to start in two halves, and meet at the upwind mark.

The big thrills came in the broad reaches downwind, when planing made all the difference.  The gusty conditions didn’t necessarily favor the lightweights, but the ability to find the wind was handsomely rewarded.

Sean Hawes was once again the class winner.  Manufacturer’s rep Jim DeSilva had a good regatta and came in second.  Theresa Tuthill took first in the women’s division, upsetting reigning champion Susan Simmons, due to the fact that Susan had to miss the first two days of racing.

For complete results, see www.uswindsurfing.org