Sunfish and other dinghies race in the Southern Bay
Hampton Yacht Club (HYC) hosted the 17th running of the Sunfish Challenge and Dinghy Distance Race on September 14. The event was open to all Sunfish, Force5, Laser, Buccaneer, Mutineer, Mobjack, Flying Scott, RS Aero, Sharks, Multi-hulls, Comets, Hobies, Vipers, Sonars, Hampton One Design, and any other dinghy sailboats.
In typical Southern Bay September conditions, the winds were north-northeast at 15-20 knots with gusts late in the day approaching 27 knots. Of the 13 boats entered, seven braved the conditions in Hampton Roads.
This fun race got its start as a challenge between two local Sunfish sailors debating who was the best sailor. Historically the course goes around Middle Ground Light, but his year the race was shortened by half to a little over 5NM to keep everyone closer to shore. All of the Sunfish raced the course along with a Front Runner and a Wind Rider. The safety boats reported six knockdowns during the day, but everyone finished the race.
Johnny Townsend from Richmond, VA, bested the Sunfish racing class and finished 27 minutes ahead of the next boat to finish and was declared the overall winner.
Jacob Collins skippered the Front Runner Roger Dodger to win the Open Class and was the second place overall finisher. Jacob, who is a HYC junior sailor in the Green Fleet, sailed with his mom and grandad.
Mark Midgette placed first in the Multi-hull class. Andrew McGown placed first in the Sunfish recreational class.
The race was followed by a fun party with lots of camaraderie at HYC.
Race recap by Tim Etherington, regatta chair
On-water photos by George Hernandez, while serving as the safety boat at the farthest turn-point in the shortened race.
