The Budd Inlet Star Fleet hosted its Third Annual Black Star Regatta April 24 - 26, 2009. We think everyone would agree that we now have three for three in terms of successful BSRs. We used a similar format each year: Friday night practice race, a very exciting one this year with a hole in one boat; our best Friday night social so far; good racing on Saturday, with one broken mast; a feast and raffle extraordinaire on Saturday night; and light air sailing on Sunday, with sun.
"Everyone had their moment" sums up the variety of situations that occurred during this regatta. There were moments of: exhilaration, disappointment, gear failures, bad tactics, broken masts, duct tape usage, and pure joy. Lots of that!!
The BSR was, to us, a raging success! Friday night started with strong winds. Though a Seattle appointment kept us from being at the start of the practice race, we could see on the faces of the sailors that the night was an ordeal. A steady 14 knot breeze was blowing, and for us South Sound types, that might as well have been a gale! It was survival mode, but two quick practice races were held. Two boats collided, and the duct tape was literally rolled out to patch the hole. Did the sailors come home with additional knowledge of their competitors for the next day, or did they just gain the assurance that if it didn’t break Friday night, they were good to go for the weekend!
Saturday morning at 0600, the wind was already blowing as we walked the dog. It was a good omen for the day. The race committee worked perhaps harder than the competitors to set a fair starting line in the shifty wind conditions. We had four to eleven knots of wind for the five starts of the day. There were just a few showers, intermittent sunshine, and it was a great day of racing. Derek Decouteau ruled the day in the Classic fleet, with Norm Smit nipping at his heels. In the last race of the day I believe, those two skippers and crew practically horizoned the fleet by finishing the race as the rest of the boats rounded the last windward mark!! John Thompson and Jim Findley were the stars in the wooden boat fleet and were right there in the top of all around too.
The boats were back to the dock by 1600. Some folks went to watch the Procession of the Species parade, then a great dinner catered by Tugboat Annie’s commenced at 1830. Following the dinner was our magnificent raffle.
Sunday broke with just the gentlest of breezes, and a concern that we would have a delay of going out on the water. This did not happen. The boats sailed out and were ready to start racing by 1030. The race committee again did a great job, with the P.R.O., John DeMeyer, organizing three races in a diminishing breeze. The wind at the start was 4 knots, 3 knots, and 2 knots, in that order! Dave Elliot had an excellent day of racing, moving up his standing in the Classic fleet from third to second. Derek sailed well both days, and held on to first place in the Classic fleet. In the wood fleet, the transfer student, John Thomson, switching into a wood boat from fiberglass this year, put together two good days to win the first place in that fleet, with Jim Findley taking second. Full Regatta results.
Following the racing was an awards ceremony where trophies were bestowed and tales were told. The best acceptance speech by far was from crewmember Linda Koran on the winning Classic fleet boat. It was simply: "Jib in, Jib out."
What makes these types of events seem so effortless is the time expended by others in making it happen. When it is good this behind the scenes work seems invisible. But, it is important those folks come out into the light. The Star Fleet would not exist without Bill Brosius. His dedication of time and talent has been an inspiration for all of us. We have an incredible group of people work very closely over several months to make all the decisions and come to agreement over every detail. Most of these folks have worked on all three events. Besides Bill they are Jim Findley, Betty and George Hansen, Linda Koran, Dave Roe, Judy and Sherwood Smith, John Thompson, Norm Smith, and Steve Worcester.
It takes more than an organizing committee to put on this event. We want to thank:
The South Sound Sailing Society for their continued support in so many ways. Most notably the people that helped us during the regatta: Jack DeMeyer Principal Race Officer, Joann DeMeyer, Clark McPherson, Kelly Coon, Don Waterhouse, Thera Black, Ginny Sterns, Roger and Susie Shaffer, Dianna Findley and Jan Visser on registration, and Marty Walker and Linda Koran our Friday night event organizers. And it didn’t hurt that so many of our Members supported the BSR raffle that supports our fleet. Much thanks.
Our sponsors, particularly West Bay Marina where we hosted the Regatta and who host our fleet, Fish Brewing who gave us party supplies as well as many items to raffle, and the local West Marine staff who contributed cash to help pay for our banner. But that includes every one who donate gifts for our raffle. Some of our BSR planning team were thinking we would go small this year but were out voted by other members and thus we ended up with 50 raffle items. There is a list on the Regatta page.
Ron Vander Lugt our photographer. Links to his photos and others are on the Regatta page.
The Star Fleet members and their crew who continually share their passion for sailing and sailing the Star by participating in the BSR and our other sailing events. And their family members who support the Star racers. Thanks for your flexibility.
All of us who were involved have created some great memories and great moments. We look forward to seeing you on the water. Over and out.
Joe and Myra Downing, Star 6381
We want to thank Myra for herding all the cats to make the Regatta happen. This, the third Black Star, is the third time she has done it. On behalf of the Fleet, Thank you Myra.
Steve Worcester, Star 6932