1999 TRANS ERIE WEATHER The weather for the 99 race provided fast
reaching conditions that let a majority of the fleet smash previous elapsed time
records. Lake Erie did serve up some of its famous chop that created sea-sickness on
many boats.There was also a beautiful sunset, along with a funnel cloud for excitement!!
Prerace conditions for the run from Grosse Ile MI to Erie PA 
Wave Heights in Meters 
The fleet saw very light air at the start with some boats sailing into
holes. But within the first mile of the race the wind started building and what you
see above accurately represents the conditions on the course. 
Most of the fleet sailed along the Canadian shoreline till Point Pelee. Immediately (100 yds) after passing Point Pelee the seas built and were choppy.
At this stage of the race most boats were reaching in 15 to 18 kt winds from the north to northeast. The above forecast was not observed on most boats??
Just east of Point Pelee you can see where the waves are from different
directions. This made for some good lake Erie chop. 
Most of the fleet was within a few miles of the rum
Whiskey line. Most boats were seeing about 15kts winds. 
Boats are getting to within 30 miles of Erie PA. Boats reported
everything from fast reaching to 25 kts and on a beat to becalmed on the Michigan
shoreline. GO FIGURE? 
Most of the fleet is finishing in brisk winds. If you snoop around the website and check the weather from the last few years you will see that the race has had good winds. This dispels the myths that lake Erie never has wind in August. Lets hope it continues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
