2012 Governor's Cup Regatta

Carolina Sailing Club, Kerr Lake, Henderson NC

June 16-17

Kenny Marcus and Hunter Trombetta take 1130 downhill Saturday.

After a successful return to the NC Governor's Cup regatta in 2011, 5 Jet-14s and crews lined up for the 2012 edition.  This was the 55th Governor's Cup, a regatta with a strong Jet-14 tradition.  The perpetual trophy shows 5 straight Jet-14 victories (given to the crew who beats the most boats out of anyone in their respective class) in the 1960s, including 4 in a row by class legend Max Culpepper.  

Saturday's forecast called for moderate northerly winds.  Building on the theme from the previous year, this forecast was conservative and the 55 boat fleet sailed out to the start in 12-18 kt. winds.  3 boats in the Jet-14 fleet made the trip from Asheville NC, including yours truly (#483), Bruce Sampson (in newly restored #977), and newcomers Kenny Marcus and Hunter Trumbetto (#1130).  Rounding out the fleet were Barry Saunders and daughter Eleanor (#737), and David Oldach with daughter Elle (#962).  Olivia jumped on board #483 on Sunday, giving the Jet fleet four father-daughter teams on Fathers Day - a special occasion indeed.  Missing from this year's addition but expected back next year are Jim Hickman and Tom Grace/Paula Pacheco.

Bruce, sailing with daughter Stephanie, was eager to test out his restored air tanks as he wiped out on a gybe before the start of the first race and subsequently turtled.  Apparently the tanks needed some tuning because Team Sampson had to retire from the first couple of races while some water was removed.  The rest of the Jets flew off the line at the start of race 1 (Olympic course), with Team Saunders timing it perfectly and sailing at full speed on the line at the gun.  However, it was Hennon who had the superior speed this day, taking the lead by the middle of the first beat and going on to win the race.  The second and third races were very close, but Hennon and crew David Oldach were able to keep their boat the flattest and take the bullets.

Unfortunately the wind did not cooperate on Sunday and both races were abandoned.  Several sailors walked by the Jets in the parking lot before and after racing, including a couple who are interested in buying one.  Thanks to Barry Saunders again for getting the logistics together for this great event, and we look forward to increasing our fleet size next year.

- Chris Hennon (#483)

Pictures
 

Results Posted 6/20/2012

Send corrections to the webmaster