October 2
A bang of the Race Committee's capgun started the third annual
Potomac Challenge. South winds were steady 10-12 knots.
Most participants were concerned with prospective thunderstorms while
Reshetiloff's focussed on early line crossing.
The first three Gold Cup legs sailed quickly in keeping with a forty
minute race schedule, Mentesana leading the way. Then an unpredicted
phenomena took place. Winds died at the weather mark when river current
reached max ebb. (Think twice before leaving those anchors ashore.)
With a two hour time limit on the race, there was concern abandonment
may be necessary. But thanks to the speedy Reshetiloff's (1149), now
narrowly ahead of Gary Mentesana (1144) and his new crew Oleg, the race
finished with 15 minutes to spare.
Next, the start sequence was interrupted by a windshift 90 degrees
east. This forced mark repositioning. After a clear second race start
all boats headed to the right side of the course ... except Gary
Mentesana. He headed up river against the current. As the fleet tacked
to lay the mark, Gary continued upriver. In fact he went so far upriver
there didn't appear to be a chance he could reach the mark before the
entire fleet rounded it. But Gary was one with the elements. Not only
did he round the mark first, he won the race.
Six boats sailed the two-race series. Claudia and Ted tied with Gary
and Oleg for first place Cheveron Fleet honors. Randy Bruns was second
in Ceveron Fleet. Dick and Clark Kennedy and Eric Johnson with Cathy
Cotell tied for first place Presidents Fleet honors. Robbie Melson and
his stalwart crew (father) Ken were first in the non spinnaker fleet.
A sincere thanks to our Virginia Delegate Jeff Frederick who provided
the committee boat on short notice. He then scrambled to another
engagement. (You have my vote.) Assisting Jeff was Sandy Melson,
Robbie's mom.
Also a big thanks to Captain Frank Bajowski for bringing the crash/mark
boat. Assisting Frank was local occasional Jet crew, Carlos Epspinosa.
Carolina Espinosa assisted with the picnic setup. West Marine provided
race committee equipment. Thank you!
Finally, Joanne MacMurray prepared the picnic and tolerated my
preparations for this regatta. I can't thank her enough for all her
support.
Pictures (None yet)
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Results Posted 10/7/04
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