Written by Mark Whitehead
Editing Kathleen Whitehead
Layout Paul McBride
Lily Pond Sailing
July 19 was a spectacular sailing day at Lily Pond in Gilford — sunshine and a good breeze. Six skippers launched for the morning’s relaxing regatta. That’s the way it is at Lily Pond — no pressure and a great sailing venue.
Oh, What a Day!
July 21 was just one of those perfect days for a Soling regatta with sunshine, a good wind, and great fun. We don’t normally complete a dozen races, but we did on Tuesday using our ten-boat limit per race. Tim Wright’s system of alternating skippers has worked great on our days with more than ten skippers — this week, the fleet counted sixteen participants.
It’s gratifying to see the skippers gain skills weekly. Skip Koehler had a fourth-place finish with the loaner boat in the first race. Great job, Skip! Bob Brennan clocked a second in race six, and Paul Wallace did the same in race eleven. Hats off to you both!
All but one of those enrolled in the 2020 building class made an appearance to check on our activities. Tom and John Barstow tried their hand at the helm, but Genie Ware and Andre Jay wanted to practice a little before they ventured out on Back Bay.
Bragging Rights
We can’t say enough about the skills of our champion, Tim Wright, leading the fleet with eight firsts. Dan Masessa sailed to second place in the regatta with four races until he had mechanical issues that knocked him out for the rest of the day. Don McBride pulled off a strong third place, our Mainer Howard Germon took the fourth slot, and Mark Whitehead held on tight for fifth.
A Rare Treat, a Santa Barbara and Marblehead in Action
A Sad Day for the US12s
With the predicted threat of severe thunderstorms in the afternoon, it was decided that US12 sailing on July23 should be canceled. We’ll try again next week.
Join Us if You Like
But please maintain at least that six-foot distance. Bring your camera for the show but also bring and wear a face mask. Sailing always begins at 1:00 p.m. on Back Bay at the Lehner Street/Glendon Street municipal parking area, weather permitting. Solings sail on Tuesday, the US12s compete on Thursday, and “what you brung” at 9 a.m. Sunday at Lily Pond in Gilford. Wednesdays are available should a Tuesday or Thursday regatta have to be canceled.