WEST FLORIDA SAILING
about, the Regata del Sol al Sol race from Tampa Bay, FL to Isla Mujeres, Mexico sailed through a serious storm as the participants passed through the southern Gulf. The departure was on Friday morning, April 29 amid light conditions. The first boat to arrive was the catamaran Patriot after 46 hours and 17 minutes. With corrected time, and a rating of -150, she finished second behind Sierra Hotel, who arrived 22 hours later with a rating of 117. One boat, Marjorita, in the True Obsession, which took first place in the Sport Boat Class, sails in the 2005 Cruising Class, was dismasted and was Messmer Cup. Photo by Mary Naylor. rumored to have motored back to Fort Myers. Others lost sails amid high wind throughout the history of the regatta. “It is just wonderful to conditions. Only 24 of the 45 boats that started finished still see so many people enjoying this sport. It provides more fun racing. Many motored in and some returned to St. than anyone should be allowed to have!” offered Watkins. Petersburg. More to follow in the July issue. Co-sponsored by the Gulf Coast Sailing Association, Michelob Ultra and Coca-Cola, this regatta offers area sailResults (If not listed, they did not finish): ers a chance to compete for trophies in the sport they love. Spinnaker:1, Midnite Rider; 2, Hunter’s Child II; 3, Aquavite; 4, Critical Path; 5, Hot Tub; Multihull:1, Sierra Hotel; 2, Patriot; NonAs the day came to a close, Ms. Messmer agreed that the sight of her 41st race was even more beautiful than the first. “I haven’t missed one race in all these years,” she beamed. “It’s always been just perfect.” The second day provided significant challenges to the boaters. The changing blue gulf waters and shifting salt winds created situations that necessitated good communication between skippers and crew. Gulf winds increased to 25 knots with seas ranging from 4-6 feet, causing the windward mark to break free. Previous blue-green waters became grayish-purple and seemed to challenge the boaters to push onward. Following the race, competitors spoke with excitement of the day’s wet conditions and their enjoyment as seaspray drenched their faces and renewed their spirits amid the waves off the Naples Pier. For more information, go to www.nsyc-naples.org. Results: Spinnaker A:1, Flame, James Doane; 2, Maria, Joe Bonness III; 3, Carioca, Phil Francoeur; Spinnaker B:1, Children at Play, Jack Graefe & Brent Hamilton; 2, Neptune, Norbert Pfalz; 3, Toad Hall, Bill Harris; Sport Boat:1, Obsession, Gary & Sue Schwarting; Multihull:1, Triumph, Doug French; 2, Trifecta, Eric Fizzi; NonSpinnaker A:1, Sanderling, Richard Hedderick; 2, Air Supply, Steve Romaine; 3, Knot Worried, Jason Richards; True Cruising:1, R-Way, John Rigsbee; 2, Island Time, Joe Barrett; 3, Minerva, Dr. Will Rosenbaum; Overall Spinnaker:1, Flame, James Doane; Overall Non-Spinnaker:1, Sanderling, Richard Hedderick.
Regata del Sol al Sol Sails Through a Storm to Isla Mujeres
W
ith only preliminary results in at the time of press, and rumors of rough conditons and several mishaps flying
News & Views for Southern Sailors
SOUTHWINDS
June 2005
57