Mariners,
The Lake Norman Challenge approaches. An approximately 17 mile day sail from North to South on the largest lake in North Carolina. But as Saturday draws near the forecasted winds seem to be failing. The predictions change every couple hours or so, but the general trend has been weakening with 2 knot winds forecasted in some instances.
This has raised the question of what will take place if winds are absent. In reply, winds of such low levels will make the original course unachievable for sailed vessels. This is because while no formal time limit is given (6 pm recommended), a real time pressure exists in that the final planned destination closes at 7:30pm.
Accordingly a wind speed of 2, might slow some of the boats to <1 mph. And unless an average distance made good of each vessel is 2 mph or higher, then you will not complete the course (McCrary to Rasmey) before the park closes and is gated for the night. This would leave competitors with no way to extract their vessels nor return to their vehicles.
Thus due to expected low wind conditions I am suggesting three options. I would like our input on which you prefer. If there is no clear consensus Option 3 will be the likely outcome.
Option 1. If weak winds are predicted, the event will be canceled on Sept 1st and later rescheduled. (For instance Saturday Sept 8th currently forecasts 12 knot winds).
Option 2. Timed course. Challenge based upon distance from start. This would have all boats start as originally planned from McCrary. Boats will sail with how ever the amount of wind is available by sail. At noon, The boat with the greatest distance away from the dock is declared victor. For the rest of the fleet position is also determined by distance from dock at noon. All boats then make best speed back to point of origin.
This timed course option would make it a competition of who can ghost the farthest on light/variable winds. It would also ensure there is no one locked out of Ramsey park since all will return to point of origin and there is 24 hour McCrary access.
Option 3. All of option 2, but with the condition that if the fleet has passed south of Playground Island by noon (about the 9 mile mark), and forecast is stable or improving then the race will continue to Ramsey. If not all return back to point of origin.
Of the three options above, let me know if you have a preference.
Lastly there are some that are traveling distances to arrive at the challenge. I can completely understand not setting out on a multihour drive just for the opportunity to sit in a flat lake with no wind. I will completely understand canceling, just give me a heads up so I know who to expect. North Fleet Command