The Choptank Cup  Regatta

 by Scott Todd

This years regatta began with practice sailing at Pink's Pond on Friday afternoon.   This was followed by dinner, plenty of libations, and a surprise birthday cake for Sara at Snapper's Waterfront Cafe  on Cambridge Creek, which is located just a few minutes from the pond.  Thanks to my friends,  John & Laura Sydnor, owners of the restaurant for their help.

 The regatta officially got underway Saturday morning with winds from light and very variable to light and nothing.   When some air finally did settle in, co-regatta director Mark Rinehart was forced to set a course from a direction that required sailing back and forth across the short side of the pond.   With seventeen boats on the course, this meant a  short sprint to  the windward mark and a quick turn around back into the fleet.  A good start was even more critical than usual.   Despite these conditions, every one was cooperative; hollering and screaming, pushing and shoving, were kept to a minimum.  Once again, all protests were settled out of court.

 Saturday night, everyone came down to my house for a cookout.  Once again for the sixth year in a row, the pride of Alabama, my buddy Al Sellers took the crab eating contest.  This year there wasn't even anyone close in this contest.  Al managed this and all grillwork too.   We had some first time entrants in the ''Show down on the Shore'' this year that included the well known Gerhard and wife Isabelle Kelter.   Gerhard as you know, refers to most of his friends as '' Dah-Ling'' but after three days in Southern Maryland, he seems to have acquired a new dialect, and now refers to us as ''Darlin''.  Other newbie's include: John Ward , Bob Szczepanski, Winston Matthews and Alan Perkins.   Winston, unfortunately, had to retire early because of SCU problems.

 Sunday morning started off with the '' Ice Man''  Dr. Jarl Wathne and Dave Brawner in a nearly even-up scoring situation for the lead.   The wind was a little steadier Sunday morning, and the good Dr. found this to his liking and soon went to work scoring three bullets and a deuce.  It might also be mentioned that Dave was sailing a brand new boat, the second one he had built in less than three weeks.    The other new boat belongs to Alan Perkins.

 The racing was over a little after 1200 hours. Leftovers from the previous night's party were served while everyone packed-up. 

 Thanks go out to Mark Rinehart and Jimmy Cole for co-RD ing the regatta.  Doug Wotring handled the trophies and everything that involved the internet.  I would like to thank everyone who attended, especially people who traveled long distances to attend this regatta.  These include Rick West our class secretary, Jack Wubbe from Florida, and Gary Mueller from Wisconsin.  Your dedication to this sport never fails to amaze me.

 Finally, thanks go to Sara.  Someone has to stay home all day Saturday preparing the Palace, and she did a great job.  A good regatta can't happen without a good staff, and I seem to be very fortunate in this department.

See you next year.

 Scott

1.  Jarl Whatne             55

2.  Dave Brawner          67

3.  Gerhard Kelter         91

4.  Jack Wubbe            102

5.  Ivor Walton              121

6.  Harry Mote              129

7.  Al Sellers                134

8.  Bob Szczepanski     156

9.  Rick West               157

10.  Doug Wotring         190

11.  John Ebel               194

12.  Gary Mueller           198

13.  Jack Ward              200

14.  Alan Perkins           208

15.  Joe Cole                 244

16.  Pete Schilder          292

17.  Winston Matthews    only sailed 6 heats