by Judith Gibbs
Thames Yacht Club hosted the Force 5 North American Championship July 28-31.
31 Sailors from the United States and Canada competed in 9 races run by PRO Cal Brouwer and the TYC race committee. A few of the state represented were Florida, Ohio, California, New Jersey, Maryland and Connecticut. There were also at least 2 sailors from Canada. TYC has recently revived Force 5 Fleet 32 with 11 TYC boats.
The racing area was in the vicinity of Vixen’s Ledge and the competitors were greeted on Thursday and Friday with fog on the way to the starting area which was quite challenging for the small boat fleet. Light and variable winds 5-10 prevailed both days. Saturday was bright and sunny with increased winds to 8-14, and also increased the pleasure boat traffic adding another challenge for the small boat sailors and leading to increased capsizes.
A powerboat radio conversation was heard as follows: “Look at all those little sailboats out there and they have an orange TENT. (Windward mark was a large orange Tetrahedron.)
Thames Yacht Club member Bob Cullen won his unprecedented 9th Championship since 1983 by an 23 point margin. The next 4 places were divided by a 4 point margin which included one tie breaker.
The Championship division winners were:
Bob Cullen New London, CT
Steve Perry Miami, Florida
Brian Weeks Patchogue, NY
Fred Meno Sparks, MD
Bryon Hicks Manasquan, NJ
The Challenger Division (1st No. American regatta competitors)
1. Greg Vasileff New London, CT
2. Sue Mallows New Jersey
3. Kieran Day New London, CT
Women’s Division
Wendy O’Toole Beavercreek, Ohio
Super Senior
Ray Buchanan Chatham, NJ
Senior
Courtney Young. Caruga Lake, NY
A great event was organized by Bob Cullen and his wife Jean who put on a weekend of good food and good racing.