GTMYC EC12 APRIL FOOL’S 2006 REGATTA

I think if you’re given the chance or if you are ever asked to R/D a regatta, just do it. By doing so it gives one a greater appreciation for the hobby and your fellow skippers. I was thanked many times by the skippers in attendance. Little did they know it was the skippers that made the event what it was.  The R/D and his Army of volunteers, just keep things moving and in order.  But I do have to say, after all was said and done, it was a great experience and I think if you’re asked, you should take the chance.  Everyone should experience running a regatta.

The EC-12 Saint Petersburg, GTMYC April Fool’s Regatta, as it was called this year, took place on April 1^st and 2^nd at Freedom Lake.  Talking about the Lake, I would like to acknowledge the City of Pinellas Park for the continued support and facility’s they provide for us. This can be seen by the commitment they made by adding an exclusive dock for R/C sailing use (it is a work in progress). Rumor has it that the combined cost of our dock and the fishing dock on the other side of the Lake was in excess of $35,000. That is what I call a commitment.

The St. Pete GTMYC regatta has always had a great following and history that goes back decades. We have always attracted quite a large group of spectators / visitors / skippers to our Regatta’s. But this year I believe we broke attendance records for competing skippers in an EC12 non-National event. We had 29 skippers sailing in the new two fleet scoring system.  For more information please visit our web suite at www.GTMYC.org

We started on Saturday with winds out of the Southeast from 2-5 mph. By lunch they shifted to the South and then around to the West. On Sunday we arrived at the Lake in a dead calm, but by sailing time we were back at the 2-5 mph range that continued all weekend. With the shift in wind direction, original course adjustments were needed, but with the number of different marks on the Lake it never seamed to be a problem.

We were able to get a total of 26 races in, over the weekend. Those that were in the Gold Fleet sailed 14 and 12 in the Silver Fleet. Each fleet would sail in two races and then alternate with the other fleet.  The skippers were entitled to one throw-out. Awards were granted to the first four positions in each fleet. Since this was a GREEN CHEVRON REGATTA – each of the first three positions in the Gold Fleet were also awarded chevrons.

Of the 24 races sailed, first place finishes were shared by 8 of the skippers! Not all of them that won a heat (got a 1^st place), finished with an award. On the finish line we had 3 line spotters with pen & pads and a 4^th with a tape recorder.  More than once that tape was rewound and played back for the official results. In the Gold fleet, at the end of the day on Saturday, Joe Walter went to dinner with a 7 point lead over John Bottensek and 9 point lead over Reichard. As you will see in the final results, what a difference a day makes! Silver fleet racing was even closer by Saturdays end, with Bob Brown just 2 points ahead of Kent Fardell and 4 points ahead of Dick Hitchcock. Again looking at the final results and seeing the finishing shuffle, it sure shows how the level of expertise is tightening up within the fleet. 

I didn’t see or was aware of any collisions on the water that caused damage to the boats, which always makes for a nice weekend.

There were two incidents that did require a review by the Race Committee to see if a redress would be granted.  The committee found each one to be justified and granted the requests. And  yes we had an International sailing judge on loan from The Villages, Ken Morrison, which was a treat to have; if a question came up he made him self available in both official and unofficial capacity.

Dinner was at a new restaurant that is also new to the states. I was told they are big in Europe, but this is the first one in the U.S. It is the Buffalo Steakhouse, and yes they do serve Bison. Maybe that’s what did Joe in on Sunday. A drawing was held at dinner for some gag gifts, which I can still hear a few of the skippers asking when can I use the “One Free Penalty Turn” Certificate? Earlier in the day I did see Harry with a “Kick Me” sign on his back, did anyone take him up on this? Remember this was April Fool’s day.

Prior to the official awards being handed out on Sunday, a drawing was held for all skippers and volunteers still present for 6 pairs of the legendry GTMYC boat pajamas. They were won by, Al Dion, Art Laferriere, Bob Brown, Jack Wubbe, John Bottensek & John Garver.

The awards, which consisted of official U.S. Sailing Medal in a wood frame, were awarded to the top four in both of the fleets. Once again before I list the skippers, I would like to thank and compliment my group of volunteers. I cannot thank them enough for their help that allowed us to have the great regatta that we did. I extend my gratitude to:

And the final standings are;

 GOLD FLEET

SILVER FLEET