The Grand River Sailing Club graciously invited Erin and I to participate in their annual "8+8 Sailing Rally" and we happily accepted.�

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The 8+8 Rally is a laid back "race" that uses a handicapped start so all boats finish relatively close together.� The course is set so the race has one turning mark 8 miles out on a beam reach.� I know many of the regular GRSC members don't really consider the 8+8 to be a race, but believe me, Erin and I were racing!� This was our first organized sailing event together with Hannabel and we're happy to report she did great!

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The race started with dark storm clouds looming overhead and 15 mph winds bustling about.� But the conditions quickly mellowed out and all participants were sitting still in the water with little to no�wind for about an hour.� At that point the race committee decided to shorten the 8+8 to a 6+6 (6 miles out, 6 miles back) race.� Because of our PHRF handicap starting place, we were the first boat to round the turning mark and head back for the finish line.� The wind increased to 15 mph all the way back and we cruised along at a steady 6-7 knots.� We ended up finishing in 6th place out a total of 12 boats.� Not bad for a couple of newbie sailors!

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