Thistle Training Weekend – February 2-4th, 2007
By: Karl D. Felger
The guys and gals of Quantum Sails Toledo (QST) descended upon Jacksonville, FL this past weekend in a effort to escape the extreme cold of the North (Negative 8 degrees in Ohio), get some much needed practice in, and enjoy the company of good friends. Our 16 hour trek down in the Magic Bus (a.k.a. the QST van) was highlighted by stops in Athens, OH to pick up crew, and the Middle of Nowhereville, WV because of extreme weather conditions.
We arrived unscathed and as a result, Thistle Training Weekend #1 was a huge success. Of the nine boats that were on the water six sported Quantum Sails including many new test sails, as we’re always gearing towards the future. A good majority of sailors arrived Friday night, and since we're no stranger to the barbeque, we headed over to BW3's for some chicken wings and debauchery. It was all good in the hood until Quantum Team Playa Craig “Horseshack” showed up and Nick and I simultaneously proclaimed "SHOTS!" Needless to say, we have super fun time with super fun people as the party continued back at the Griffen estate.
Saturday we awoke to gray skies, but bearably warm weather. Skip Dieball and Greg Griffin of Quantum Sails, along with help from numerous volunteers, ran an excellent training session. The main emphasis was on eliminating mistakes, maneuvering and boat handling. Many of the drills were highlighted by close encounters and exciting race situations. One of the most intense drills of the day was the downwind sprints; where 2 boats raced down side-by-side lanes drag race style. Awards, provided by Quantum Sails Toledo, we handed out for each drill and consisted of Yellowtail Wine and Colt 45 (works every time). Saturday night we headed back to the Griffin estate for delicious bowls of chili and corn bread. Oh, and we ate more chicken wings (bringing my streak up to 5 days in a row).
A major part of this trip was spent in the QST Magic Bus. Stay tuned true believers and I’m sure you'll hear and see plenty more of the Magic Bus as it is our favored form of transportation. Since traveling is always half the battle in sailboat racing, we emphasis making the trip as fun and as safe as possible. Follow these few steps and traveling no longer becomes a chore, but a welcome part of the regatta experience.
1. Make sure to have enough drivers/passengers. Put an emphasis on NOT DRIVING WHILE TIRED. A rotation is always key, even if it's every hour or two.
2. Get a laptop or portable DVD player. Watching DVD's while driving makes the trip go rather smoothly and seem faster. Also, when choosing a DVD to watching pick something that is enjoyable to listen to, so the driver can remain involved and not put you in the ditch. (We choose season 1 and 2 of "Entourage")
3. Travel with fun people.
4. Don't drive recklessly. Getting there half an hour early is not worth the risk.
5. Don't skimp on the chicken wings!
This is how a 16 hour drive to Jacksonville/St. Pete every weekend in February is just another day at the office.
“There is no substitute for speed!”
Karl D. Felger
Quantum Sail Design Group
5556 Edgewater Dr.Toledo, OH 43611 USA
+1-419-729-4777 (Office - Toledo)
+1-419-309-7470 (Cell)
kfelger@quantumsails.comhttp://www.quantumsails.com/
