2004 Northwest Regionals

Everett Washington

The Thunderbird Northwest Regional Sailing Regatta was held September 3^rd  through 5^th on the waters of Possession Sound west of Everett , Washington .  Fifteen boats participated with crews from Tacoma , Seattle area, Port Madison, Everett, Port Townsend and Victoria.  As their re-debut into “really” active status, Fleet 13 Evergreen, - Edmonds and Everett - hosted the event which was sponsored by Milltown Sailing Association.  On-shore activities were based at the Milltown clubhouse at the Port of Everett marina.

Tight Start (photo courtesy of Cliff Estes)

Friday night boats begin to arrive in the early afternoon with the last boat arriving from Port Townsend after 10 o’clock in the evening.  Fleet 13 had a reception set for the delivery crews, with appetizers and cold beer at the ready.  All the boats were moored together at the Port of Everett North guests docks which made it easy for crew to find the clubhouse.  Those arriving by car were not always so successful, but by Saturday morning’s Skipper’s meeting, everyone had assembled.

Saturday morning there was strong coffee and fresh rolls waiting as the skipper’s meeting commenced.  Joe Geck, President of Fleet 13, welcomed the sailors and introduced the PRO, Jeb Binns.  Four courses were available with three of them as typical windward/leeward marks, and one course around a local island.  With only a five foot tidal change during the scheduled race periods, Joe Geck noted there was no need worry about the local currents, which, as assumed by most of the crews, was a red herring.  The fleet left the docks at 10 am to head to the start line.  The first race got off successful with only two individual recalls.  Typical of the winds in Everett , the second race was postponed while resetting marks in the shifting winds.  Crews took advantage to get in lunch, and once the winds settled into a consistent compass point, they also settled down in speed.  The second race had one general recall, but was soon successfully started with the fleet struggling in the dying winds.  Race Committee shortened course appropriately and the fleet waited for an afternoon breeze to pick-up.  With what looked like enough wind to get in a race, the third race was started successfully but the fleet struggled to make headway against the current.  Zig Zag pulled out a bag of tricks, and made it across the finish line with about four seconds until the end of the time limit.  This finish placed the Canadians in very good position, and Fleet 13 granted them usage of Canadian funds at face value.

Clustered Rounding (photo courtesy of Cliff Estes)

Saturday night dinner was attended by over 70 folks, and local Scuttlebutt Brewery Ales were freely flowing with $5 bottomless cups.  Fred and Lila Erlich, long time members of Fleet 13, presented the history albums to the current fleet members.  Sandy Pratt provided a quick history of the T-Birds and some of the changes which have kept them competitive in regional handicap ratings.  He noted the mast weight issue is still being reviewed and studied.

Sunday morning winds were not looking well, but after the few showers and the overcast day on Saturday, the broken clouds, sunshine and being on the boats kept the spirits high.  The start of the fourth race was delayed about 45 minutes until the wind appeared.  It was a very light wind race and the currents spread the fleet out.  Another delay and movement of the starting line - albeit over eel grass beds - proved to do the trick, as the fifth race and sixth races were held in a consistent breeze.  Racing was completed by 4:00 pm , and under full sail, the fleet headed into port for the awards ceremony.

2004 Regionals Champion Rev (photo courtesy of Cliff Estes)

With six races completed, each competitor was able to discard their lowest score, and Mark Harang and crew on Rev #447 took home the Regional Championship Trophy with an impressive four bullets.  Keith Provan and the Canadian crew of Zig Zag #158 took home the second place trophy and the Furthest Traveled Award.  Craig Burnell and crew on Predator # 1255, kept their heads forward and secured the third place trophy.  Duane Emnott and the crew from Kalua #262, received the family award for having the most family members participating in the regatta.

Fleet 13 awarded their Fleet Championship trophy as well.  The Leonard J. Murray Memorial Trophy went to Joe Geck and the crew on Gecko #1001, where in the last race, Gecko came from behind and forced Kalua to tack away into an unfavored position.  The two boats split at the final mark and Gecko was able to hold onto the lead to finish ahead, tie points with the 2003 Fleet 13 Champion Kalua, and receive the tie breaker based on the final race of the regatta.

 Scuttlebutt Brewery, North Sails, Popeye’s Marine and Kayak Center, West Marine, Milltown Sailing Association, Borrowed Light Images and a dozen volunteers were instrumental in supporting and making International Thunderbird Class Association NW Regional Regatta a success.  Special thanks goes to Fleet 13 families and members: Dave Demars, Duane Emnott, Joe Geck, Mark Hoffman .

Link to Regionals Pictures - Borrowed Light Images.