WIND

BU sails on the Charles River on the opposite side of the Mass Ave bridge from MIT. The River runs East-West but gets narrow at the West end. As such East or West winds are relatively steady, North and South winds are wicked shifty. While the prevailing wind in the Northeast might be Westerly, there are a surprising number of Easterlies in Early Fall and late spring, either due to the afternoon seabreeze (ESE), storms (NE, E or SE), or Canadian Maritime high pressure (ENE). Pre-frontal winds are SW (very shifty) and post frontal winds are usually NW (shifty) or North (ridiculous).
- K. Legler, (x)

CURRENT

Usually none but some may exist after heavy rain when the locks are open. It's negligible compared to the windshifts. The depth is enough for your centerboard and rudder everywhere except next to the dock. It's not deep enough for your mast when turtled and they make YOU clean the toxic mud off the sails.
- K. Legler, (x)

RACING TIPS

In West or East winds get a good start and stay in phase with the long oscillations. Light North and South winds are a crap shoot. Bring your sense of humor and roll with it. If it's windy North or South don't think, just react to the shifts and boat handle.
- K. Legler, (x)

SHORE LOGISTICS

The BU boathouse is nearly a mile sail from the race course and the rotation dock. "A" division sails down while "B" division carries all the stuff for the day. That stuff usually includes lunch though there is a Burger King not far from the foot bridge over Storrow Drive. You also need extra warm clothes for the dock as there is no protection from the elements. You might want a tent with a workout pad for the concrete dock floor. Coaches will want to bring a soccer mom folding chair or walk around the course on the Esplanade or Mass Ave Bridge with binoculars and a camera.
- K. Legler, (x)

OTHER