Events

Pumpkin Regatta Rave-up!

October 01, 2005 | by Bob Kennedy | Results | Photos

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October 1 and 2, 2005, revealed a stellar Pumpkin Regatta at Fanshawe Yacht Club and if you missed it, as a racer or spectator, a similar "totally" successful regatta of this quality, might not resurface for some time!

A great regatta for sailors generally happens when three conditions exist namely 1) a quality number of sailors; 2) good volunteer assistance to run things properly; and 3) good weather!

1) Sailors

We at Fanshawe Yacht Club were very impressed and delighted to welcome 5 boats (ten sailors) from our recently finished sailing school, to sail in our regatta. This is an excellent showing of interest and their participation and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed and helped the regatta be the great success it was. Also, we were joined by a great number of "out- of-town" boats - one from North Bay in the Wayfarer fleet!

It is this kind of interest and enthusiasm that really can make a club, like Fanshawe, turn the corner to better times!

2) Great volunteers

At registration, Bobby Hampton and Mike Morris collected the fees and kept the paper work organized. In the race hut Jens Biskaborn chaired the committee with help from Sharon Biskaborn, Rex Paget and Ross Green. Protest Committee headed by Jens Biskaborn. Organization of safty boats and purchase of prizes was given by Will Pol. All financial and secretary work by Rick Goldt. Regatta Chair was Bob Kennedy.

Then a very special "category of the lunches" (Saturday and Sunday) - amazing work once again by Mike Wareing with his excellent chili and hot dogs with "all-the-fixins" and pop. Thanks again Mike for being there for all of us hungry wanabe sailing experts!

Rescue Boats were manned by our ever faithful John Bryant (Commodore) , Graham Foster, Bas Vischschraper and his daughter, and on Sunday - Will and Joshua Pol, Tom Posthumus and John Burgess.

3) Good Weather!

Wow, has it ever been better??? I realize that some of the more "experienced" sailors like to "get down" and sail in a regular blow, but as far as comfort and reasonable wind is concerned, the weekend was picture "purrfect". And further, some of us like to stretch and bend the "old" muscles as we try to solve the challenging light wind scenario. I believe it made the onlookers very comfortable as well! A rather good crowd at the Saturday evening supper was treated to great food at the Huron House which is fast becoming a favourite for Fanshawe Yacht Club socializing events!

To sum up: I remember snow, very strong winds, cold rain, breaking boat parts, collisions, and several wet dumps (especially in a Laser) in previous Pumpkins...but this weekend was a beauty that I soon won't forget!!