Published: Friday, January 16, 2004 at:8:26 PM




Women Prevail Once Again
at Midwinter Regatta

Racing conditions could not have been better as mother nature served up 6 consecutive days of 12-15 knots breeze out of the east. Not too windy to knock out the lightweights and breezy enough to keep the big dudes moving.

The roster of sailors featured two time champ Sally Sharp, fresh off a strong finish at the Laser Masters held this past summer in Cape Cod. Sunday regatta winner Joan Shannon returned to Laser action without “a bun in the oven” (Joan was 6 months pregnant when she took the Sunday Laser event last February.), and proved to be a formidable opponent. And what would our Mid Winter event be without our good friend Gibby Rachleff and his side kick George Huntington, out to take the top prize in the Rhodes event? Other racers included repeat guests Colin Hughes and his pal Jim Vogt as well as Steve Harrison and his sons Jeff and Spencer. A steady stream of walk on racers took part throughout the week including Mr. Laser himself, Dick Tillman. Other participants included Sunday regatta winners Paolo Canavese from Italy and Captain Bob Wellan and the crew of the megayacht ‘Louise.’

Esther and Gordo with this year's participants in the Midwinter Regatta.

Needless to say, it was a very competitive field. When it was all said and done, it was the ladies who took the men to school. Sally and Joan put on a tremendous show, sparring for top spot in both the Laser and Rhodes 19 class. After a total of 12 races in the Laser event, it was Joan who grabbed top spot by one single point. “I felt a little lighter this year. It was great to have my little girl cheering from shore and not from my tummy,” Joan commented. “ The racing was very competitive and I was lucky to pull it out of the hat. We’ll be back next year for sure.”

The Rhodes 19 event was just as tight, with top spot up for grabs right up to the final race. The winner of this event would swing the overall title one way or the other, and finally, after six mid winter events, it was Gibby and George who took top spot over Sally and Judy Coats…by one single point. WOW! “It may have taken a few years, but consistency paid off. This is a great regatta. I only wish more people knew about this event. It really is a lot of fun!”

With the two events decided by one point and with Sally as the runner up in both cases, simple math led to crowning Sally as the overall champion for the third time. “The competition was much tighter this year. I really had to stay focused for all 24 races. I’m happy to take the title once again and I am looking forward to next year.”

Sailing school head Esther Recourt had the pleasure of running this fun filled event: “I must say that I have not seen many events that featured consistent strong sailing and tighter finishes. This group of sailors really knew their stuff. I would also like to thank everyone for supporting my country’s economy by drinking so many greenies at the post race parties.”

Event organizer and Watersports boss Gord-O was very happy with the results. “It was a dream come true. Three different winners, tight racing, great conditions and a very friendly atmosphere made this the best Midwinter event ever. I’m looking forward to next year. I just hope more of our Sunday regatta winners take part so we can settle once and for all who is truly the best of the best.”

The 2004 mid winter event is scheduled for January 10-16. We will see you then if not sooner.

And one final note: Mr.Evan Oleson won the draw for our free pass to the 2004 event. Congratulations Evan. We hope to see you next year!