By Emory Heisler
ARRRRR!!!! The Buccaneer 18 Fleet is seeing a significant resurgence this year. Are you ready to get in on the fun and join the pirates of AYC?
If you’re unfamiliar with the Buccaneer 18, the US Sailing’s One-Design website says the “Bucc” is a wide-beamed and powerful sit-in dinghy. She has a roomy cockpit and easily handled controls. As a double-handed 3-sail spinnaker-rigged dinghy, the Bucc is manageable by one person and can comfortably accommodate as many as three people. Buccs are FAST and plane in 8-10 knots.” Local Bucc sailors say she’s “nicely overpowered,” being a handful in a fresh breeze, yet perfect for light air AZ sailing!
In addition to AYC Buccaneer 18 regulars like Tony Chapman, Emory Heisler, Bruce Lee and Cindy Pillote, several new or returning Buccaneer sailors will be seen on the water this year. A big welcome to:
- #5060 Falcon: Mark Danner retrieved this Bucc that’s called AZ home since 2003. Her quiet retirement in Showlow is over!
- #5203 Blue Loon: Chris “Doc” Reavis hauled this 1995 Bucc halfway across the USA to join the AYC Bucc Fleet.
- #5243 “unnamed”: Rob Gibbs returns to the Bucc18 Fleet with his son Colin after saving this Bucc from moving to Wisconsin. Brrrr!
- #5225 Red Rider: FOR SALE! AYC Bucc sailor Bruce Lee just returned from the Bucc18 National Championships in Connecticut with this updated and FAST boat. Yes, it’s red!
Are you Bucc curious? Stop by TTL between 1:30 and 2:30 pm before TTL racing to see several “decades of the Bucc” as sailors prepare for action. Our next race day will be October 29.
Also, Red Rider will be available for “charter” until she finds her new owner.
Contact Tony Chapman, Bruce Lee or Emory Heisler to learn more about the Buccaneer 18 and the availability of Buccs, like Red Rider, FOR SAIL in AZ!
Say it with me, “ARRR!”
Bucanneer 18 Class Association Website