Thanks Chuck. Yes it is very surprising that he wasn’t wearing a PFD. One correction to my account, he sailed a Star, which is a 23’ keelboat (not a dinghy). Still, as you know, at Dillon, any boat can be knocked down. According to the updated Summit Daily story, he was returning to the marina post-race when a storm cell blew in with 40-knot winds creating four-foot waves, and he broached. I wonder if he relaxed and removed his PFD after the race was over. If I learn more details I’ll pass them along.
Events like this make me evaluate my own complacency about safety. I’ve developed so much confidence in my 30 MK I’s stability that I’m probably taking risks I shouldn’t. Case in point: last Sunday when I hit 7.8 knots in 45 knots true wind, I wasn’t wearing a PFD (though some of my crew were). Worse yet, shortly after setting that speed record we took a 60-knot gust according to my anemometer, and I still wasn’t wearing a PFD. Even if the boat stays upright, the water is cold and choppy and full of speeding powerboats, and a MOB could be injured or unconscious. All very sobering. Time to rethink safety. Cheers, Randy > On Jun 15, 2020, at 10:30 AM, Chuck Gilchrest via CnC-List > <[email protected]> wrote: > > Randy, > I’m saddened by the loss of a valued member of the sailing community in > Colorado. Having sailed Dillon Reservoir in earlier years and after reading > the article I can’t imagine how such an experienced sailor would have been > allowed or chosen to compete in a dinghy race without a life jacket. The > water in Dillon is always just a few degrees above freezing as it is fed > entirely by snow melt. At 9000’ above sea level tucked in adjacent to the > Continental Divide, it has some of the most capricious wind and weather > anywhere in US. Although the article didn’t mention anything regarding a > wetsuit or dry suit, hypothermia in sub 50 degree water with no PFD would > seem to have been a likely contributing factor. As tragic as the loss of > life of a person who by all accounts was a real contributor to our sport, it > serves as a great reminder to prepare for a worse case situation because it > can and Will happen. > Godspeed Paul, > Chuck Gilchrest > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Jun 15, 2020, at 11:37 AM, Randy Stafford via CnC-List >> <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> I’m sad to report we lost a very experienced and decorated sailor this >> weekend at Dillon Reservoir. Paul Kresge of Dillon Yacht Club had raced for >> 40 years, and was well-known around the country as a US Sailing Judge and >> PRO. He went overboard racing his dinghy in rough weather Saturday >> afternoon, and his body was recovered from 200 feet of water yesterday >> evening. His death represents quite a loss for the Colorado sailing >> community. >> >> * >> https://www.summitdaily.com/news/dillon-reservoir-search-shifts-from-search-and-rescue-mission-to-body-recovery/ >> >> <https://www.summitdaily.com/news/dillon-reservoir-search-shifts-from-search-and-rescue-mission-to-body-recovery/> >> * >> https://www.coloradosummitmag.com/news-and-profiles/2019/06/racing-the-wind >> <https://www.coloradosummitmag.com/news-and-profiles/2019/06/racing-the-wind> >> >> Also on Saturday afternoon, two 28-year-old men became separated from their >> inner tubes in strong wind. One of them went under water and was recovered >> some 90 minutes later. I was working on my boat in the marina, and saw the >> South Metro Dive Team’s runabout hauling ass to the launch ramp, with first >> responders doing CPR on someone aboard. But it was too late, he didn’t make >> it. >> >> * >> https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/chatfield-water-rescue/73-fb01b537-5c31-4057-b284-da15d188d72a >> >> <https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/chatfield-water-rescue/73-fb01b537-5c31-4057-b284-da15d188d72a> >> * >> https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/crews-search-for-person-missing-in-chatfield-reservoir-1-brought-to-shore-in-serious-condition >> >> <https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/crews-search-for-person-missing-in-chatfield-reservoir-1-brought-to-shore-in-serious-condition> >> >> These events demonstrate that the risks are real, even for very experienced >> watermen. >> >> Respectfully, >> Randy Stafford >> S/V Grenadine >> C&C 30 MK I #79 >> Ken Caryl, CO >> _______________________________________________ >> >> Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and >> every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use >> PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray >> > _______________________________________________ > > Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and > every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use > PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray >
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