By Emory Heisler
The Bucc 18 and MC Scow fleet-building efforts are working! And the summer tradition of cool weather and hot racing on Mission Bay is back!
For AYC members August is a great time for sailing ANYWHERE BUT here in AZ. So on August 17-18, while many members escaped to the Summer Campout, a hearty band of six Buccaneers, three MC Scows, one Laser, and 20+ sailors and family members escaped the heat for the cool waters of Mission Bay, CA. Why? For racing in the Gale Family One Design Regatta, previously known as the Mission Bay One Design Regatta (MBOD).
In years gone by, the MBOD was a regular summer pilgrimage for the Buccaneer fleet to beat the heat and enjoy the excellent dinghy racing conditions on Mission Bay. The Buccaneer 18 Class even held its North American championship there in 2009. But after the Great Recession the Bucc class participation declined as did AYC attendance at the MBOD.
PHOTO: MBOD Buccs 2010
But that decline is over and the Buccs are back, and the MC Scows are right there with them.
Racing in the Bucc fleet was paced by Rob and Colin Gibbs posting a perfect five 1st Place finishes – with a “3” throwout for an NOR course reading “error.” But you can be sure their victories did not come easily as they were hounded race after race by Mike Parker and Matt Baker who earned a solid 2nd place in Cindy Pillote’s borrowed Bucc. Behind them the fleet results were much more mixed. Marc Danner with Pam Neff on the helm battled Emory Heisler and Chris Reavis for 3s and 4s and 4s and 3s with Emory and Chris edging their way to 3rd Place. But in truth, Marc, Pam and Red Sky sailed well enough to finish 3rd overall if not for another one of those “how many times do we go around” errors which pushed them to 4th Place. Wrapping up the Bucc fleet results were Bucc newcomers Bill Feil on Blue Loon with Joel Ogelsbee aboard, and Steve Demar’s Falcon with Rachel Kennett crewing. And regardless of where anyone finished, a fabulous time was had by all. RESULTS
Oh, and special props to Pam Neff for great helm work all weekend including her port tack start across the entire fleet in race two of the regatta! Port tack Pam! Outstanding!
Also, congrats and THANK YOU to new Bucc owners Bill Feil and Steve Demar for hauling their boats over to create a bigger fleet. With new Bucc sailors Rachel Kennet and Joel Ogelsbee as crew on Blue Loon and Falcon, all went well. Mostly! Except for that one little “didn’t know my own strength” event when Rachel pulled a cam cleat completely out of its fittings. Tell us more about your workout routine, Rachel!
Joining the Buccs were three AYC MC Scow sailors, also in fleet-building mode. They brought three boats to the MBOD to start their own tradition and rounded out a fleet of seven MC Scows. Our Vice Commodore and MC Scow Fleet Captain Devon Howe earned 2nd Place overall and 1st Place among the AYC sailors. The younger Mr. Howe, Brett, earned 3rd overall behind dad, for now. And new fleet member Lee Perry while in 6th Place overall looked like the event winner for biggest smile and most fun! RESULTS
And let’s not forget the rest of the gang. Myles Danner raced his Laser IN THE OCEAN. How’s that for making it a family affair? Fun for the whole family is certainly what it was all about, on and off the water. We all enjoyed the race prep, dinners, and post-race revelry. And non-sailing family members took advantage of the sun, sand, and surf on Mission Beach. It made for a great heat escape and included something for everyone.
Want to join in next time? Stay tuned as the Buccs and MC Scows continue building fleets, racing, and HAVING FUN!
Emory Heisler
(602) 679 0462