The Chesapeake Challenge was held over the weekend of November 1-2 at Fishing Bay YC. Racing up and down the Bay was called off due to high winds, and looking at the footage the crew got onboard Hotty Toddy, we can see why.
From Lin McCarthy:
"Against all odds and everything Mother Nature had to throw at them, J/70 racers proved to be a tough bunch. They got in two races on Saturday before deciding to shorten the regatta to a single day. On Saturday there was a narrow window from late morning through early afternoon in conditions that tested skills and fortitude of the 18 who raced. Predictions for Sunday conditions, wind and waves, let alone even colder temperatures, were beyond the pale. Will Welles, (2,1) Providence, RI, claimed the 2014 title, winning a tie breaker over Bruce Golison, (1,2) Rossmore, CA. Thomas Bowen (5,3) Charleston,SC won the tie breaker for 3rd over Cole Allsopp (5,3) Annapolis. Southern Bay racers also finishing in the top 10 were: 5th (4,4)-Blake and Lud Kimbrough, Providence, RI with FBYC roots; 6th (5,7)-Neil Ford, Hampton - HYC; 7th (7,6)-Ron Thompson, Yorktown – HYC; 9th (8,10)-Dan and Gannon Troutman, Gloucester; and, 10th (11,9)-Drake Johnstone, Charlottesville-FBYC. Event Chairman-Noel Clinard; Principal Race Officer-John McCarthy; Signal Boat-Geoff Cahill; Pin Boat-John Wake; Weather Mark Boat-Noel Clinard; Gate Boat-Rick Klein."
Thanks to Jon Deutsch and Lin McCarthy of the Southern Bay Racing Association for sharing this!
