Judith and her dog Vera
Report from Judith Krimski:
It was a hot and breezy day that brought 13 sailors out for the Lake Massapoag Regatta in Sharon, MA. For those who aren't familiar with the lake, it is approximately 1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide. Saturday's wind was fluky to say the least-giving us typical lake sailing- varying from 5 to 15 with occasional 50 degree shifts. Every race was a huge tactical battle and those that sailed fastest and played the shifts most successfully won the day.
The morning featured predominant shifts coming from course right. At times the left looked promising but as you sailed up the last 1/3 of the course the right took over. With short courses and lots of boat-on-boat action it was a challenge to stay with an overall strategy. After four races the fleet took a short break and was treated to delicious snacks offered by the ever-attentive race organizers. I have to say that Oreos are a fantastic mid-regatta pick-me-up.
Back out on the water at 1:30 we sailed 3 more high intensity races in winds that shifted mostly course left and increased in velocity to 12-15. The RC did a great job of setting an exciting triangle course that took good advantage of solid pressure coming in from the left creating some excellent planing conditions. As per the morning playing the numerous shifts upwind was critical to overall success.
Positions changed hands numerous times during each race but Lake Massapoag regulars came away with top prizes for the day. Tufts sophomore Matt Russell, whose consistent skills showed throughout the day, took top prize, followed closely by Gary Werden from Sharon, MA, and in third position, Tim Entwhistle, a high school student from Mystic Ct. It was a true battle among the top 3 who, at the end of the day, were separated by only three points.
Many thanks to MYC race organizers for keeping it cheap (30 bucks), simple, and really fun. Other regatta committees should take a page from these guys - they managed to give us a great day with lots of races, no protests and good food. In my book, that makes for an excellent time.
Results