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Jack Gray |
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The weather was absolutely superb, the participants were fantastic and the food was outstanding. We had eleven registered race boats in two categories of racing. We had over 90 people at the Saturday night banquet and 80 people at the Sunday afternoon barbeque. |
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The weekend really got kicked off Thursday night at North Star Sail Club with the IC30A Annual National Meeting. Here we determined boat ratings and laid out the racing classes. Erv Zimmerman was measuring sails all week. The remaining five boats were measured Friday afternoon at North Star. It was sunny and breezy, the weather was already looking promising for the weekend. Ron Rabine arranged for wells at North Star for boats coming up the lake. |
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The committee boat for the North Star Top Gun Series agreed to give the Regatta Racers a start after their regular classes went off Friday night. We all later agreed that it was a beautiful night for sailing. Most of the racers took it easy and just worked on boat handling duties. However it was enough to get the competitive juices flowing. |
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The program really got rolling at the Saturday morning Skippers meeting. The POR duties were really supported by our own Catalina 34 racers. Paul Krutty headed up the committee boat, supported by his wife, the Wolohans and the Yeasters. Of course Gae Wing was on hand for two solid days taking all those great photos. Past members and my good friends Jim & Monica Constantino did the turning mark boat. I don’t think Jim knew that he would also be doing finishing line duties on odd 3 & 5 leg races. On his first race with finishing duties he mistakenly set the committee boat as favored at the finish. I, personally, really enjoyed cutting it close and rounding hard across the line in front of his boat. |
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The racing on Saturday took place under ideal conditions. Sunny with 8 to 9 MPH winds SSE. The committee boat gave us one 3 leg and to two 5 legged races. Here we were on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in September and hardly a power boat in sight. I guess they all thought that summer was over. Of course the national executive board members from California thought it was February. Actually Rick Castelli is originally from Detroit. |
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The Saturday banquet was just simply unbelievable. The job that Roy and Judi Schoenherr did to coordinate the banquet was great. The Barge Restaurant food was almost gourmet. Plenty of compliments came from all of the participants. Thank you to Glen & Becky Ellison for their help with the hats and shirts. I believe Glen is still taking orders. |
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We really had some outstanding gifts from our sponsors, Garhauer Marine, UK Sails, West Marine, Catalina Direct and Annapolis Sailing. The gifts were all given out to registered boat owners. |
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On Sunday the weather held up great. The POR gave us a 4 leg and a 5 leg race. The competition was stiff. The racers really had a great time. Jack Creed told me that this was the best sailing he could remember. Thank you to the National Executive Committee for supporting the Regatta with their attendance. We were able to split them up on three boats, Bear Paws, Rainbow Circus and Flying Duchess. In all cases the experience was enhanced for owners and participants by the National Board members’ presents. |
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Congratulations to the winners. |
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Your Race Chairman |
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Jack Gray “Lady Godiva” |
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2003 IC30 Association National Regatta |