It will be two years on September 15th that I arrived in Western Colorado. I postponed my departure date until I had sailed my last Mid Atlantic Regional at Surf City. I hit the open road on September 11th.
After almost two years, I finally found a regatta where they sail Sunfish that wasn’t sixteen plus hours away! I packed up my boat and headed to The Aspen Open on the Ruedi Reservoir in Basalt Colorado.
The car is packed and ready to go
I arrived early Saturday morning for registration after driving 3 hours over mountains and through valleys. I lost cell reception about a half hour from my final destination and didn’t get it back until I headed back Sunday afternoon.
The beautiful Ruedi Reservoir
Approximate elevation, 8000 feet above sea level with snow still visible due to an incredible 2008 snowpack. Which reminds me, if you are ever to sail at such an elevation, take some air out from your dolly tires. One of mine blew to shreds about an hour after arriving and had people thinking it was the harbor gun!
The Aspen Open is an annual event and I’m already working on making it a bigger Sunfish event for 2009. There were 6 classes including Lasers, U20’s and Stars among them. We had four Sunfish total and long story short… I won. Now, truth be told, if you look at the “official” standings, I placed 2nd however the race committee scored a couple races incorrectly.. but I did not want to make a stink and took it like a man.
After the first day of racing, a great dinner was served and spent the evening listening to a great band. Later on, everyone retired to their tents, which served as accommodations for everyone.
Sleeping under the stars
After a light breakfast, the racing continued and ended before a late day storm blew through. Mountain storms can be nasty and come out of nowhere! Fortunately most boats were already home.
After the awards ceremony, I said goodbye to my new friends and made the trip back home excited to return next year.
New friends enjoying the weather
My confidence is renewed as far as Sunfish sailing in Colorado. I am working hard on building fleets on the Front Range/Denver area and on the Western Slope where I am. There’s no shortage of water but because there’s so much hiking, hunting, 4 wheeling, hunting, camping and of course hunting, sailing does not come to mind initially. It’s my goal to build it’s awareness out here and ultimate organize 3-4 regatta’s a year. So far from those I’ve spoken to, there’s a lot of interest.
Until next time!
On August 23 & 24th, while many of you will be at the Worlds, I’ll be in Littleton sailing in what has been called the Rocky Mountain Sunfish Championship. The problem here is it’s in a private community and no t too many people even know about it. Being a New Yorker first, then a Philly boy for 5 years… I’ll be sure to change that!
So Sunfish sailing in Colorado does exist, it just needs a little help. If you ever have the opportunity to sail out here, I highly recommend it. The views are incredible and the competition is fierce. Let’s start with a regional, then host the Worlds!!! Just remember to let some air out of your tires!!
by Paul Magnani
Aspen Yacht Club website
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