Rock Hall Opening Day Regatta at Rock Hall YC, MarylandMay 1
Story
Saturday’s Opening Day racing out of Rock Hall Yacht Club was spectacular. The blue sky day started off with a flag raising ceremony and cannon boom. For all who have gone onto uncharted waters a moment of silence was observed during a wreath laying ceremony, may they find fair winds and following seas.

Four windmills turned out for the racing on a warm 80 degree day, with southerly wind 6 to 12 knots and small chop on the Chester River. The 12 boat racing fleet was mixed with Windmills, Lightning and Lasers. The first race winds were in the 8 to 10 knot range and all boats were close. Claiming second place Carroll Sparwasser and son John came on strong by passing Dyer Harris and Jim Georgenson on the down wind leg. Scott Ranney and Joe Manley was a close fourth. Ralph and Sandy Sponar held on to first.

The second race wind blew a solid 12 knots. Ralph Sponar started the race on a port tack and was able to cleanly clear the fleet. Scott Rannney attacked the windward leg rounding the windward mark next to Ralph. Carroll Sparwasser and Dyer Harris closely followed keeping the fleet competitive. Carroll and Dyer Harris battled the entire length of the downwind leg. Positions changed several times and Carroll was able to hold onto second, Dyer placed third, Scott a near fourth and Ralph held onto first.

The wind started to lighten up for the third race. Ralph led the race due to an outstanding pole end start. But again Carroll and Dyer were battling the entire race. Carroll was faster going down the wind holding but was bet by Dyer at the downwind mark. Dyer took second place for this race, Carroll held onto third and Scott finished fourth. Ralph had first place.

The fourth race had the lightest winds in the 6 knot range. Dyer Harris and Jim found the speed and pointing slot battling Ralph and Sandy the entire race. The first down wind leg had two lead changes between Dyer and Ralph with only inches between both boats and a laser at the rounding. Ralph was able to take the inside and pass both boats holding onto first place. Dyer and Jim placed second in the race, Carroll and John took third with Scott and Joe finishing fourth.

After boat clean up everyone retired to the Rock Hall Yacht Club to enjoy a well deserved cold Mint Julep libation. Beautiful RHYC members arrived in full Race for the Roses regalia. Watching the muddy race on the clubs TV was better than being at the race with a lot of cheering for members picked pool horses. Dinner was a southern affair that left everyone full and satisfied. Thanks to all the support staff at Rock Hall Yacht Club for a great race course and yacht committee, welcoming atmosphere and friendly conversations at the bar and dinner. Also a special thanks for the fantastic pictures that Connie Ranney took. More pictures can be seen at the www.rockhallyachtclub.org web site.

See you on the water, may your sails always be full and pointing in the right direction.

Story submitted by:
Ralph and Sandy Sponar
Windmill # 3524 Longtail 2
Result
PosBoatNameTotalRace 1Race 2Race 3Race 4
13524Ralph Sponar/Sandy Sponar41(1)1(2)1(3)1 (4)
25400Dyer Harris/Jim Georgeson103(3)3(6)2(8)2 (10)
33800Carroll Sparwasser/John Sparwasser102(2)2(4)3(7)3 (10)
45187Scott Ranney/Joe Manley164(4)4(8)4(12)4(16)
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