Sailing Regatta 2014

The week leading up the to regatta was ominous, wet, cold & damp with the scheduled race day no better. As a result the regatta was held on a Sunday for the first time ever.

Keeping these thirty year old catamarans afloat seems to take a little more effort each year. It’s a good thing for duct tape and that amazing new invention called “Leak Seal”. The later is great for storm drains, leaking pipes, and even old, weary pontoons like ours. That said, by race time all vessels were primed and raring to go.

One minute before the start of the race, the contestants were closely packed, jockeying for position. However, as Pat Gordon sounded the starter’s cow bell from shore, the red and white catamaran, skipped by Dan Gordon shot into a commanding lead (obviously no lack of matrimonial communication between those two). In fact the lead was so great, that Dan was rounding the second buoy before the rest of the fleet could make it to the first. Then something amazing happened, as Dan’s GPS must have been broken, for instead of heading back up the lake (SE), he started to retrace his steps (NW) and stalled just beyond the first buoy. Go figure !

In the interim, the Norton’s NACRA, which had tailed for most of the race under Danny’s tutelage, swiftly passed us all by. We could immediately see why. Patti, his wife and first mate, was now at the helm. In fact, I’m sure I heard her yell “Danny put the damn dagger board down and get out of my way (or words to that effect”, as she assumed full command. No lack of matrimonial communication there wither ! From that point on, there was no catching the Norton’s, even though the Gordon’s vessel valiantly tried, placing a close second. That left the Walton’s boat (lead by Captain Jack, with Zoey & Carson as Crew) battling it out with the Curwoods for third place, as they both zigged and zagged back up the lake, tacking against the wind.

Congratulations to the Norton’s for being the first couple to win the Dickey Lake triple crown (sailing regatta, golf tournament and tug of war) all in the same year. Not only that, but they are still talking to each other. As for the mono-hull division, the Warden’s boat was easily the fastest as we salute our youngest sailors (Jack, Zoey & Carson, all under 13 years of age).

After the race the contestants, their families and friends settled in for a pleasant afternoon of celebration, lively conversation and even a little grog. Thanks to the Gordons for the use of their beautiful beach and for hosting the event.

Bruce & Eileen Curwood

p.s. After taking his solo victory lap, it was later reported that Danny Norton required a tow by Patti to make it safely back to shore, I think its’ pretty certain who will captain that boat next year.