We had a fine social weekend at our 8th Round Up in West River on September 5-6. There was a good attendance of 13 sailors at the Friday night cookout at the West River Sailing Club, who were gracious hosts to our group. The Saturday night dinner at Pirate’s Cove was graced by more Dickerson folks who came by land to join in the festivities.
We had a special treat at the dinner when 2013 Sheriff John Freal, showed us his newly acquired 4.5 foot model of an aft cockpit wooden Dickerson 35 ketch. This model has incredible detail. The cabin coach roof is removable revealing interior details; even the engine is detailed. No one seems to know the maker of the model.
John Freal and his beautiful model
As you can see I am emphasizing the social part of the event. We only had four boats racing; some were no shows due to mechanical and crew problems. The heat and thunderstorm forecast may have also contributed to the lack of attendance. But nevertheless the race was a lot of fun. We had a consistent 5-8 knot breeze from the south. Everyone started our 8 mile course very nicely; crossing close to the rabbit’s stern. Parker Hallam led the entire race and became Sheriff of the Western Shore Roundup for the second time. It was a horizon job at the finish. Joe Slavin and John Freal had quite a duel; John overtook Joe in the River near the finish. Rick Woytowich finished respectfully next.
Sheriff Parker Hallam
I want to thank Parker for allowing me to be aboard and to serve as the rabbit platform. It was very informative to mostly sit around and watch the race and maybe learn a few things; don’t get to do that as a skipper. “Rhythm’s in Blue” is in the shop again. This is getting to be a bad habit this year.
Maybe we want to change the scenario of the Western Shore Roundup next year. Perhaps we should hold it later in September, maybe hold it further north, maybe don’t race but have a nice anchor out or hit a restaurant somewhere else... Please give us your thoughts. Race results follow:
SKIPPER BOAT TYPE AND NAME FINISH TIME CORRECTED TIME
Parker Hallem (Sheriff) 36 sloop “Frigate Connie” 2h 11m 49s 1h 32m 35s
John Freal 35 ketch “Rainbow” 2h 30m 0s 1h 49m 38s
Joe Slavin 35 ketch “Irish Mist” 2h 32m 0s 1h 56m 40s
Rick Woytowich 37 ketch “Belle” 2h 45m 0s 2h 5m 11s
By Randy Bruns, “Rhythms in Blue”
