Season’s Under Way.
Our season opened with a great Spring Regatta over Memorial Day Weekend. A total of 12 Rhodes showed up for some great racing in conditions that defied the initial weather forecast. With 12 boats the Rhodes was the largest fleet on the line for the weekend. Thanks to all who braved the cold spray to get Fleet 5 off to a fast start. A special thanks goes to Suzie Schneider and the Eastern Yacht Club Race Committee for doing a great job. The racing was on a middle line which like the Tinkers Line where we will be racing this season seems much closer to the harbor than our recent experience on the outside line. The RC did a great job of getting races of keeping things moving quickly allowing 3 races to be held on Sat. Congratulations to Kim and Christina Pandapas who took first place honors followed by Doug Trees and Chris Small in second place and Karl Renney and Peter Kaznoski in third.
The race wrap for Saturday, June 2 is provided by Doug Trees. “The experience on the water last Saturday was no experience at all. After a 1 1/2 hour wait for wind at the Tinkers Line the EYC committee sent us home in time to watch the Red Sox game.” Races on Sat, June 9 were cancelled from the porch with no air and rain threatening.
The season really started on April 21 with the first fleet party at Tom and Judy Despres’ house. Along with an opportunity to register for the upcoming season and get reacquainted, Twilight Trophies were handed out to John Casler for his first place finish in last years Twilight series along with the Charlie Barr Trophy. There were a couple of new and returning faces in the crowd. Walter Colsman has moved back in the area with his wife and family. Walter will be racing with his father Eckart. Watch out for Tahoot! Ian Peebles from Doyle Sails has joined the fleet with his own boat, # 2688. Also Dane Fawkes, who has recently moved into the area and has cast around for crewing berths. Looks like Mike Lane got there first.
Registration is complete for the year with 32 boats registered. Of course if you haven’t registered yet the books are always open. Please contact any of the fleet officers if you need help getting the process started. Of special note are some new members in the fleet this year. As mentioned, Ian Peebles has joined the fleet after crewing for several years. Jeff Shoreman has joined with crew Dave Reynolds. Jeff and Dave have raced in community boating and are anxious to get started in their own boat. Finally Rick Smyers will be racing #1995 after chartering last year. Welcome to everyone and see you on the water!