Written by E. Packer Wilbur
Sunday, August 7th turned out to be a fine summer day with very indecisive breezes. Our four-foot radio controlled sailboats don’t need much wind but it is useful when it comes with generally consistent pressure and direction. The wind gustedfrom zero to eight knots and often reversed itself completely in a matter of seconds. Upwind starts became downwind. Mark roundings were chaotic.
In the midst of this confusion, Wes Schluter was somehow able to react quickly and correctly and sailed Patriot to a decisive victory. Mary Lou McGuire took second and Hans Linderoth rounded out the medals with third place.
Ward Jennings, one of last year’s winners, was just out of the money this year.
Jan Perry came over with Dave and she presented the trophies to Wes, Mary Lou and Hans.
Rhys Goff brought a Whaler over from the Club and set the marks, based on the wind at the time, with assistance and direction from Wes. Andrew Wilbur seemed to be everywhere, helping skippers and generally ensuring that everything went smoothly. Tim Clark, master regatta organizer, helped with the many details.
Diana Schluter brought her signature brownies which disappeared quickly, vying in popularity with the chocolate dipped strawberries. She and Laura Wilbur formed a no nonsense race committee with orderly starts despite the changing conditions. This year, the recorded one-minutestarting sequence included an earsplitting cannon blast to signal the start.
Ellen and John Levinson hosted our event which was sailed from their gorgeous lawn fronting on the harbor. Their colorful signal flags were flying when we arrived and stretched from the boat house to the water’s edge.
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