What a great experience.  The 2008 Dixie Districts were my first Districts Championship, first time sailing at SSA and the first time sailing my Lightning in the Annapolis light air, chop and current.  I have a lot to learn and will be back to give it another shot. 

Allan and crew dominated the fleet and at the awards persentation made the statement that at the 2007 NA, which were held at SSA, it was the first time 10 boats from the same district were in the blue fleet.  It will be a while before I make it to the top half of the fleet but the nice thing about Lightning sailors are that they are so willing to help and share their experiences. Steve and Todd were extremely friendly and helpful throughout the weekend.  Todd’s little tip about raising and lowering your mast was a big help and at the end of the regatta I was able to lift my mast and set it on deck all by my self. 

I want to thank my crew Jen G and John K (first time sailing a Lightning sence he was a teenager) for doing a nice job with there duties. I think we have hooked John on the Lightning Class and he could be a boat owner in the near future and hopfully Jen will work to get the experiences needed to recieve a boat grant next year.

I have posted the photos I took around the club and out on the water on Flickr.com.  Feel free to download, print and share with your friends and family.  If you have never used Flickr, join and you will have many other options beside just downloading the photos.  The photos are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hergan_family/sets/72157605619099447/

I hope to see everyone at the Duck Regatta in Havre de Grace the end of August.