July 28 was warm with plenty of sun and moderate breezes as the skippers and crews of 29 boats prepared to start the PLYC 2019 Regatta. The Open Division was divided into three fleets. There were 6 boats in the Center Board Fleet, 6 boats in the High DPN Fleet and another 6 boats in the Low DPN Fleet. The first race in the series got off to a prompt start with westerly winds from 5 to 8 knots. Another race was completed by lunch time. A third race was completed after an “on the boat” lunch break. During this final race of the day, the wind was turning lighter and variable testing the skipper’s and crew’s sailing skills.
Our Saturday night banquet was held at the Doug Burgum bungalow and catered by The Screaming Eagle from Pelican Rapids. There were approximately 110 people who enjoyed the festivities. A posting of the current standings and a photo slide show added to lively discussions of the day’s sailing activities. A few announcements and thank yous were offer by Vice-Commodore, Paul Horstmann, and Sailing School Director Jeff Peltier gave a recap of sailing school activities.
Sailors awoke to a Sunday morning forecast of light rain, but the consensus was to give it a try. Before the start of the fourth race there was a good breeze with some gusts and spirits were high. However, shortly after a few of the fleets had started a light rain started. As the rain continued the wind subsided leaving many expanses of near calm. Light air sailing truly puts sailor’s skills to the test. A majority of the boats were able to complete the race and the final race was canceled.
The completion of the regatta weekend was the award ceremonies at the clubhouse. Bob Leonard presided. An unusual coincidence resulted in a tie for the number one position in all three fleets of the Open Division. A coin toss decided the first and second place winners. See below for the complete scoring of the regatta and other awards. Congratulations to all skippers and crews. We had 5 skippers from the twin cities area and thank them for their support of our event each year.
As with any regatta, there is a lot of planning and effort that goes into such an endeavor. The PLYC Board of Directors, John Butze (Commodore), Paul Horstmann (Vice Commodore) Jeff Peltier, Dick Chadinha, Bob Leonard, Brad Schlossman, Teri Lantz, Dan Sprouls, and Tom Stadum, as well as Anne Peltier started the planning process last fall. Thanks to all these members and also to the numerous other club members that volunteered to procure supplies, set-up before, and clean up after the event. Rhonda Loberg provided great assistance in getting breakfast and lunches for all the competitors.
A special thanks to Leah Kaspari (Burgum property manager) for her assistance in preparing the facility for the event and coordinating vendor set-up. We would like to extend a special thanks to Doug Burgum for the use of his bungalow for our Saturday night festivities again this year.
Race officials did a great job setting a competitive course in challenging conditions and running the races well. Thanks to head judge Gary Ostbye and assistant race judges Chris Thysell, Dick Jacobson, Liz Deardorff and Teri Lantz. Greg and Mary Hanson, Roger Stadum, and Mark Deardorff were in chase boats. Photography was provided by Darcy Leonard and Anne Peltier.
As usual, sponsors play a big role in supporting the Regatta and again this year we had a generous group of sponsors and they are all listed to the right. Thank you sponsors for all you do for the regatta!