With TTL turned into a dry wasteland, ok, “Riparian Area”, dinghy sailing in AZ this summer has been reduced to trailer “sailing” across Wal-Mart parking lots under spinnaker….EXCEPT for the Mission Bay One Design Regatta -MBOD! Of course Mission Bay Yacht Club and the MBOD held each August is lways a favorite place for Zonies to visit, but with TTL empty it was a MUST!
Yes, the Bucc 18s have been sailing MBOD since 2003. But this year with no TTL, and with Capri 14.2 Nationals scheduled at MBYC Sept.19th, the C14s joined in the fun too. The weekend was outstanding as usual with wonderful weather, carousing in Mission Beach and Old Town, and PERFECT Mission Bay sailing conditions.
For the 14.2s, seeing John Mayall pull into MBYC’s parking lot was no surprise. But seeing son Sean pop out of the car with him – instead of one of John’s many other crew members – was an excellent surprise. Sean, is a Junior at Corona Del Sol High School in Tempe and took the opportunity to “tune up” for C14 Championships. Apparently it worked! Rick and Lisa Lake also came along and flew the AYC “mega burgee” from their mast, and Mike and Maryellen Ferring filled out the AYC 14.2 dance card for fun on the water and with “camera in hand” as usual.
Anchoring the Bucc 18 Fleet was San Diego local Gary Geisler joined by “Grand Mum” Carole Vaillancourt and friend Ryan Scofield from Sacramento. Of course the “usual suspects” from AYC Bucc Fleet arrived in force, Rob Gibbs, Emory Heisler, Mike Parker, Cindy Pillote, Dave Rawstrom and family, and (drum roll!!!!) Commodore Joe Motil and his darling – and brave – wife Katherine. Our Commodore’s adventure is a story in itself….so were Rob Gibbs’ Friday night escapades (you’ll have to ask him ;o).
The MBOD Results were far less important than the fun, the friends and the COOL WEATHER. And even when TTL is back for Heat Stroke 2011….you can be sure we will be returning for MISSION BAY ONE DESIGN…..