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Florida Midwinter Regattas, USA
08/02/2017 22:24:55RS Aero Florida Winter Series a Success!
Many thanks to Greg Popp for his in depth account of all the Fun in Florida...
Regatta Number One
RS Aero North American Midwinters - Palm Beach, Jan 27-29
The 2017 RS Aero Florida Winter Series has concluded, and by all accounts it was a roaring success. Initially there was a single regatta, the RS Aero Midwinters, conceived by Paul Gingras of the Sailfish Club of Florida (where Paul has been the catalyst for development of an Aero fleet now numbering eight boats) and his other local club, the Palm Beach Sailing Club, as a jointly sponsored event. Recognizing that the expense and logistics to travel from distant venues to sail one regatta was a tough call, a movement to pair another regatta with the Midwinters took hold and was championed by Greg Popp, an avid Aero sailor from the Halifax Sailing Association in Daytona Beach. The concept was to offer two regattas on consecutive weekends bracketing a week of fun in the sun for racers and their families. The concept worked fabulously for those who took in both events.
The RS Aero Midwinters took place January 27-29 out of the Palm Beach Sailing Club in West Palm Beach. The RS Aero charter boat trailer arrived early that week followed by Marc Jacobi, Aero North America Class Manager with a trailer full of boats owned by fellow New England Aero racers. Some Thursday arrivals assisted Marc in getting the eight charter boats rigged and ready for Friday’s training sessions while Paul Gingras and some of his Sailfish Club team relocated boats from their fleet across Lake Worth to the Palm Beach Sailing Club. The stage was getting set for a great weekend.
Friday dawned with partly sunny skies and a brisk north breeze moving in with a cool front passage. More arrivals for the regatta began filtering in and the lawn at the PBSC filled with Aeros of all three divisions, Aero 9, Aero 7 and Aero 5. Marc went through the charter boat assignment routine then late morning moved to his shoreside training session. For newbies to the Aero, Marc’s guidance is invaluable, as he has accumulated a wealth of Aero knowledge in addition to his many years of sailing expertise in Lasers. He shares these insights willingly, and on this day the sailors were all ears and eyes to learn from him. This included the existing Aero sailors who pick up more valuable hints and tricks from Marc at every training session. Following a brief lunch break the boats were launched into Lake Worth lagoon for a series of on-the-water drills and exercises under the watchful eye of Marc. This proved to be a challenge of multiple proportions as the winds had filled to a brisk 12 to 18 knots with higher gusts. Capsize recoveries were an unplanned part of the drills but for some now included. Follow-the-leader “conga lines”, practice starts, tacks and gybes, and several practice races were the order of the day. RS North America Marketing Manager, Todd Riccardi, engaged professional sailing photographer McKenzie Wilson of Miami to capture the sailing both in stills and video, including drone shots from above. McKenzie was also offshore for Saturday’s racing and caught the action there. She assembled a really great video of all of this that can be found on YouTube.
After a couple of hours of drills the group returned to the PBSC to secure their boats, clean up, and enjoy refreshments provided courtesy of the Sailfish Club. Delicious jumbo shrimp cocktail, crab claws, other yummy edibles, and some truly enticing rum punch set the stage for a great wind-down to the day’s activities. Those partaking in the punch had a head start on the rocking and rolling to come with Saturday’s sailing outside Lake Worth Inlet in the Atlantic Ocean. Saturday morning dawned sunny with a steady northeast breeze and about a mile sail from the PBSC north to the Inlet, followed by a right turn south off the beach to the Race Committee boat. The outgoing tide aided the tacking up Lake Worth but added a dose of challenge when, once in the Inlet, the ebb flow against the wind chop and a 3 to 4 foot swell with a lot of power boat wakes thrown in made negotiating the Inlet to the open ocean a bit exciting. Eventually the fleet convened at the Committee boat and racing got underway in earnest. Out of 26 entries for the regatta, 23 made it offshore for the racing in the ocean. Crystal clear and warm waters favored by the west edge of the Gulf Stream and a steady northward current of a couple of knots would add to the challenges of the day.
Four races were run in winds that averaged initially 12-18 with higher gusts. Swells of 3-4 feet and wind swell on top of that offered exciting surfing conditions. The race course design was novel but ideal for a boat that loves to reach as much as the Aero does. The “Z” course involved a first leg beat followed by a starboard reach to a gybe mark with then a port reach to a second gybe mark with another starboard reach to a leeward mark with a beat back to the windward mark for a second run around the course. Between the sea state and winds the gybes proved entertaining, with multiple capsizes at some of the mark roundings and the added challenge for those following to negotiate their way around the mayhem.
Marc Jacobi brought his considerable experience to bear, scoring firsts in all of Saturday’s offshore races sailing his Aero 9. Madhavan Thirumalai, who hails from Cedar Point YC along with Marc, and Derek Bottles of the Seattle YC, exchanged positions for second and third, also sailing Aero 9s. In the Aero 7 division, Karl Thorne of the Lymington Town Sailing Club, UK, our international competitor, used his sailing skills learned in the “calm” sailing of the English Channel to best advantage in the first race but then Hank Saurage of the Pontchartrain YC in New Orleans, kicked it into gear taking firsts from then on. It seems Hank’s secret is taking a smoke break between races, cough, cough. Always close was Eric Aker, Aero sailing enthusiast (one of the first two in the US), who pursued the leaders aggressively. In the challenging conditions, Larry Cole of the Sailfish Club prevailed in the Aero 5 with straight bullets, with his fellow Sailfish Club member Kim Frisbie taking second in all but the first race. Danielle Chandler from Aero dealer Sandy Point in Miami, took a second in the initial race. Catherine Stewart of Sailfish Club sailed two races, then seeing her lovely beachfront home just a short distance away, weighed the conditions against the comforts of home and sailed her Aero to the beach in front of her house and called it a day.
As the day progressed the winds lightened, making the surfing runs more difficult and less frequent. The last race of the day became a challenge with light winds and a lot of swell and leftover chop tossing boats around and requiring a lot of concentration by the racers. With the racing for the day completed, the fleet followed the flood tide back into Lake Worth and south through the lagoon to the PBSC.
With boats secured for the evening, the racers were greeted with yet more of the Sailfish Club’s killer rum punch, followed by a delicious Cuban style meal prepared by the Palm Beach Sailing Club. As a backdrop to the dining, the Club screened video of Day 1 racing action already set to music. What a great way to wrap up a day of racing that offered just about everything one could ask. Eventually, a bunch of tired sailors called it a night with the next day’s racing soon to begin.
Sunday brought with it unexpected conditions: gray overcast skies, periodic drizzle and rain, with light oscillating winds. Based upon the conditions and with hard rain forecast for later, sailing for the day was conducted in the Lake Worth lagoon between the PBSC and the Sailfish Club. The Race Committee managed to get four races in despite the weather, running traditional windward leeward courses. Tactical skills played a critical role for the racers with the wind shifts and a steadily increasing ebb tide running across the course.
Again, Marc Jacobi prevailed in the Aero 9 division but did come in third in one race to Madhavan Thirumalai in first and Texan Ash Beatty of the MISA coming in second. Marc completed the Regatta in first with Madhavan finishing the day and the regatta in second, and Derek Bottles finishing one point behind to claim third for the regatta. In the Aero 7 division Hank Saurage continued to “smoke” the others with straight bullets, leading English sailor Karl Thorne, the second place finisher, to acknowledge that Hank was amazingly quick. Eric Aker retained his third place standing for the Regatta. Worthy of mention was a tie in one race between Paul Gingras and Tony Corkell, hailing from the Carolina Sailing Club. Larry Cole continued his streak of wins in the Aero 5 class to prevail over Kim Frisbee in second.
The fleet made its way back to PBSC in drifting conditions, and not long after getting back to the lawn for the cleanup, was met with a torrential downpour, a truly unusual event for this time of year. Cause for the adverse weather was questioned, with blame ultimately coming to rest with those coming from the UK and/or perhaps Seattle, where such adverse conditions are the norm for this time of year. Notwithstanding profuse denials, the blame was laid at the feet of these cold weather sailors!
The Regatta and day ended with a tired and wet, but happy group of sailors convening for the presentation of awards to the champions in the respective divisions. Warm appreciation was extended to the host organizations, the Palm Beach Sailing Club and the Sailfish Club of Florida, the organizers headed up by Paul Gingras, the Race Committee and other volunteers, and to all the competitors, especially those who had traveled far to participate. RS donated a new Aero sail for auction with bidding at the Midwinters and the Florida State Championships to decide the winner, the proceeds from which will be given to the hosting clubs.
Regatta Number Two
RS Aero Florida State Championships at US Sailing Center of Martin County, Feb 3-5
The second event in the Florida RS Aero Winter “Series” was the first ever Florida State Championships held February 3-5 at the United States Sailing Center of Martin County located along the Indian River lagoon in Jensen Beach, Florida. The setting proved spectacular in terms of facility, race management, hospitality, location and weather for the eighteen racers that signed up for this second largest US East Coast RS Aero event. The mix of sailors that registered included several that had competed the weekend prior in Palm Beach, Marc Jacobi, Eric Aker, Tony Corkell, Madhaven Thirumalai, Paul Gingras, Micahel Housely, Danielle Chandler, Bill McKenzie, and Greg Popp. There were several competitors new to the Aero to include Olympic level sailors Monica Wilson and Dave Chapin. For those who made the trip to Florida for a sail, vacation, and sail, they were treated this weekend to Chamber of Commerce weather with azure skies, warm temperatures that reached into the 80s, and delightful winds of 8-15 knots for the majority of the event.Friday offered ideal training conditions for Marc Jacobi’s shore side and on the water introduction to the Aero. More follow the leader, tack and gybe, practice starts on very short lines, and practice races including the moving mark boat, made for interesting sailing for the contingent on the water. The last activity was a one by one sail by for photos of the sailors for a later surprise.
Saturday was a picture post card perfect day with abundant sunshine and a 10-15 knot northeast breeze. Following the competitors meeting on the upper patio of the Sailing Center, the fleet launched off the beach and sailed to the race area north of the Stuart Causeway. There the Race Committee set the course of two windward, leeward legs with a starboard broad reach to a gybe mark followed by a port broad reach to the leeward mark and a short beat to the finish. The winds stiffened through the course of the racing leading to planing conditions and rigorous weather work. An additional race was added to make for five for the day and an opportunity to run only three the following day so that all might get in early on Super Bowl Sunday. The racing was extremely competitive in both the 9 and 7 divisions, no 5 rigs were sailed in this regatta. The sailors tuned into the conditions recognized the presence of an increasing tidal current that favored the west side of the course aiding the beat to the windward mark. For day one, in the 9 rig group, Marc Jacobi continued to demonstrate his prowess in the Aero with straight bullets. First timer in the Aero but very talented racer Dave Chapin gave Marc a contest but was also challenged by Madhaven Thirumalai, exchanging positions in several of the races. Additional newcomers Bill McKenzie, Brian Gilcher, and Jerry Sliwinski, were always close and giving the leaders much to think about in all of the races. Favoring a troubled back, Greg Popp stuck out the five races but trailed the group for most of the day. He kept new to dinghy sailing but pluckey Michael Housely company encouraging him to not be reluctant to “mix it up.”
In the 7 rig group the lead was exchanged repeatedly between most of the sailors. Brand new to the Aero but a skilled Laser sailor, Peter Hansen, sailing in his home waters, finished the day in first place closely followed by Aero veteran Eric Aker, and Olympic sailor, Monica Wilson, who was also sailing out of her home club. In the mix early was Simeon Thomas who made the trek from Colorado to sail and enjoy a warm weather respite. Always in the running were Dave Solnick, an Aero and RS 100 sailor from NYC, and new to Aero and dinghies sailor, Ross Martin. Persistent with her commitment to learn the Aero but probably having the most fun based upon the degree of laughter heard by all was Danielle Chandler. As the racing ended the fleet made their way back to the Sailing Center, secured the boats and went off for the evening. About twenty folks made their way for a group dinner arranged by Greg Popp at Tony Roma’s restaurant dining al fresco under the stars while serenaded by what some described as a wounded duck. Notwithstanding the painful renditions of popular music, the food and drinks were almost as good as the camaraderie and the night grew long with stories and laughter.
Sunday brought with its arrival more warm temperatures and sunny skies with lighter breezes offering opportunity for those skilled in lighter air to advance. In the first race the disappearance of the breeze resulted in an abandonment much to the dismay of Paul Gingras who was in a leading position amongst the 7 rig division. As the wind filled back in changes in lead positions occurred amongst the 7 rig group with Monica Wilson and Tony Corkell moving up in the standings. However, Peter Hansen retained his first place position with strong finishes ending the regatta as the leader. Monica and Eric vied for second but Eric won out as second overall and Monica came in third. Tony showed improvement in his finishes for each race of the event and ended in fourth with the rest in trail.In the 9 rig division, the battle between Marc Jacobi and Dave Chapin continued with the finishes ever closer including one bullet for Dave. Madhavan pressed both of them and was in turn pursued by Bill McKenzie who finished in a tie with Brian Gilcher, both new Aero sailors but accomplished Laser sailors. Jerry Sliwinski was so taken with the Aero that he made the decision to join the Aero owner family and pulled the trigger on acquiring one.
Back at the Sailing Center, the fleet began the process of getting ready to depart but took time out to join in the closing ceremonies and awards presentation. Thanking the host US Sailing Center of Martin County, the Race Committee, other volunteers, Sandy Point and Masthead for the morning snacks, RS for the donation of the auction sail, and all of the competitors for making the first time Florida State Championships a resounding success, Greg Popp polled the group on the two regatta series and interest for the future. The response was a resounding, let’s do it again next year! Greg then proceeded to present to each participant a surprise, a framed photo of them sailing the event with those finishing in the victory positions receiving recognition of their accomplishment. Each sailor had something more to take away then just a memory, a treasure of the experience to hang on the wall or to rest on a desk. For those out of the ”money” it was particularly special without detracting from the achievements of the winners. The auction of the Aero sail was won by Dave Solnick who was the top bidder and the proceeds going to support the two events, a win for all.With the series concluded, the boats were packed up, trailers and racks loaded, and farewells conveyed with all looking forward to the next opportunity to once again sail the Aero.
Peter Hansen, Danielle Chandler, Dave Chapin, Monica Wilson and Simeon Thomas with Greg Popp.
