2005 Irey Memorial Regatta

West River Sailing Club, Galesville, MD

June 11-12

The West River Sailing Club hosted the Fifth Annual Dave Irey Memorial Regatta that was combined this year with the Silver Chevron Regatta on June 11-12, 2005.  14 Jets participated in a total of six windward-leeward races over the course of the two days and were treated to beautiful summer sailing conditions on the Chesapeake. 

Four races were held on Saturday in a 5-12 knot southerly that built throughout the day.  It was, however, hot and I think everyone was glad to get off the water and get some time shade time in before and during the “bar-b-q” dinner. 

On Sunday, although the wind was a bit lighter and more variable, it was still hot.  Due to an appropriate postponement after the first race, while we watched a westerly in the river battle the sea breeze from the south, we were only able to get two races in on Sunday.

While speed is always important, the name of the game this weekend was staying in phase, as best you could, both upwind and especially downwind.  There were many passing lanes and those that minimized losses and kept their speed up generally faired better than others. 

Dave was well represented, as usual, as both Nan and Noni and PopPop (his parents) along with siblings and others were present for the awards presentation on Sunday afternoon.  During the awards presentation, the Irey Perpetual Trophy, a now complete half model originally built by Paul Parramore and restored by Michael Parramore bearing a blue hull, a 558 sail number and an WRSC burgee was presented by Nan and then appropriately placed back on the wall in the club.

After reflecting upon the regatta, the one fact that was not as evident while we were on the water, at least to me, was the number of “significant other” teams.  Of the 14 boats, eight were either husband-wife or “significant other” (I think) teams.  In addition, we saw a team of brothers, a father-daughter team, a mother daughter team and a grandfather-grandson team!!!.   Although families were out in full force, the sailing was tight throughout the fleet.  Most mark roundings were either overlapped or hotly contested.  It was terrific to see several teams, both new and young, make significant improvements.  

The results are summarized below.  Of special note were Charles and Joanna of HSC, NJ who won the Champagne Fleet and a bottle of champagne!  Thanks to all of those who made the drive from both NJ and Ohio.

All in all, we once again had a terrific time on the water and on shore and very much appreciate all of WRSC’s hospitality.  We would like to extend a special thank you to Dick and Carol Kennedy and Randy Bruns who coordinated the Jet participation, Frank Gibson, the RC Chair and supporting staff who “volunteered” for service, and Carl Berninger for arranging, as he has for several Irey Regattas, a delightful continental breakfast each day.

Gary Mentesana

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Results Posted 6/16/05

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