by Reid Collins
For those who missed the GWTW this year, I think everyone had an excellent time and the racing was extremely tight. We ended up with 45 boats for the regatta from 9 states (AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, OH, SC, and TN) comprised of 27 gold fleet boats and 18 silver fleet boats. Conditions were better than expected based on the forecast. The breeze blew out of the NE all weekend and was probably 8-10 (maybe some higher puffs) on Saturday and lighter on Sunday.
The silver fleet was won by Tim Cent on Fiscal Restraint. Tim had solid finishes and consistency with two 1sts, 2 2nds, and a 4th for a total of 10 points. Bobby McCullough was certainly in the mix, though, as he finished only one point behind Tim with 11 points. Our Region 3 Commodore, Don Waterhouse was in the fight as well finishing with 16 points and a 3rd place overall in the silver fleet.
The gold fleet was won by 2004 C22 National Champion, Mike Glover on Dain Bramage (formerly Free James Brown Again, but James has been freed for the last time I'm afraid) with a total of 18 points. As proof of a tight and competitive fleet, the top 7 spots had a total spread of only 14 points. Following Mike were Reid Collins (2nd, 20 points), Gene Cochran/Kevin McCoy (3rd, 23 points), Matt Perry (4th, 24 points), Win Story (5th, 24 points), Keith Bennett (6th, 26 points), and Dennis Slaton (7th, 32 points.) Special congratulations go out to Matt as he just won the silver fleet at the nationals a couple of years ago. Also congrats to Gene Cochran/Kevin McCoy from Ft. Pierce, FL who had rocket speed on Speed Demon all weekend and were the only gold fleet boat with two 1st place finishes.
Once again, please thank and patronize all of the sponsors who made this event as successful and inexpensive as it was. This includes:
Waters Sails
Gus Sails
Blue Star Sails - Kent Kindervater, (423) 255-5969
West Marine, Wink Poterfield, (770) 614-5111
Annapolis Performance Sailing
Gill
Gotcha Covered Canvas - Pam Slaton, (770) 534-2657
Also, I'd like to send a special thank you to all the volunteers who made this event what it was. This includes Jim Smither, our PRO, everyone on race committee, Dennis Slaton, Ted McGee, Win Story, and a whole host of others.
Last and certainly not least, thank you to all who attended the regatta. It means so much to me and every other member of Fleet 58 to have you come to the regatta and we truly hope you had a great time.
Until next year, I am signing off.
Sail safe and fast and as always Fear the Chikin,
Reid Collins, CPA
Link to results
Link to photos