75 competitors at the 2014 MC Midwinters Regatta

Eustis, FL (March 13, 2014) – The first day of the 2014 MC Midwinters Regatta opened with some optimism as 75 competitors looked out at the brightening skies and relatively calm waters around the docks of Lake Eustis Sailing Club. It blew like crazy all night and the hope was that the worst had come and gone. However, the new wind direction hid the true conditions from our sheltered shore vantage.

Very early we could see it was building heavy white caps and the wind chill had dropped down to 30 degrees. The PRO announced a cautious 1:30 start to the confounded crowd. Four hours later after one general recall we were racing. Flopping to port at the first opportunity spelled success for those that had a clear lane to do so. Ten or more boats were OCS but not everyone got the word. Ron Baerwitz won followed by Chris Andert and Al Haeger.

Race two was run back to back and started off much the same. Conditions were up and down but huge directional shifts could leapfrog you up or back. Winds were generally lighter in the 6-12 range. Most of the leaders seemed to get to the right side of the course early and made huge gains on a heavy starboard lift into the mark. Rob Seidelmann eeked it out over Kenny Wolfe and Zack Clayton was third.

The forecast looks good for Friday and with a little luck we’ll get all 6 races in this year. Racing concludes Saturday.

Source: Bob Wynkoop, MCSA Communications