Mallory National Regatta

The regatta is complete, racing done and we're sitting at the airport having dinner.

Newport Harbor HS (CA) won the regatta demonstrating terrific skill in both the 420 and FJ dinghies. However, the most exciting aspect of the regatta was Steph Hudson, crew Cole Rice and Scott Bartuska, placing 3rd in B division. At this level that's a great accomplishment.

Steph was in first place at the end of racing Saturday after racing in the 420. Sunday A and B divisions swapped boats (420 to FJ; FJ to 420) and the other B division skippers had more success in the FJ.

In A division Drew Shea and Kim Johnson sailed Saturday in the FJ and spent a lot of time trying to get in the groove. Sunday Drew and Kim shared time with Mark Gargula (S), Amy Baxter (C) and Mike Cornew (S) in 420.

The regatta was held off St Petersburg on the waters of Tampa Bay. The host club, St Petersburg Yacht Club and the University of Southern Florida, did a great job running the regatta - the courses were well arranged (a little long - race averaged about 27-30 minutes versus the desired 17 min for ISSA), and the race committee ("RC") did a good job moving the courses with the winds. On Day One, the teams sailed a trapezoid which enabled the RC to run two races at a time on the same course.

Overall, a good showing for New Trier and MISSA. Scores can be found at this link.

The team begins training for the team racing nationals - the Baker Trophy - to be held at Sequoia Yacht Club in Redwood City, CA. Congratulations to NT and, especially, to Steph, Cole and Scott.

DS