2-5-2025:
The 2nd day in the LBYC Winter Race Series started off rather slowly, but gathered speed as the day went on. We had three boats in the race. Dan Welch returned to Skipper the Drivin’ Me Nuts (McGregor), Craig Morgan was the Captain in charge of his Catalina 250, and Tom House was the Captain of the Second Chance. After careful consideration of the wind and course we decided to give it a go, even though the wind was not very strong at the time.
The race started near the boat ramp of Live Oak Ridge Park. The three boats sailed due south towards a buoy that was placed midway between Franks Marina and the Dead Fish Grill near the southside of the lake. The wind was definitely a limiting factor at the start of the race; however, once the participants were able to “float” out into the lake, more wind was gathered in their sails and the race was on. The objective was to sail due south and make a Port turn around the buoy and then head back home.
There were a couple of tactical decisions that were processed in regards to how long to stay on a particular leg prior to tacking back and forth and those decisions played out in allowing the Catalina 250 to cross the finish line ahead of the other two boats.
At this time we noticed that the wind in the middle of the lake was really starting to gather some steam and so a decision was made to move the buoys closer together (towards the middle of the lake) and make the race a two lap race with 3 Port turns. All participants agreed and the buoys were moved by the USCG Auxiliary Support boat.
After recalculation of the handicap and allotted break time, race two was underway. The increase in wind speed and the shorter course made for a much tighter race. All three boats were lined up one after the other coming into and around turn 1.
The second leg of the race was also quite exciting. Second Chance and Catalina 250 were neck and neck coming into turn 2, but Second Chance had the pole position and made the most of it with a hairline turn that put some space between them and Catalina 250. The three boats all took different approaches to the third leg as the wind was now gusting up to 15 knots. Second Chance took a very direct line to turn three and tried to stay on the west side of the buoy, whereas Catalina 250 took a more easterly approach. Again, the tactical moves made all the difference and Second Chance rounded turn 3 well ahead of the Catalina 250. The race was short enough and they had the wind and Second Chance held on to a triumphant victory in the second race of the day.
The third and final day of the Winter Race Series will be on 15 FEB 25 with the Captain’s meeting at 0900 CST in Frank’s Marina. We invite any and all to come out and watch, crew, or skipper as we conclude the Winter Race Series, but prepare for the Spring Race Series. So mark your calendars and get prepared now.
Spring Race Series Dates
22MAR25 Day 1
05APR25 Day 2
19APR25 Day 3
03MAY25 Make-up
Want to get involved? Give us a call or email on the below contact information below!
The Lake Belton Yacht Club (LBYC) is located on beautiful Lake Belton at Franks Marina in Belton, Texas (between Temple and Killeen). Founded in 1974 to promote the sport of sailing in Central Texas, LBYC has become a landmark for yacht racing and community sailing programs in Central Texas as well as the Southwestern region of the US. Whether you are brand new to sailing or have extensive experience, LBYC offers organized competition for all ages. Activities are organized year round, with racing, cruising, socials, and training.
We are currently working with youth and area colleges that are interested in developing a sailing program that would use the LBYC as a resource. We are always interested in expanding our youth programs.
How to contact LBYC
Visit our Facebook page here.
Our phone number is (254) 300-7727.
Email us at lakebeltonyachtclub@gmail.com.
Our mailing address is 3244 Lake Park Road Belton, TX 76513.
