For this July 3rd race, I decided to take the kids with me. Haverstraw was supposed to have fireworks that night, so it seemed like a great way to combine a race and some fireworks. Unfortunately, on the drive down, we saw a sign that the fireworks had been postponed, probably due to the forecast. This was disappointing, but we got ready for a long night on the water regardless.
With the grill on the stern, we sailed out to the start. The kids had a great time on the boat before the race. At 5 and 7, they are now able to move about the boat freely and enjoyed being on the bow as I tacked the jib a few times. As the start approached, I had the kids sit in the back with Tara while I moved into the middle to do everything.
We approached the start line in a decent position with about 80 seconds to go. The wind let up and we were a bit late to cross the line, but everyone was later, so it was a good start. There was not much strategy on the first leg. Everyone went to the left side and tacked close to lay-line. We were able to maintain a lead all the way to K and then turned to go downhill.
On the downwind leg, I poled out the jib while the kids and Tara helped with lines and steering. It was fun to see the kids get involved for the first time in their lives. Up to this point, they have just been spectators on races. We have come a long way from the times when Tara was breastfeeding Rowan on the reaching legs. The kids are eager to help with the race and enjoy taking part in it.
After the finish, we sailed around a bit and headed up to Croton to anchor and eat. After dinner we sailed out of Croton and saw the Ossining fireworks at a distance. Around 21:30, we headed back towards Haverstraw in a light southerly. The river was wavy as all the motor boats were going home from the fireworks display. By 22:30, we had enough and motored into Haverstraw for an end to the night.
 |
| Hazel steering with help |
 |
| The whole gang |
 |
| Rowan Driving downwind in the race |
 |
| Hazel likes to grind the winch |
