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Patriots Day Regatta

September 11, 2010

A great day of racing was had by all at SailMaine's 'Patriot's Day Regatta' on Saturday, September 11th. This JV Regatta proved to be one of the best first of the season Regattas in recent memory. Saturday's sunny day provided an excellent breeze out of the North with challenging 20 plus degree oscillating wind shifts. Six windward leeward fleet races were completed with wind speed ranging from 12-14 knots out of the North and gradually shifting to the NE and dropping to 6-8 knots.

Sailors discovered if they were not watching for these wind shifts they would find themselves on the wrong side of the course! After completing six fleet races a quick lunch was had and we were back on the water for more sailing. We found a diminished Northerly breeze and that the wind had shifted to the East and lightened. In race seven the sailors experienced the wind shifting by 90 degrees at the weather mark as the sea breeze filled in with a vengeance.

After a quick race course change we were ready to go again and race eight was completed in about 12-14 knots of breeze. Overall as a JV event we were impressed with the group's great starts and saw that people were starting to learn more about dealing with 'shifty' winds. Eight races were completed with no 'throw outs' and in the final 'tally' First place went to Falmouth I, Second to Portland I and Third place to Falmouth 2. My thanks go out to all who helped out at this regatta. We can only hope that in the future to have such a great day for racing!

- Jim Marchant

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