THE LAST BLAST REGATTA
Joan Hurban
The Last Blast Regatta was held at Nyack Boat Club on
Saturday, October 6th, with 19 boats attending.
We arrived at the club to see a sun-lit fog, with 8
knots of breeze under it, from the southeast. We completed 4 races
in oscillating winds with 30 degree shifts that ratcheted to the
southwest, ranging from 5 to 12 knots. The temperature was in the
80’s. What a day for the first week in October!
The 1st race was sailed in a southeast
breeze with a strong ebb current, favoring the left side of the
course. Ryan Sprole and Dick Halligan had the lead at the top mark.
John Townsend and Dick Moyer sailed the rhumbline downwind to pull
ahead. However, Dick Halligan went on to finish on top followed by
John Townsend, Dick Moyer, then me.
Bob Sengstacken and Ryan Sprole led the second race
at the windward mark. John Townsend and I held starboard jibe out
into the middle of the river longer, which brought us up current at
the end of the leg, giving us a good angle into the leeward mark.
John rounded the leeward mark 1st followed by Bob
Sengstacken, then me, and we finished in that order.
Frank Hanson and Ryan Sprole led the 3rd
race, and finished 1, 2 respectively, followed by Bob Sengstacken 3rd,
and me in 4th. During the last race, the wind shifted to
the southwest. Frank, Bob and Ryan were in the lead until a 30
degree right shift turned things around and Bob went on to win with
Dick Halligan in 2nd and Tom Dexter in 3rd.
Although we didn’t win any races, our consistency
paid off, and we won the regatta. Thanks so much to my crew Judy
Hanlon and anlon and Peter
Jadrosich for doing such a great job. Dick Halligan finished 2nd,
Ryan Sprole 3rd, Bob Sengstacken 4th, and Tom
Dexter 5th.
Racing was followed by a superb steak and chicken
dinner organized by our regatta chair Stephanie Mayo, who did an
excellent job organizing and running this event. Thanks to all who
attended to make this a big success. Come join us next year!
