by Capt. Flak » Mon Mar 31, 2014 9:07 am
While we wait for the posting of the final results, I want to say what a really good regatta this turned out to be. Saturday was not looking pretty at all. A huge front was over the course and the rest of western and northern Florida. The winds were over 15 knots (23 kts in gusts) and the best course that could be made was to sail away from shore. This presented the usual port-starboard issues at the windward mark due to depth of field. The skippers did do there best to deal with it, but only after two demastings in the first heat. The course looked a little like the AC course in San Fran. The finish was a short reach along the shore. Everyone was checking the radar on their iPhones and after a long lunch break to see if we could avoid the storm, the staff put us in for just one more race before calling off racing for the day as the storm moved in. We got in only 5 races of A-B P&R. Everyone agreed to start a little earlier and race longer on Sunday.
Hedderick had a nice lead with myself about 5 points back followed by Perkins a little further back. Most of the sailing, while scary with some damage, was clean considering. The party got started early in the Luscomb's hotel room and then we all went to the Twisted Martini for more drinks and dinner. The Kelter's dined elsewhere and Gerhard went home early Sunday complaining of bad food issues. Jack Wubbe also bowed out because he did not care to have his beautiful wood work marred in the heavy air. We missed both of them on the water.
Sunday was a much nicer day with plenty of clear blue sky and strong winds. We set up on the opposite shore and had a wonderful windward-leeward straight down the shore. The B-rigs were all out and the racing was a blast. Lots of little shifts to challenge us and enough breeze to get in a lot of races. There were still a few issues, but no more damage to speak of. Hedderick was very consistent and held onto his lead. Perkins surged to pass me for second. A trip to B-fleet did not help my cause. It was all I could do to fend off Luscomb who closed to within 2 points for 4th. Brenda Pardee struggled with radio issues, but managed to stay in the top ten (7th) and Liz Perkins really impressed as well with a 9th place finish. Judith Clarke was not able to make it after all, but might we have seen three ladies in the top ten? Doc Greer took home the 5th place trophy with John Steacy earning the Bubble Rider trophy for sailing the most heats.
Hats off to Pfast Pfreddy Pfeil and his three sons PSteve, PMike and PFred who did a fantastic job running the regatta. We look forward to them hosting again next year. Thanks to all the rest of the staff as well. Great job guys. I really had a great time in St. Pete this weekend despite the flooding rain.
Joe Walter #24