Thistle Class: Abdullah wins battle, Griffin wins war

Thirty-two boats from 12 states across the eastern seaboard and midwest ascended on The Florida Yacht Club in Jacksonville, Florida, for the 40th running of the Orange Peel Thistle Regatta on March 22-23.

Half the fleet attended the TCA Concentrate seminar and practice session on Friday. The sailors were treated to a beautiful evening on the St. John’s River Friday night at the Sunset party and oyster roast.

PRO Tim Monahan and his team worked hard to get off a single race in the difficult conditions on Saturday, which was won by Paul Abdullah and team. After a fantastic southern buffet in the ballroom Saturday night, the sailors adjourned to the now famous Pirate’s Den Bar for an evening of live music with a great view of downtown Jacksonville.

The wind filled in Sunday around 11:15 to get off an additional race. Paul Abdullah, of Jacksonville, Alex Krumdieck, and Marie Thompson won Sunday’s race and clinched the regatta. Second place went to Greg Griffin, also of Jacksonville, sailing with Mark Reddaway, and Ryanne Gallagher. Sandusky, Ohio’s Sjoerd-Jan Vanderhorst, George Sipel, and Jack Vanderhorst finished 3rd overall. Complete results.

Orange Peel Regatta winners

The Orange Peel Regatta concluded the 2014 Thistle Southern Circuit, which also included the Midwinters East Championship (March 3-7).

In the Skipper Division, Midwinters East Champion Greg Griffin of Jacksonville, FL put together a consistent series score of all top 3 finishes after 2 discards to take the title. Orange Peel Regatta Champion, Paul Abdullah, also of Jacksonville, finished second with St. Petersburg’s Kevin Bradley in the third spot to complete the Florida sweep.

In the Open Division, Griffin’s teammates Ryanne Gallagher and Mark Reddaway were tied for first while Abdullah’s new fiancé and teammate Marie Thompson finished third.

Click here for circuit results.

Southern Circuit winners

Report by Greg Griffin. Photos by Deb Fewell.