Early April in Avon was windy once again, with sailing six out of seven days, including three days on 4.7’s. The week started off with 4.7 winds on Saturday when we all arrived at Island Thunder at about noon and wasted no time getting on the water. Saturday was cool with 5/3 suits and drysuits worn by most, after the light wind SUP/hike/rest day on Sunday the wind shifted to the Southwest for Monday through Thursday. Many sailors wore shorties and there was even one refugee from Canada spotted on Friday sailing in her bikini bottom with a wetsuit top. I suppose 62 degree water feels warm when you have driven from snowy Canada. Peak SW winds were Wednesday afternoon with the 4.7 and small kites (8 and 9 meters) getting a workout. Friday started with some wind and mid-day rain, some of the more eager sailors were out on 6.5’s and 7’s in the morning, but in our house we waited for the afternoon clearing. We started on big kites and 6.5/5.9 as the rain moved out. By the time the wind built into the evening we ended on 4.7’s once again, a perfect end to a great week. Saturday morning was windy from the NE but we packed up and moved out fairly early. This is at least the seventh consecutive year of five or more sailing days in early April. Part of that is just good luck but it also seems to be a time when the weather patterns are changing and the result is lots of wind. There are always plenty of empty houses available that time of year. There were several Island Creek houses available so we used the extra driveways for parking since Island Thunder has limited spots. Ocean Air and all the shops were open, traffic was light, and there were always some kiters and sailors on the water but never a crowd.
