By Mark Kondracky
The Ensign Region Championship was hosted by Thames Yacht Club from July 23 to July 25. The 16 competitors had interesting sailing conditions because of tidal currents in Fishers Island Sound and a variety of wind conditions. The first day of racing featured a 12 knot Southwesterly. With the flood tide most boats favored the left side of the race course. A number of boats that went right lost time upon overstanding the mark. Hank Williams, the eventual winner came out strong with three bullets. He was followed by Charlie Shoemaker with three second place finishes. Day two of the regatta featured a shifty strong Northerly. The circle was moved further to the East away from the leukemia cup fleets. The shifty winds which built throughout the day made for some interesting tactics. Williams and Shoemaker continued to dominate the fleet. Day three featured a dying Northerly with confused seas from boats visiting New London to see the tall ships. These conditions were not Ensign conditions but George Bates kept his boat moving through the slop to score two bullets for the final races. This placed him ahead of Ward Woodruff for third place in the regatta.
Cal Brouwer was the PRO for the event. Thames Yacht club did a great job hosting the championship. ECSA Clubs like Thames, Duck Island, Niantic, Milford, and Housatonic host a variety of one design and phrf events to benefit the sailing community. Look for upcoming reports from these clubs on various events. If you know of another club hosting an event, give us the details so we can post a story
Hank Williams 15
Charlie Shoemaker 22
George Bates 44
Ward Woodruff 47
Dave Goss 68
Robin Durrschmidt 72
Jones / Pratt 74
Gary Woodruff 74
Jim Anderson 76
Mac Cooper 80