Henderson Harbor Yacht Club

Today we honor the life of Chuck Yeager, who passed away yesterday at age 97. A WWII ace and test pilot, he is probably best known as the first person to break the sound barrier in the Bell X-1. But did you know the Bell X-1 was designed by a Lightning sailor? Robert Woods, from the Buffalo Canoe Club, helped design the X-1, and also owned the boat and was on the team that won the third Lightning Nationals in 1941. After all, flying is just sailing in three dimensions. Thanks to Corky Gray, the Lightning Class Historian, for the photos.

Topside Tuesday, sneaking a peak of Association Island under Saucy's boom.

First-mate Friday - Corliss and Steve racing a 420 in the 2011 Woman's Challenge.

Throwback Thursday - boats competing in the 1926 LYRA regatta in Henderson Harbor. The 1926 regatta was hosted by Crescent Yacht Club in Henderson Harbor, since there was no HHYC yet. The Freeman Cup, the long distance race, was sailed from Charlotte to Stoney Island that year, and won by "Rogue". The first Freeman Cup race was sailed in 1921, the course being from Hamilton to Kingston, a distance of 189 nautical miles. The fine silver cup was donated by Mr. Charles Freeman of the RCYC for annual competition in long distance racing under the auspices of the Lake Yacht Racing Association.

Windward Wednesday - Hambone and Tigger coming into the windward mark. That's a big spinnaker for the Hambone foredeck crew to hoist!