Laser Masters Nationals and the Gorge at its Best

The Columbia River Gorge is treating the Laser Masters Radial and Standard fleets to some epic conditions this weekend. On Friday winds were in the mid 20-knots with gusts in the 30s from the outset. It sent more than a few of us off the water early that day. Yesterday’s conditions started in the low teens and didn’t top 30 until the last race.

On the water in the 18-boat Standard rig class Ernesto Rodriguez and Charlie Buckingham are several points clear of Andrew Halliburton and there promises to be a good battle today in a building breeze. In the Radial class Jorge Luis Yanez del Castillo is leading Bill Symes, who broke his top mast section just yards from the finish in yesterday’s final race. Bill is fetching his carbon top section for today…..

When you think of it, everyone out there is a winner. Everyone’s over 35 by definition, and some are in their 70s! Lasers Masters sailing is some of the best racing anywhere. The skills to get a Laser around the course in those kinds of winds is remarkable and to be able to do it in one’s “mature” ages is a major accomplishment. The camaraderie ashore is exceptional.

More to report in a couple days. Thanks to Christy Robin for these photos. Visit her web site and see many more at https://christinerobinphotography.com/the-glorious-gorge/.

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