The Midwest Districts began Friday 9/4 when Brian Hayes of North Sails conducted an all day seminar on how to improve set up, sail trim and boat handling. Demonstrations of tuning and sail trim were held on a boat in the shade. That was followed by in class power point review. Then we launched boats in light winds for on the water exercises. Brian had just raced with his son, winning the New York District in a Scot. His insights were very helpful to all. We are looking forward to racing Saturday with our new level of understanding the dynamics of sail trim.

Saturday at CSA was hot and winless. We were unable to race but Brian Hayes continued instruction with strategy and tactics. The afternoon found the competitors anxiously looking at the water and getting to know one another. Once it became hopeless all turned to their libations at the wine and cheese party.  Our professional chef sailor Greg Ziegenfuss presented a fabulous dinner. After dinner we were entertained by ourLinda Ditzler who wowed the crowd with her singing.  Fireworks lit up the sky as darkness fell upon the day. A good time even without wind. 

On Sunday our astute PRO Ted Beier called for the competitors to leave the harbor at 8 AM. Racing commenced shortly thereafter and two races were finished in light air. After the results were tallied Ryan Malmgren of MAD Sails and crew Stacy Rieu led all 21 competitors to the finish line in both races. Bill Vogler and crew came in second followed by Ben Williams and Deb Aronson. Frank Gerry and Marianne took Fourth with Jim and Betty Harris in Fifth. (Tyler Andrews and Carrie Andrews finished second in points but were only qualified for the Egyptian Cup as Deer Park MD is a long way from the Midwest District).

Fleet 158 was pleased to host its 11th annual “Scots on the Rocks” Flying Scot regatta the weekend of September 5th and 6th – 2015.  Eighteen competitors, including one in the Youth Division, came to play in two days of moderate temperatures and spectacular sailing conditions.  

Day one saw fairly consistent breezes averaging around 7 to 8 knots with enough gusts, lulls and oscillations to keep everyone on their toes.  ”Winds were generally out of the northeast with occasional north tossed in to keep our race committee engaged.  Early forecasts of “T” storms kept the committee boat closer to shore with fairly short courses, but none of the bad stuff materialized.  We had three great races and a hungry crowd swarming the club to do justice to cocktails and great Southern pulled pork BBQ from Farm Boys, our local go to guys for such delicacies.

Day two was better!!!  At the 0930 warning signal, winds were pretty steady out of the northeast averaging around 11 knots with plenty of gusts between 15 t0 17 or so.  No threats, so our race management crew set up in open water with some nice long legs to help us shake out the morning cobwebs.  Sailors who spotted the headers and tacked to pick up the lifts early really stretched out to early leads.  Discipline had to be maintained, however, when the headers were in during the lulls.  The patient ones kept moving in the “soft” spots and went for the pressure waves marching down the lake.

Story by Bill Dunham, Pictures by Glenn Wesley

The Greater New York Districts were held at Candlewood Lake Yacht Club on August 29^th and 30^th.  Candlewood, known for its shifty and variable winds, lived up to its reputation by providing all competitors with challenges that many had not encountered in years.  Brian Hayes and his son, Brian, emerged victorious in both the Districts and the Punzi Regatta, winning two of the four races sailed and performing impressively in all races.  Brian credited his son with finding the wind, not an easy task at any point during the weekend. The veteran sailor was particularly happy not only to win his first district title, but also that the first regatta that he and his son won as a team! 

While the numbers were relatively small, regatta chair Mark Riefenhauser did an outstanding job of making sure that everyone had a great time from the moment they arrived.  Food and beverages were readily available and the hospitality was tremendous.  Hors d’oeurves on Friday night and breakfast on Saturday were topped off by a catered dinner on Saturday evening.  The tired sailors relished the opportunity to have the cooking done by someone else, and the food was great!  Glenn Wesley took many pictures of the event, both on and off the water, that testify to both the fun and challenges that were presented.

Both Saturday and Sunday were challenging for the race committee and sailors.  Each day featured dramatic wind shifts, some of even 180 degrees!  Nevertheless, three races were completed on Saturday and one race was contested on Sunday.  With talented competitors coming from New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts the races were hotly contested.  In many races the lead changed numerous times prior to the finish line, and, as Brian Hayes said after one of the races to another competitor, “You made the mistake of getting too far out in front!”  Indeed, leading early was often a curse rather than a blessing in this event, particularly on Saturday.  Brian won two of those three races, with John Eckart winning the third.  On Sunday Melanie Dunham emerged victorious, figuring out the obstacles presented in a race that contained a 180-degree wind shift amongst other challenges.  John Eckart finished second in the regatta, with Roger Sharp, Melanie Dunham, and Greg Northrop rounding out the top five.  In the districts, Melanie Dunham placed second and Greg Northrop came in third. 

The Hayes’ family also won the Jack Orr trophy, given to the district boat which earns the most first place finishes in honor of long time Flying Scot sailor, and former Candlewood member, Jack Orr.  Those who sailed with and against him remember Jack, the back of the trophy notes, for his class and sportsmanship as well as his expertise on the helm.  Brian was honored to receive this trophy as well as the Punzi trophy given to the overall regatta champion in memory of beloved Candlewood Yacht Club member Roger Punzi.  Roger was an avid sailor, a great sportsman, and a true gentleman. 

While those at the districts wished a few more boats showed up, the group there had a great time, raced well, exhibited sportsmanship at all times, and expressed a desire to return to Candlewood to race again in the near future!   Full results are here.  More Pictures are here.

The 21^st Annual Sandy Douglass Memorial Regatta by Doc and Judy Templeton (FS 2717)

Doc and Judy Templeton, Co-chairs of the 2015 Sandy Douglass Memorial Regatta held at Deep Creek Lake

Tucked into the mountains of western Maryland is a very scenic area known as Garrett County.  It was the longtime home of Sandy Douglass, designer and builder of the Flying Scot.  The town of Deer Park is the home of Flying Scot, Incorporated, the company where Scots are manufactured.  Two miles away is a body of water known as Deep Creek Lake, where the 21^st annual Sandy Douglass Memorial Regatta was held on July 25 and 26, 2015.

A welcoming Burrito Bash was held at the Deep Creek Yacht Club at Turkey Neck on Friday night to meet and greet out-of-towners and trade stories of past regattas.  The Deep Creek Yacht Racing Association (DCYRA), comprised of the two Deep Creek yacht clubs, is known for hosting and housing visiting sailors and such was the case this weekend.