U20 Midwest Regionals a Blast!
Five U20's gathered in Hudson, Wisconsin on Labor Day Weekend to conclude their midwest series that started back in May. The weather looked a little sketchy on Saturday as the St. Croix Lake was a little glass like, but the wind gods turned the wind on enough for us to get in two races.
The first race all U20's left the line in sync. Tim Delany's, Alize' and Steve Roses', Running with Scissors fought for one side of the course while the others split. Since there was very light winds, watching the lake for a little extra breeze really paid off as Gregg Henning's, Goombay Smash pulled out to win the race by over 4 minutes ahead of the next U20 as well as beating the rest of the fleet by over a minute. St. Croix Sailing Club scored all boats overall as well as in section during this regatta as all boats sailed the same courses.
The second race on Saturday showed some steading of the wind which brought the boats much closer together. Goombay Smash was just able to beat out Nate Selsted's, Semper Gumby for another win.
A great party was held at the Sailing Club on Saturday Evening with Goombay Smashes available for all that dared to live on the wild side.
The next morning the wind gods decided to add some spice to the races with winds form 18 to 25 knots. Goombay Smash sat in first place while Semper Gumby and Mark Dobie's, Zipper were tied for second.
The race committee decided to send us on an 8 mile full olympic course. Lead changes were many as Goombay Smash had only 2 crew members so on the upwind legs, it was survival mode, but downwind, what a ride. The reach legs were insane as Mark Dobie set the pace by hoisting a chute all others followed suit. In the end, Goombay Smash was able to squeek out another win.
Our last race was just as blustery. Again lead changes were plentiful. On the last leward mark rounding, Zipper, Goombay Smash and Semper Gumby all rounded the mark in less than a boat length of each other. Semper Gumby tried to sneak inside and a little rubbing occured with Goombay. Semper Gumby quickly did her penalty turns and rejoined the chase. In the end, Zipper won the last race followed by Goombay and Semper Gumby.
We all headed in for the awards and ensuing party. A great time was had by all. Goombay Smash took overall honors in class and in fleet.
Story by Gregg Henning