Green means light wind, like today. Mainly for greenhorns and visiting parents, but it is possible to spice things up with creative use of equipment in ways it wasn't designed to be used.
Green/yellow: The wind is light but with storms in the area, so there's at least a chance of fun should one pop up.
Blue: The flag experienced sailors want to see every day. Unfortunately, we only see it about once a week at this latitude, even less in August. Heavy rating required (wind averaging >17 mph or unusually gusty).
Blue/Yellow: Blue with storms in the area, and it's probably warm and humid out too. Arrgh.
Blue/Red: For experienced windsurfers--wind is averaging >25 mph. Keelboaters should also look forward to blue/red, but for some reason, most don't. Maybe we're awarding skipper ratings too easily..?
Red: No sailing. unless you're clever (mainly applies to kboats). Always keep an eye on the radar, and if it's green/yellow or blue/yellow, position yourself on the far side of the lake and stay there. Then if a storm comes, you'll have to sail back! In so doing, you'll gain valuable experience (if you survive). This trick has been used in the past, although we're not sure it was actually done intentionally.
Purple: In days past, the practice flag meant beginners with no ratings could safely go for a float.
Finally: there is a secret color that means anything goes.
An example of "blue/yellow" conditions would be today's forecast for Honolulu: partly cloudy, 89 deg, wind NE 15 gusting to 23.
We had a day like that here once. I think.... back in 1999....
Let us not forget the Brown Flag. This is draped over the Club to keep members from knowing when a Hoofer dies due to an inexperienced skipper, being run over by a rescue boat or when the club is about to be dissolved.
ReplyDeleteThe club being closed is the worst kept secret. Typical that the Wis Un is bumbling its way through this one. Citing lack of diversity, rampant alcohol abuse, recent deaths and increased insurance as the stated reasons for the end of sailing club.
ReplyDeleteThis is a shame. Are they going to auction off the lasers? Extra sails, parts and maybe find a trailer. Spring Harbor has a launch area but need to paddle out of there.
ReplyDeleteHe heh. You're obviously trying to start a rumor, and no one is buying it. They can't close down Hoofer sailing club, it would be impossible without input from club leaders, and no one would support that. Nor has there been any email about this.
ReplyDeleteWhy try to start a pointless rumor? Perhaps you didn't get the ratings you wanted and are annoyed at the club, or you didn't get hired for that shop job you wanted? Lots of reasons to post silly nonsense, and this is the place to do it. Maybe try a different rumor, like, they're going to fire Dave E. (oh, if only...)
Paddle boats would be a nice addition to Outdoor Rentals. Maybe some Bucky Badger names on them. The Ron Dayne. The Alvarez. The Elroy Hirsch. Club will always be around. Too much of an institution. 1200 sailors pounding pitchers of brewskis is a lot of ka-ching to give the Paul Bunyan Axe to.
ReplyDeletePaddle boats would be a nice addition for the families visiting the terrace. Easier and more stable than a canoe. Setup cameras to snap pics that can be picked-up in the store.
ReplyDeleteBlack Flag to honor Hoofers or passengers that perish while sailing or windsurfing.
ReplyDeleteGreen and Yellow Flag means the Packers are playing that day. Duh!
ReplyDeleteAccident Report re: Yu Chen? Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock. Almost 4 months now and still nada.
ReplyDeleteWhen is pier-out? Always enjoy the camaraderie and the crane lift is awesome!
ReplyDelete