2022 Governor's Cup Regatta

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June 18-19
Kerr Lake Reservoir, Henderson, NC

Above: Chris and Olivia Hennon power up in a big gust at the 2022 Governor's Cup Regatta.

Five Jets gathered for traditionally one of the most popular events in NC Jet racing. Joining host Barry Saunders this year were Chris and Olivia Hennon (#483, Asheville Sailing Club), Tom Grace and Paula Pacheco (#717, Lake Norman Yacht Club), Paula Hennon and Eric Mueller (#1129, ASC), and juniors Tyler Pennington and Mia Dionne (#646, ASC). Lenny Wells and Teri Fosmire (#433) also camped with the group but raced Lenny's new Melges-15; both are planning on Jet Nationals this year.

After a brutally hot and calm Friday, the sailing gods smiled on the One Design fleets and sent a cold front through in the evening. As normally the case, the winds on Saturday exceeded expectations with sustained breeze in the high teens and gusts into the upper 20s. The sustained winds were manageable - it was the "nuclear" puffs that one had to constantly scan the horizon for that could cause complications if not anticipated. Race 1 saw four Jets start with the Melges fleet as Barry had a misbehaving halyard go up the mast earlier in the morning. The pin end became quite favored with a couple of minutes to go; Team Hennon took advantage with a port tack start that crossed the entire fleet. With a big lead at the top mark, they choose not to risk putting up the kite downhill. This thinking was followed by the rest of the fleet. Grace/Pacheco consistently made up ground downwind but could not overcome Hennon's good start and fast upwind boat speed. Tyler and Mia, coming in at a combined 86 lb. crew weight, did very well to not only stay upright all day, but compete with the rest of the fleet. As boats across the lake continued to capsize and the winds showed no signs of abating, the Jets decided to call it a day. 

Sunday conditions were similar to Saturday except for maybe 5 kt. less on the puffs and sustained winds in the 10-15 range - definitely less survival racing and more tactical. In fact, spinnakers were launched on every downwind leg, making for very fun rides. In the first race on Sunday, Team Hennon and Grace started close to the pin again and gained a sizeable advantage on the fleet up to the top mark. Similarly to Day 1, Hennon had the speed advantage upwind only to give some back going the other way. The three remaining boats were closely packed at the finish and it appeared that the results could have easily changed with one shift. The final race of the regatta saw Tyler and Mia continue to improve their boat handling and adapt to the conditions, taking a strong third in a very challenging situation. It was Tyler's first Jet regatta and we're looking forward to seeing him and Mia continue to rise in the class.

Chris Hennon (#483)

Results:

 (* = junior)