Savannah Deep South Regatta

Saturday March 9
Sea Breeze… 5-10 knots sunny in the mid 70's. High tide 5:30

There were no individual or general recalls mostly because the fleet was held back from the starting line by the current in the middle of the river. Savannah's notorious conditions favored a 1000 yard strip next to the reeds where the current is less, but with 40 boats trying to take advantage of the reduction in current, the wind velocity was much better in the river…. Tempting some but most every one stuck to the shore. How close to you sail… the middle crew has their hand on the centerboard pennant ready to pull up the board when you feel it touch… More than one boat pushed the envelope a little too close and would "stick it in the mud"… slow.

The Savannah YC put on a great dinner after the racing… including a video and a slide show of the racing. One causality, a broken mast form a collision with a day marker…

Sunday March 10
Cold in the morning… everyone left the dock in rain gear and fleece… but warmed up to 70 just before the race. 5-12 knots, High tide 6:30

One general re-call… most everyone was over early… Second start had an individual recall, but most started fairly. Current changed in the middle of the race, making it somewhat easier to sail in the middle of the river. Doc Gorman stuck it out for the early lead but Steve Hayden nipped him in the end.

Overall The Deep South Regatta lived up to its reputation. Lots of tacks and plenty of tapping the bottom with the board…. One broken mast… and one new ruling… (Gorman was reinstated after a OCS in the last race)

On to Miami.