I may sound like a bit of a "homer", but I really love sailing at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key. Driving over the Clearwater Beach causeway, and looking down at the bahama blue waters, always makes me feel lucky. After all, we get to race sailboats in this idealic setting...for fun! This past weekend, we raced our windmill,"Whimpy" in the Carlisle Classic Regatta, at the CCSC. 80 degree weather, with a NE breeze of 8-12 knots greeted more then 50 boats. Have I mentioned how lucky we are yet?!? Shoreside activities we coordinated by our fearless leader, and "biggest Kid" of all, Eddy Lyons, while the on the water duties were handled by the Clearwater Yacht Club. 3 circles, with 7 classes of sailboats were represented. Dinner was provided by Baystar Group, and Frank Chivis. We even had an opportunity to listen to America's Cup champion skipper, and local sailing legend, Ed Baird speak. Not only was Ed there as a parent of youth sailors, he also raced his laser. To hear Ed talk of the memories we all will take away from every regatta we attend, no matter how small or large, was truely a highlight of the day for me. On the water, Sailability raced their Acess Dingies in a circle run by Al Humphers. The Opti green, and red, white, and blue fleets raced on a circle run by Dick Boblenz And the Laers, Radials, 420's, and Windmills shared a circle run by John Ardolino. On our course, shifty winds kept the racing close, and no lead was ever safe. We were able to complete 5 races, and sampled all available courses. 2 windward/leward courses, 2 triangles, and even an olympic course kept all the sailor on their toes. The NE breeze held all day, and only switched to seabreeze as we were heading to the barn. Thanks again mother nature. Lively banter, close racing, and an awsome venue, provided us with a classic day of racing. Tireless effort from our volunteer force made this years Carlisle Classic Regatta, a special event. Thanks to local sailors, parents, and all the sailing enthusiasts, who helped make a great event. I'm already looking forward to 2011's regatta.
Beau Plessner
Windmill 4922 "Whimpy |
