Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Regatta
on Monday October 18, 2004 10:39PM
The 21st running of a regatta that was started in 1982 by Alain Vincey saw 23 sailors sail seven great races. Peter Seidenberg , the only GGM, got off to a good start with a win in the first race, and held off Mark Bear. Mark finished with five first and one second place finishes after throwing out a third and was first Master. Peter's throw out was a fourth. First Grand Master was John Bentley, first lady Karen Long and first Radial Jane Schmidt. It was Fishing Bay was at it's best, with a steady 20 knots both days primarily from the SW.Four races on Saturday were clearly enough for all, as were three more on Sunday. In deference to the age of some of the competitors windward legs were reduced as the days wore on. Courses were standard ILCA W's and T's, and elapsed times for all but the shortened W for Saturday's last race were around 45 minutes for the first place finishers. The four visitors from New England, making their first appearance at FBYC, since waiting impatiently for three days in October 2000 for a high pressure zone to move, took four of the first five places and left tired but happy.
They and others saw the club's two year old clubhouse on Fishing Bay for the first time, and enjoyed one more in a series of great dinners prepared by Chef Alain, and presented by his regular helpers appropriately identified by their chef's hats. It was a great event, hopefully enjoyed as much by the competitors as by those of us fortunate enough to watch some great racing from the comfort of a committee boat.
For those who travelled from wherever, y'all come back and see us. And for those who missed the 2004 event plan ahead and don't miss this event in 2005.
Check out pictures at http://www.fbyc.net/Events/2004/10.16.otherclub/Photos.dtml