Ten Windmillers gathered at the Massabesic YC in Manchester, NH September 12-13 for the 2009 Northerns. Sailing under cloudy skies and a drizzle most of Saturday, the winds (5-15 but mostly 8-10) allowed the race committee to run off 5 races with Larry Christian, bringing back his wooden boat and super-crew Peter, taking a commanding lead after 1-2-1-1-1 results. Roy Sherman and Carol sailed an outstanding second race to deny Larry a clean sweep, while Lon Ethington/Meg Gimmi's excellent and steady sailing left them 2nd, 2 points ahead of Allen Chauvenet/Alix Davidson who moved up with a runner up finish in the last race of the day, even leading at the end of the first lap. Roy and Carol were just one point further back and Charlie Davidson/Jane Head were chasing their daughter closely in 5th.
On Sunday the committe accomplished 4 races under clearing conditions with beautiful weather, though somewhat light and shifty winds until the final race. An interesting feature of these races was that marks were rounded to starboard! Roger Demler took 2nd in the first race of the day while Roy and Charlie closed the gap with Allen, Roy actually leading by a point coming into the final race in spite of dropping his jib on the final weather leg of one race (see race results and guess). Lon and Meg secured second and also won one race, which thus forced Larry to count a second along with his seven wins! Charlie and Jane demonstrated their "escape artist" abilities by rounding the weather mark last in the second and third races of the day and even finishing 3rd in one of the races!
At the start of the final race, Larry was recalled and Allen jumped into the lead at the weather mark. Slowly Larry moved up though Allen still led at the leeward mark. Larry took the lead on the second weather leg and held it to the finish while Allen sailed carefully and conservatively to preserve a solid second and take the 3rd place trophy.
Extra outstanding features of the regatta included welcoming new Windmiller Goeff Ling, the ever-improving sailing of Eric and Emily Francois and the wonderful Saturday evening meal. Finally, at the trophy presentation, Emily Francois received the Junior National Perpetual Trophy from Ali Deyett, the 2008 Champion. Both had Larry Christian as crew, so those interested in winning the 2010 Junior Nationals should get in bids for Larry! |
