Midwestern Sail

Two families from the upper Midwest braved brisk winds and chilly March temperatures of 50 degrees to sail sharply on the York River. Stacy and Joe Rider of Golden Valley MN brought their son and a pal, while Lynette Mayer of Madison WI brought her daughter Audi. They were unfazed by the cold, and Joe was wearing shorts. “As long as the upper half of your body is covered, you’re fine.” What exactly is too cold? “Minus 60 wind chill,” Stacy said without hesitation. “Your skin can start to freeze in five seconds. The water in your eyes freezes. At 60 below, they close school because it’s just too cold to go out. Your car won’t start, for one thing, even with the heating device. The Post Office stops delivering mail.” I asked Stacy what happens if your home heating goes out. “You die,” she said with conviction. College poses a special problem since students have to change classes. “They didn’t have it when I went to school, but today the University of Minnesota has tunnels connecting all the buildings so you don’t have to go out. It’s called Gopher Way.” williamsburgchartersails.com