The 2^nd Annual River Regatta, hosted by Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto Florida, on June 19, part of the 10^th annual “Summer Sailstice” was a great success.

The course was 10.7 nm, with 12 legs, taking the fleet of 23 boats zigzagging down the Manatee River, do a few triangles, and back.

It was a typical summer sail in Florida with light shifty winds, a few squalls bringing more fluky wind and welcome cooling rain.  The fleet was quite competitive with many of our best local sailors onboard, several over-early’s, and even a request for redress.

John Lynch, who again came up from Venice to participate, ran aground but with strong crew they managed to push off the bar without the engine and still take a first in cruising class!  Not quite the case for Chuck Margetta, who had to fire up the motor to get his full keeled ketch floating again.

Bob Armstrong took a quick 2 hours and 45 minutes for a 1^st Overall with his J/92 in spinnaker class, followed by one of the four J/24’s. The largest boat of the fleet, Mother Ocean, O’Day 40, with Rick Gress at the helm took 3^rd.  Dean Cleall, knowing the river well with her eddies and tide, took 1^st in the multihull class with his Stiletto.  The non-spinnaker class showed a tight finish with Gregg Knighton taking 1^st with his Ranger 33, closely followed by Dave Ettinger with his Ranger 26.

Fun was had by all at the kick-off and the awards party.  Regatta Pointe Marina provided an excellent setting, with great food from the marina restaurant Riverhouse Reef and Grill.

Thank you Sponsors, Race Committee, and Participants for making this a great event!

Nana Bosma, Regatta Chair

Results and a link to photos can be found under “Regattas” at www.regattapointemarina.com