by Mark Kondracky
Light Southwesterly breezes and clear skies greeted the 24 boats racing in the Pine Island Race. As the breeze built, the R.C. sent the fleet on a windward leeward to Dumping grounds and back to Vixens twice around. The racers liked the course, especially the fact that it could be shortened. "The ensign class saw many lead changes with the wind shifts," reported Ward Woodruff. Ward finished third with TTFN owned by Mac Cooper coming in first. With this type of competition, the ECSA Ensign Championship should heat up. Irish Lady edged out a win in Class 1. The win gave Irish Lady 976 points for the ECSA circuit. Mast Transit II, circuit winner in 2004 finished third. Class three featured a dual between Euphoria and Salude. Euphoria edged out a win by setting and dousing, and then resetting the chute at the windward mark as the winds died and shifted with the tide change.
After the race the crews were treated to a delightful meal which include oysters, chicken and lots of liquid refreshment. There was also a slide show featuring pictures of the days sailing action. Most importantly the race raised money for Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. As you know Hospice S.E. has been active in the sailing community for a long time. Please try to support them. There next sailing event will be July 13 at Niantic, Thames Yacht Clubs and Stonington Dinghy Club.
Results:
Ensign TTFN Class 1 Irish Lady Class 2 Euphoria
Firebird Tumult 2 Salude
Nightwind Mast Transit II Se Therin
Magic Second Draft
Teamwork Bandersnatch Class 3 Kaizen
Tailgunner Crows Nest 2 Quantum Leap
Grasshopper Seychelle Goombay Smash
Sagacious First Born
Indeaseas
SAM