September Regatta Recap

100_6069Oak Hollow Sailing Club held its September Regatta on Saturday, September 17, 2016. We had an excellent turnout of 23 boats rigged and ready to sail, under overcast skies, somewhat cooler temperatures and forecast winds of 5 to 7 mph for the entire day. Race Committee volunteers were Michael Nordahl, Stuart Swinford, Tom Kirkman, Sue Cole, Rosalie Austin, Warren Mitchell, and Susan Sherrill. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your service! New member Lynn Bostic sailed as crew with Carl and Lois Simmons, and guests Merritt Wayt and Meghan Proctor sailed with Dan Shuee and Roger Bates, respectively, and Ken Lyon sailed with Paul Walter. Thanks to Gary Gooden and Stephanie DeLair for lending their experience by providing crew to two of our WOW (Women on the Water) “graduates” for 2016, Annette Grefe and Pam Lineberry, respectively. In addition, three of our four HPU students were able to join us in the regatta, with each sailing a Sunfish. This was just the third time on the water for Abby Sharp and Louise Yik, and they were joined by Kyle Townsend, who has over 10 years of sailing experience in the Ocean City, NJ, area.

Before the first race began the wind dropped into the Beaufort 1 range (at times when we were lucky). Three boats opted not to start. Twenty boats officially started and nine were able to finish before the race was called. No additional races were started due to lack of wind. Congratulations to the nine captains and crew who completed the race – it was a test of patience and light wind sailing skill for sure. After handicap scoring, congratulations to all finishers:

Phil Andrews (Laser) – 1st Place
Alan Taylor (Isotope – 1-up) – 2nd Place
Dan Shuee (Flying Scot) – 3rd Place
Spencer Sherrill (Force 5) – 4th Place
Roger Bates (Nacra 5.0) – 5th Place
Gene Eldred (Capri 14) – 6th Place
Annette Grefe (Wayfarer) – 7th Place
Jerry Eldred (Aqua Cat) – 8th Place
Chris Malcolm (Hobie 16) – 9th Place

There were 10 DNF’s.

Handicap scoring is attached.

Thanks to all who participated and showed up to support OHSC! We have one remaining regular season regatta on October 15. Please mark your calendars as we hope for another excellent turnout (and maybe some wind). Also, please mark your calendars for Saturday, November 12, when we will be hosting the Inter-club regatta with Lake Townsend Yacht Club. We need sailors AND volunteers for that day – will keep you posted on our needs.

submitted by Paul Walter