A Love 4 Sailing

Day one was perfect breeze although at the end of a cold front so everyone was cold. Nick started well in 8.5 kts of wind and easily won races one and two. Prior to the start of race three, a broken batten was discovered which needed to be replaced. Clarence Yoshikane was on deck as Nick’s rigger and physical assistant and Jim & Jan Wentz were on the course as spectators and Race Committee assistants. Jim & Jan were able to return to the sailing center and retrieve a spare batten from back up sails and get it back to Clarence prior to the start which was delayed by the race committee to allow Nick to continue racing. Unfortunately Nick was 2.5 min. late for the start and finished 6th. which was his throw-out.

Day two was much warmer although the weather was very light. After 60 min. in the first race, the course was shortened and it was decided to abandon the remaining races for the day. Nick was in first place approaching the final mark when he was overtaken by the Sonar fleet and thoroughly blanketed. The other Skuds saw what was happening and went wide which allowed them to pass Nick and Maureen. At the finish they had managed to catch half of the fleet, but had to settle for a 4th.

Day 3 was undoubtedly the best day of racing for the fleet. Wind was at 7.5 kts with flat seas and Nick & Maureen were unbeatable. Easy aces in race 1 & 2. As they rounded the final weather mark and popped the ‘chute, a tear developed in the center of the #1 spin but did not worsen and they were able to win by over 30 sec. Jim and Jan again made a high speed run to the sailing center with MaryKate Scandone (thanks to lots of hp.) and made it back to the course in time for Clarence to rig the spare spin and sail the 3rd race. Unfortunately a 4th place was all they could muster, but a win overall is still a WIN.

Clarence, Jim and Jan were the ones who probably learned the most from this regatta. Being the first time for all of us, we had to learn the Skud 18 quickly, but more importantly, we learned about disabled sailing. The desire of these sailors who came from 8 different countries gave all of us a new insight into what it takes to be champions. Even though they had many different levels of experience and disabilities there was never a single complaint from any of them. And they did more for themselves than many sailors that have full capabilities–everything from launching and retrieving the boats to rigging and launching themselves into VERY small and light boats. You don’t appreciate what it’s like to share a floating dock with 20 wheelchairs until you have done it!

St. Petersburg Yacht Club held a fantastic regatta. I thank them very much for asking me to help out on the Race Committee and for giving me the opportunity to excuse myself when needed to race ashore to help out Nick & Maureen. First class operation an all respects.

Nick will be returning this week to So. Cal and bringing two Skud 18’s along to train in prior to the Olympics in Sept. When you see one at the club, be sure to check it out. They are truly amazing boats, and if you’re lucky enough, Nick may even take you for a ride.

Jim Wentz

 A special thanks to Jim & Jan Wentz, Clarence Yoshikane, Glen & Donna, Dana McKinnon Tucker, Stephen Hahn, and Mary Kate for all their support.  Maureen and I could not have won this event without all of you.  Click below for results.  http://www.spyc.org/club/scripts/view/view_clubannouncement.asp?pg=PR&GRP=5564&AID=39974&NS=PR&APP=58