2007 Rock Hall Invitational Regatta
Saturday - Sunday June 16 - 17
by Jacob Donkersloot and Nabeel Alsalam
Summer is here, which can be SO stressful. Absent
activities on the Potomac River, how ARE we going to satisfy our craving
for competition on the water? Well, one solution is to trek to some
'away' regatta, taking the object of our affection with us. A good number
of PRSA members did just that and crossed the Bay Bridge (really) early
this past Saturday on their way to the Rock Hall Yacht Club.
The Club's Summer One-Design Regatta is a BIG party on the water, and the
70th anniversary festivities added to the fun factor. Yes, officially
it's a regatta, and we did race, but the emphasis is on the enjoyment of
Chesapeake Bay sailing. The scenery is just beautiful once on the water
at the confluence of Langford Creek, the Chester River and some other
tributaries. Off the water activities abound as well: A nice pool, great
food, laid back Reggae music and lots of possibilities to socialize with
like-minded folks. Many camped overnight on the expansive lawn.
Considering the liquid refreshments, a great idea… Plus, the cool dry air
was perfect.
PRSA sailors did really well in the Lightning class (4 boats on the line)
with first (Nabeel Alsalam, Russ Roberts and Lisbet Kugler) and second
place (Benjamin Forman, Tim Olson, and Ann Cody) finishes. A new
Lightning fleet has been established at Rock Hall. Nabeel helped one of
the new guys tune his rig and was treated to a fine Dark & Stormy made
with D & G Genuine Jamaican Ginger Beer -- highly recommended. Former
Lightning sailor & PRSA member, Stuart White, arrived in his C & C 25 and
was spotted at the bar with his lovely wife Sondra.
The Laser fleet (on its very best behavior; the word 'nice' was actually
used by the RC) saw spirited competition as well. The light winds (5-10
mph on both days) put those of less bulk at an advantage. Keri Harris was
cruising and finished second overall (out of 21). Other contestants
who did quite well were Robert Bennett (7), Steve Yelland (12) and
Jennifer Parrow (16).
Chris & Colette Bolton sailed their Hobie 20 in the Open Cat class and
gained a fine third place after application of the (secret) handicap
formula and despite going swimming on Sunday.
Five Sunfish competed with Jacob Donkersloot squeezing into second place.
Other classes that showed their colors: 505, A cat (15 of them!),
Chesapeake-20 (huge main & trapeze), Comet, Highlander, Wayfarer (the
class made this event its US National Championship), and Windmill. There
were 92 boats in all.