Photo: Gretchen Dorian
Attention Central region: With these recent cold temperatures, we will be looking for suitable ice to run the Central Region Championship. I have spoken to the Western Regional Commodore about current plans for Westerns. Given there may be a potential conflict, we have plans to talk later this week to make the best decision with the current conditions.
Stay tuned,
Pete Johanson US-5633 Central Region Commodore
Photo: Hannah Noll / Harken
Due to last night’s big freeze, there might be a good opportunity for ice in southern Wisconsin. However, we are monitoring the weather forecast for next Saturday, which is expected to be very cold. We will gather feedback from the ice scouts with hopes of holding the 2024 Western Region Championship on January 20-21. The next update is Wednesday, January 17, 2024, by 8 PM CT. For those that have registered for last weekend’s attempt, please note that your 2024 Western Region Championship registration is still valid, regardless of location.
Chris Berger US5166 Western Region Commodore
No racing today. Too much wind. Instead we went to a frozen river in the middle of the Jinzhou City and raced Chinese iceboats that are similar to Blokarts. In actuality, it was a public demonstration organized by the President Wang of the Jinzhou Yacht Club. I couldn’t believe the number of spectators along the shoreline. Thousands came out to watch. Later in the day the DN sailors mentored local college kids as the students sailed iceboats for their first time. It was so fun to spend time with them and watch them progress. Fortunately, the language barriers didn’t get in the way. Tomorrow we hit the ice bright and early as we hope to get back to racing.
Think ice.
Mike Bloom US321
Screenshot from video. Mike Bloom sailing US5166 and Jost Kolb in G936.
Here’s the main event, Mike Bloom’s racing report from Jinzhou, China:
Three races in the books. Pretty windy. Ice is about a seven. It has an orange peel texture and drifts. The course was maybe .75 miles. The top guys sailed 95 degree inserts. I sailed 90 degree inserts because that’s all I brought. Wish they didn’t have stiffeners as the ice is 40 percent drifts. I sailed two races with a full sail then switched to a flat sail. I should have sailed the flat sail all three races but you can’t fix stupid. I think I’m in about fifth. Best race a fourth. The Russian kid, Anton Didenko R163, is winning with three bullets. Tonight we have a reception with the Mayor of Jinzhou. It’s another example of the Chinese making a big deal about everything. They are making us all feel so special and important. It’s kind of fun for once.
Joerg did an interview for Chinese national TV. Someone said the station is watched by literally millions of viewers. I heard he did a great job.
Think ice!
Mike Bloom US321
Joerg Bohn checks in:
The Chinese are just starting iceboating. They are brave to sail with wooden and aluminum masts and stiff planks. Their first boats built are heavy too. But they are very enthusiastic people. You will see CH-999 at the Worlds. Give them 3-5 years and they’ll be competitive. Their organization is outstanding. They flew in the Baikal Race Committee. We are sailing on the sea but there are lakes too. Can only encourage everyone to come here next year. Tomorrow perhaps too high winds in the forecast.
Joerg Bohn G737
Mike Bloom at opening ceremonies. (Image is Photoshopped.)
The opening ceremony was quite the production. Lots of dignitaries, people in government with important titles and big wigs in the sailing community Plus several hundred spectators. Joerg Bohn got a special plaque. All covered by Chinese radio and TV. And they had fireworks!
Mike Bloom US321
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