Indian Lake Yacht Club
July 26-30, 2000
Regatta Report
Just like in 1998 & 1999 I crewed for Scott Irwin in the Interlake Nationals. We have had great success in this class winning the championship in '98 and finishing 2nd in '99. This year's event was held at Indian Lake Y.C. which is a special place for me. This is where I won my first Interlake Nationals in '93 and where I've had great success sailing both the Interlake and Lightning.
Wednesday was a measurement and practice day. It was hot and there was little wind, so we held off going out until later in the day. The Women & Junior Championships were held during the day and it had to have been painful to sit/float in 90 degree heat.
Wednesday evening Scott and I went out for a practice sail. We were able to look at a number of different sails (testing new stuff) and we were able to brush with Craig Tovell's team (Ernie (my brother) and Jill Anderson) and Jim Lodico who was sailing with Alan Wardlow. Both teams were great sparring partners and helped us get up to speed as we hadn't sailed the Interlake in a while.
Thursday, there were four races held. Our scores were 1,13,1,2. The 4th race was interesting. For the first time in Interlake History, the black flag was used. It was an unfortunate sequence of events in this race. First, the line was 30 degrees favored to the pin. Next, there was a mix-up in the signals on the committee boat. And finally the Black Flag Start was General Recalled. At the risk of writting too much, I'll just mentioned that we were identified and disqualified. That evening, there were several redress filings....and no hearing would take place for 24 hours.
Friday three races were scheduled. We had an average day with a 2,6,3. With the impending redress hearing it was hard to figure what the scores were, but it bacame clear that it was going to be a repeat of our 1999 battle with George Fisher which would come down to the wire. Later in the evening, the results of the redress were posted and we were (as were everyone) reinstated with the finish we received. Now, with the throwout, we were 2 points in front of George Fisher.
Saturday's racing was held in similar conditions (light to medium and very shifty). We started near the pin and went hard to the left. We felt that the breeze came in stronger from the left and it did. We were running 1-2 with Dick Evans and he caught an insider on us and led all the way around the course. We ended up 3rd in the race with George in 4th (sailing an impressive come-back from deep). With storms in the area and races cancelled, we were the winners of the Nationals!! But wait......
.....George Fisher filed to re-open the redress hearing. With a new committee and quick justice, they gave us back the DSQ and we were scored 2nd overall. A number of issues contributed to both the redress and the subsequent re-opening, so obviously the regatta is going to through the appeals process outlined by US Sailing.
Its too bad the regatta came down to being decided in the "room". We sailed incredibly well all week and deserved the big trophy. Now it is in the hands of ILYA & US Sailing.
Unofficial Results:
1) George Fisher, Greg Shea, Erin Shea; 2) Scott Irwin, Skip Dieball; 3) Steve Aspery, Lisa Aspery, Jamie Jones; 4) Scott & Rick Savage; 5) Dick, Cheryl & Carolyn Evans; 6) John Dunham & Cindy Evans; 8) Clark & Bill Chapin; 9) Bob, Betsy & Karl Bradley; 10) Bob Sagan & Crew.....(note: these might different, I got out of there quickly).
Challenger Champs: Jeanne & Mike Koschalk!!!
It was great to see a lot of old friends. Indian Lake & Leatherlips did a good job with the event considering all the turmoil and the sailing conditions. The biggest highlight was the Coors Light beer truck open 24 hours a day. Thanks to all that donated their time. It is difficult, I realize, to get folks to volunteer, which ultimately keeps the costs down.