Guest reporter for this week's column is Andrea Watson

Last weekend brought many contrasts. Saturday was sunny and in the 70s. Boat yards were filled with sailors preparing their boats for the upcoming season. By Sunday, the temperature had dipped into the 40s, with high winds and a few inches of snow. There was unusual beauty in seeing the delicate pink flowers of the dogwood trees surrounded by lawns blanketed in snow. Boatyards that had been bustling the previous day were empty, as weather conditions forced sailors indoors. The intensity of the wind as it howled through boatyards was matched only by the sound of huge waves as they crashed upon docks lining Manhasset Bay. Frostbiting was canceled for the day.

Preparations for the Interclub Dinghy National Championships are continuing. Pedro Lorson is the regatta chairman with overall responsibility for this two-day event. Peter Lorson, a well-known sailor from our bay who has recently moved to Florida, has agreed to return to the area to be the principal race office (PRO.) He has received much pre-event help from Sue Miller, Gene Bowler, Herb Schmidt, (Frostbite RC chairman) and the entire winter frostbite race committee. Fleet Measurer, Steve Moore, with the help of his committee (John Silbersack, Ted Toombs and Jerry Morea), have been measuring the local IC dinghies. Even though in theory all the boats are identical, the committee looks for modifications to the boat. For example, they check the thickness of the rudder and centerboard, and make sure the rigging is properly attached. Once the boat has been inspected, with measurement certificate in hand, the team is ready for competition.

Racing begins on Saturday, April 15 with the first warning gun at 11 a.m. and on Sunday, April 16 at 9:30 a.m. Over 50 boats are pre-registered, so readers may want to take a walk down by the waterfront to view the spectacular sight of so many sails filling the horizon on Manhasset Bay. Let's hope for bright sunshine, warm temperatures and a good breeze to welcome our visiting competitors.