Sutherland Regatta Results

Pictures By Barbara Fitzgerald

Hudson River Racers!

This past weekend was the Sutherland Regatta at Minisceongo Yacht Club.  It was a fantastic weekend that presented the unusual problem of big wind.  This afforded the race committee the chance to get off four races without issue.  There was a great showing of about thirty boats, making for stiff competition in all fleets.

The high winds were not without their challenges.  Downwind, flying the chute could lead to some dicey situations but sailors managed to pull through unscathed.  The starts were also intense as the boats quickly converged, jockeying for room and running each other up.  Forcing the competition to turn back at the last minute when there was no room.  (Which was aptly pointed out by leeward boats.)

The races finished tightly but the overall scores remained steady across the board.  Leading boats did well to maintain their hold on their positions.  In Fleet 1, Emoticon held a steady lead over both days.  While in Fleet 2, J-Ale Time sought to overtake Freya, who lead by only one point on Saturday.  However Freya was able to hold off J-Ale Time in both races on Sunday.  

In Fleet 3 there were three competitors, which kept the races close.  But Innovator managed to hold a sturdy lead over the rest of the fleet, keeping Gusto and Jurrasis Dragonat bay.  Fleet 4, the largest fleet, was won by Hee Soo but not without strong showings from A-Train and Transformation on Sunday. 

After the races on Saturday, the sailors enjoyed a steak dinner, shrimp cocktail and some cold, crisp suds.  They also engaged in competition once again at the Beer Mug Slide which raised money for the MYC Youth Sailing Program.  On Sunday, the racers enjoyed some chili to warm themselves after a cold weekend on the water.  

Overall, it was a successful weekend of racing followed by beer enhanced consolation/celebration for all.  As the 2013 HRYRA season approaches its end, the racers look forward to the Last Chance this weekend: a chance to maintain a firmly gripped lead or a chance to overtake the competition.