Thanksgiving Day Laser Sailing

Each year I  go Laser racing Thanksgiving day.

Cooper River Yacht Club lays host to one of the more unique settings for sailing, just 5 miles from downtown Philadelphia, on a strip of water most could easily chip a 9 iron across. CRYC is one of the few places where you can actually discuss the merits of the trees or the drainage pipe. Newport, Annapolis, Cedar Point it is not, but for long standing sailing talent and ties to the local boating scene and history it is pretty special.

The Club hosts a series of events thru-out the year, Sunfish, Lasers, Comets, Vanguard 15, Learn To Sail and juniors. The frostbite series attracts a vibrant scene of locals, the pinnacle of which is the Thanksgiving Day event, trophy turkey and or Mt. Gay handle. The last few years Cooper River locals have made good; Bob Oberg in Phrf Nationals at Key West, and "Little Mac" John Macausland in the Star Class, myself in the J/24 class.

The parking lot is within 100 yards of the start line full of extended family, so you can drink, eat and hang out and discuss the Eagles football woes. Inside, soup, beer, and Philly soft pretzels await. If there ever is a place to watch sailing this would be it.

There are many times that I have flown far away places to wear fancy foul weather gear and pursue prestigious plates of pewter, but there is no doubt that this day is one of the best days I spend all year, before during and after the sailing.
Link to Photos here;
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wEMCgzSDB1XjE-GvZU3mnA