Jungo sunset. Photo: Tim Bellard
Sherry Opens with Three Bullets at the Mini-Max Regatta
Results
Yesterday, Friday, May 29, was the first day of racing at Jungo Yacht Club near Winnemucca, Nevada.
After rain flooded the playa earlier in the week, conditions improved quickly as expected. The water disappeared, the surface dried, and sailors were able to get in some training on Thursday afternoon before racing began on Friday.
Last night, Leon Lebeau called in with a report from the playa.
The wind was blowing around 30 mph, and you can hear it in the videos. Speeds were impressive. Leon reported that Daniel Hearn recorded a run of 60 knots. (i’ll post a short video in the 4LIYC Facebook group.)
Leon and Ron Sherry were both highly complimentary of Jungo Yacht Club, the land sailing facility created by Scott Dale. Iceboaters will recognize the family name. Scott’s father is Bill Dale of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, a longtime Skeeter sailor.
The fleet self-selected into A and B divisions. In addition to the individual competition, sailors are also competing in a team event. Each team consists of one A Fleet sailor paired with one B Fleet sailor, with their combined scores determining the team standings. Leon is competing in B Fleet while Ron is sailing in A Fleet. Leon said the format adds another layer of fun to the regatta and keeps sailors engaged throughout the fleet. (Ron and Leon are hot-bunking a Mini-Skeeter, provided by Daniel Hearn.)
While Leon was on the phone, Ron stepped into the motorhome, giving me a chance to ask how land sailing compares to iceboating.
“The vibration,” Ron said. The constant vibration as the tires roll over the playa surface was one of the biggest differences to get used to.
Whatever the adjustment, it didn’t seem to slow him down. Ron opened the regatta with three bullets in the A fleet and leads the standings after the first day. Daniel Hearn stands in second place. Reed Lorimer is in first in the B fleet.
One thing noticeable in the photos is that everyone is wrapped up in jackets. Winnemucca sits in Nevada’s high desert, and temperatures can be surprisingly cool, especially once the sun begins to drop behind the mountains.
Leon also spoke highly of the sense of community that land sailing creates. Unlike many racing venues, everyone is essentially living together out on the playa. Campfires, shared meals, stories, and bench racing become a big part of the experience.
Last night, the sailors gathered for a group dinner before preparing for another day on the desert.
