Adventures on a Race Committee Boat

Lindy Thibodaux

A long list of firsts for me today: — first time on Skipper John’s boat River Weasel — first time participating in anything having to do with racing — first time being on a boat that anchored — first time learning about the role of the Race Committee Boat, including an introduction to the Great Flag Codes — first time meeting most of our crew, including Claudia, Dana, Letha, & Skipper John! While we were out on the river, we saw the I-5 bridge raised to let a big barge through, several long canoes (or something of that ilk) that looked like they were out for a training session, a large cruise boat, and a second, smaller barge. The wind, which was almost non-existent when we were on the dock, cooperated very nicely during the 2 races— then died down just when we were thinking of starting a 3rd race, so we decided to cancel it. Naturally, the wind came back up as we were on our way back to the marina! Still, it was a wonderful, beautiful time out on the Columbia!