On Sunday 10/10/10 the final regatta of the Maine Laser Championship was held with the overall championship going to Hank Thornburn or Harpswell, ME. Mike Gaffney of Georgetown, ME. finished in second and Syd Sewall of Hallowell in third. The championship was the best three out of four regattas below. Thirty four different sailors competed in the series including out of state guests Gary Orkney of Stonington, CT and Sally Sharp of Dartmouth, NH.
The first regatta held was the "Striper Cup" on scenic Robinhood Cove in Georgetown, ME on July 31st. Twelve boats participated with Hank Thornburn coming in first, Gary Orkney in second and Syd Sewall in Third. Seven races were held in light winds but the scenery (w. sturgeon jumping) and hospitality of the Gaffney family made for a wonderful day.
The second event was the "Hussey Sound Regatta" held at Sailmaine in Portland, ME on August 29th. This was the best attended event with seventeen sailors including three youths. Ed Rowe, Tim Tolford and Finn Hadlock of the Portland Laser Fleet took first, second and third respectively. Five races were held in Portland Harbor with winds ranging from 8 to 22 mph. The reach back to the dock was lots of fun.
The third event on September 11th, was the annual "Loon Cup" on Lake Cobbosseecontee, near Augusta, ME. The event drew 16 sailors with one youth and three women competing. Hank Thornburn dominated again with Mike Gaffney in second and Tom Jamieson of Belfast, ME. in third. After the race we gorged ourselves with the hospitality of the Cobbossee Sailing Fleet. The lake winds were shifty and went between 8-18 mph which made for some interesting racing.
The Final event of the series was the annual "Hippo Cup" sailed in Thomaston, ME and hosted by the Thomaston frostbite fleet. Only eight sailors turned out for what was a great day of sailing. Mike Gaffney won the event with Hank Thornburn in second and Syd Sewall in third. Seven races were sailed in winds of 6-20 mph with two races featuring downwind starts (which made for a very exciting first leward mark).
We invite you all to next years series which will feature a new venue and some spring racing. For more information contact: Tom Jamieson 207 338-3288 or tbjlac@prexar.com.