2021 Nationals
August 5-7
Mayfield Yacht Club, Mayfield, NY
The last time I visited Mayfield was for the 2009 Nationals. We had just welcomed our firstborn, Vincent, into the world six weeks earlier and decided to take him with us. That was quite the whirlwind and Bridget and I remember very little of the actual event. This was like discovering a new venue for the first time. Wow, what a gem!
The club itself sits atop a hill overlooking the lake and the scenery is beautiful, but the people are what makes the place amazing. Kelly and Dean Whalen ran point and worked their tails off. It is obvious how much time and effort went into making everyone feel welcomed as their own. If anyone has yet to make the trip, I highly recommend it!
We all came for the racing, and initial reports did not look very promising. Everyday had forecasts close to light and variable, but PRO Dave Japikse and his band of race committee helpers had confidence that we would get off a great series. Day 1 we sailed in the bay close to the club. The wind was light across the course with some holes from time to time but everyone was able to keep moving.
Some points that stood out day 1:
Chris and Olivia Hennon had great light air downwind speed and nipped a few boats at the finish each race.
Chris and Dean Whalen had a great second race and were the fastest boat on the water for a good part of the race.
Dave Michos and Cara Sanderson Bown were solid every race and had a knack at keeping themselves in the best air and moving downwind.
I must put a plug in for the community watering hole. The Whalens refit an old wood Jet into a top-of-the-line bar, which Bridget and PJ put to use keeping the sailors and club members sufficiently lubricated. The last-minute rum gummies had just enough kick even with the quick soak, and the blender drinks were flowing long enough to make everyone’s cheeks rosy. Surprisingly everyone was in good spirits even the next morning.
Day 2 was a marathon. We sailed out into the main lake and bobbed until after lunch, waiting for the wind to come in. True to plan, the wind came up and we sailed five races.
The first race saw Bridget, sailing with PJ Blonski, leave the rest of the fleet behind to sail in her own little bubble. Despite taking a huge gamble she won the race going away. She then passed us the next race as well. Ben and I realized that they were just faster in the light stuff. At that point with only one point separating us, it turned into a match race to just try to stay, and keep, in front of each other. Sadly, a broken main halyard on the final beat of race 8 was the final straw for the Funky Llama team.
Random thoughts:
∙ Kudos to Doug Brown and Susan Mallows for two bullets on the day. They definitely found the groove for low points on the day.
∙ Ernie Michaud and Marsha Kneller had a set of 2’s and in the last race were mere inches away from winning their first race at a Nationals.
∙ Our New Secretary and Treasurer, Tom Grace and Paula Pacheco, started off the day with a nice pair of 3s, showing their usual light air prowess.
∙ The last run of race 8, (and the regatta, as it turned out,) got spicy when a 15+ knot puff decided to arrive rather suddenly. The fleet handled it with aplomb, but it sure was exciting!
Friday’s racing was followed by a wonderful Italian dinner served by the Mayfield members; the carbs were much appreciated after the marathon day of sailing!
Unfortunately, Day 3 turned into a bust. The RC made a valiant effort to find the breeze, but after one too many 180* shifts, the time limit loomed to large, and the regatta was called. This was no doubt much to the relief of Chris and Olivia, who finished on the podium, but also only 2 points ahead of sixth place. Scores were REALLY tight…
There were so many highlights I’m sure I’ve failed to mention, but suffice it to say, everyone had their moments, both good and bad, as shown by the jumbled scores. A special personal thanks to Ben Stock for crewing with me. Ben kept my head straight on the water and did an amazing job in the boat while making it fun at the same time.
I think it’s safe to say that a great time was had by all, and we look forward to a return to Mayfield!
See everyone on the water soon,
Nate Ireland
Pictures at jet14.smugmug.com
