Punta Gorda "Holiday Regatta" Report
Alan Perkins defends his Punta Gorda title

December 7, 2013… The venue used by the Suncoast Model Sailing is a wonderful site to sail and most of the time there is a delightful breeze… however not today! The regatta started on the course which favors west/east winds. RD Art Hawes picked this side for the morning but the wind there was very light and variable. Twenty three boats hit the water and despite the wind conditions we were able to get in five races before lunch. Going in to the lunch break Jack Ward and Jon Luscomb were tied for 1st, closely followed by Gerhard Kelter, Dick Hedderick, Martin Grey and Alan Perkins.

The afternoon session was changed to the side favoring north or south winds as the little wind had worked its way around more or less to the south. Once again it was very light and variable. After several course changes, the afternoon session of four more races were completed. The top six positions changed with Perkins leading followed by Kelter, Hedderick, Gray, Ward and Luscomb. It would be safe to say that the rest of the fleet had its ups and downs. However, the day produced two major highlights for the lady skippers. Judy Clarke moved from the B fleet to the A fleet for the first time (later she keep her clothes pin as a trophy) and Brenda Pardee scored her first victory in the A fleet.

Dinner was held that evening at Riviera Oyster Bar and Grill. This little back woods spot on the water was just great! Raw oysters, grilled and fried seafood. Numerous stories were told of how I could have done this if the wind had done that.

December 8, 2013… Fortunately the winds improved for Sunday’s session. They were for the most part easterly and steady between 4 mph and 10 mph. It was only necessary to adjust the course once or twice which helped get in an additional six races in before the “bell” rang. By the end of the day the five trophy winners were: Alan Perkins 1st; Dick Hedderick 2nd; Jon Luscomb 3rd; Gerhard Kelter 4th and Martin Gray 5th.

A salute to Suncoast Commodore Jack Ward for organizing the regatta and Race Director Art Hawes for keeping it running smoothly. And a cheer for the rest of our members who turned out to help!

Results