The Chesapeake had her first big cold spell of the autumn over the weekend, but sailors know that there's no such thing as bad weather. Boats were racing up, down, and and around the Bay. Here's what we got into...
All photos are by Walter Cooper. Pick up SpinSheet's November issue for more. After participating in a stunning parade of sail in Baltimore, 28 schooners made the long trek down the Bay from Annapolis to Norfolk for the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Winning boats for the 127- or 80-nautical mile race were:
Class AA:
1. Pride of Baltimore II, Jan Miles, Baltimore
2. Lady of Maryland, Sarah Herard, Baltimore
3. Mystic Whaler, John Eginton, New London, CT
Class A:
1. Woodwind, Ken Kaye, Annapolis
2. Light Reign, James Turrell, Oxford, MD
3. When and If, Seth Salzmann, Newport
Class B:
1. Adventurer (65), Mark Faulstick, Ridgely, ND
2. Tom Bombadil, John Flanigan, Pasadena, MD
3. Apella, Daniel Hall, Wilmington, DE
Class C:
1. Malabar II, James Lobdell, Vineyard Haven, MA
2. Adventure, Dick and Leigh Woodling, Shady Side, MD
3. Norfolk Rebel, Steve Briggs, Norfolk
Up in Baltimore, the Baltimore City Yacht Assoc. along with the Historic Ships of Baltimore put on an incredible Constellation Cup. Winds were above the predicted forecast (was BCYA member and official weatherman Bob Sopka trying something?), and 10 out of 31 boats retired before the end of racing.
"Carnage was the word of the day," said Michael Brassert afterward at the results ceremony. And this was certainly the case, as boats shredded sails, took on water, and ended up cutting lines to get out of hairy situations.
The crew onboard Christine Compton's Tartan 10 Artemis II had a walk-on crewmember at the last minute. A Texan tourist was hanging out on the dock and took the Artemis crew up on their offer to go sailing for the day. "She had no gear, and was totally unprepared," said Compton afterward at the party. The crew banded together to give her enough foul weather gear to not go home crying, and then put her on the rail and told her to hang on. Artemis II receives the SpinSheet award for Total Awesomeness. Also, why aren't more tourists that cool?
Results:
Fin Keel
1. Dianthus, David Tabor
2. Delfin, Michael Albert
3. Infrared, Bob Sopka
Full Keel
1. Owaissa, David Wallace
2. Willow, Michael Brassert
Spinnaker
1. Peregrine, Bill Carruth
2. Miss Trixie, Dylan Stewart/Trevor Perkins
3. Jubilee, Bob Stahler
Down in the Southern Bay, 29 of 41 registered boats managed to finish the 'Round the Lights Race administered by Old Point Comfort YC, but for different reasons. Winds were fluky before going away completely. But again, no one complained.
Results:
Overall:
1. Roundabout, Alan Bomar
2. Stardancer, John and Bev Blais
3. Triage, Tim Savage
PHRF A:
1. Stardancer, John and Bev Blais
PHRF B:
1. Jonathan, Bill Gibbings
PHRF C:
1. Roundabout, Alan Bomar
PHRF Non-Spin:
1. Restless, Bill Barnes
Cruising:
1. Cmyru, Bob Jowell
Also on the Southern Bay, Fishing Bay YC hosted the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship, bringing in 43 boats for two days of racing. On top of it all was Mike Hecky of Riverton YC, who walked away with 18 points in five races. Mike Matan of RYA and David Schoene of SSA followed right behind him. The top female racer was Dorian Haldeman from Severn SA, who finished 17th overall. For full results, click here.
In Annapolis, 17 lightnings showed up to race in the annual Lightning Frigid Digit Regatta hosted by Severn SA. It's not like it was supposed to be warm. The fun of the annual U.S. Powerboat Show happening at the same time made for a crowded Annapolis harbor. All photos are by Dan Phelps, and you can see the full high-definition gallery here.
Results:
- Justin Coplan
- Geoff Becker
- Chris Segerblom
Also, here are photos from Annapolis YC's Fall Series. Results are posted here.
