My First Regatta - What an experience

by Ed Salva

Wow!

What can I say? What a great group of people? This is the most fun I've had in a while? How can I say it all with out being too wordy and not miss anything? Oh well, forgive me if I ramble or bore you.

Just a couple month's ago I was simply looking for a boat to sail and/or parts to build one. I had passed over this ad a few times in a local "penny shopper". The ad basically read "11 foot boat, 56inch beam, 18foot mast, Moth Class $150.00", I figured how much boat can it be, perhaps I could salvage some parts (boy was I in for a surprise).

The next time I saw the ad the, my first question was what is a moth boat. I did some searching on the net and found the CMBA web site and read and read and read (wow this seems to fit my criteria). I called the person that day. Took a few hours off work to go and see it, bought it on the spot, and had it home that night. (I really lucked out finding a '65 Fletcher-Cate design moth boat, mostly complete, in great shape, and near as old as I am).

Soon after, I sent George, Walt, and Greg an e-mail that another boat was found, simply to thank them for being out there, expecting no more. They responded back with a wealth of information and history about the boat and how to rig and sail it and invited me to attend 1 of their 2 remaining regatta's. Unfortunately my original plans did not allow for me to attend either, but a last minute cancellation opened a window and allowed me to attend the "Carl Patterson Memorial Regatta". With only a week to go and really only a few days of open time, I got in touch with Bob to let him know I was coming, made arrangements for staying, and then I had to figure out how to safely carry the boat the 200 and some miles to Maryland. Again George an Walt helped me out, I had finished and tested a Spar rack on Tuesday night, and on Thursday night I started and finished dollie #2 by 2am Friday morning.

As luck would have it Friday morning I got up to pouring rain. I got soaked putting the boat on the truck. I pulled the plug out, opened the self bailer, lashed down the boat, and prayed it would make the trip without much damage (since I did not have time to do a test run). Then off to Maryland. (I kept my eye on the boat the first 200 miles noting every shift, It was fine)

I arrived about 3:30 and was fortunate enough to stay with family who coincidently lived near George. I spent most of the afternoon with my family and later that evening went over to meet Walt, George, and George's family. (what nice people to accept a total stranger) I showed them the boat I had purchased and was able to see their boats, plus I got to see George's collection. I later spent time visiting with them and watching the Louis Vuitton Cup. What a treat, I actually got to watch a cup race with people who really knew what was going on. It was like watching a football game with real fanatics. (If you haven't guessed by now I have very limited sailing experience, which makes this story even more fun for me) Since I did not have direct access to a nearby marine store, George was kind enough to acquire some sail repair tape for me which I had intended to repair some holes that I had temporarily patched with duct tape.

The next morning I followed George and his son and Walt down to Chestertown. We arrived early, and everyone got to unloading their boats and setting up. George generously offered and loaned me a sail (which I hope I graciously accepted, I'm not sure at this point, but thank you). After he set up his boat, he helped me with mine and explained a few things. Then off to the captains meeting and out into the water.

Race 1. - Being timid I hung back out harms way and watched what the others did and tried to mimic as much as possible. I stayed behind on the 1st leg almost got to 1st marker but was stuck with the wind in my face trying to figure how to tack enough to get past the buoy while the rest of the boat were already on the third leg and a good ways downwind (still need a lot of work here). Anyway I turned back so as not to hold them up too much and figured I'd give it another try in race 2.

Race 2. - Still timid I hung back again, this time not quite as far. Again I followed and tried to mimic as much as possible. Yippee, I got past the 1st mark, now off to the 2nd mark, now downwind back to the 3rd mark, then back toward the committee boat. Toward the committee boat I can see everyone tacking, jibing, and coming about, how neat. George yells "Ed aren't you going to finish the race" . Oh yeah, I hadn't crossed the line yet. Hey I just completed my 1st race, dead last, but I completed it.

Race 3. - *&*&*!! broke my hiking stick. Ok, I'll just hang back and watch and play a bit.

Break for lunch. Fix the hiking stick. Walt goes to me "Ed have you sailed in a stiff breeze before?" (uh oh, No, hope he was pulling my leg). Off to check to see if Bob needs help on the committee boat. He has adequate help, so off to sail some more.

Race 4. - having arrived late, I watched the 4th race and played some more mimicking the racers the way a little kid would watch the bigger kids in the school yard. *&%#! broke the hiking stick again.

Race 5. - Might as well keep sailing now a little more confident, I instead of kneeling in the cockpit, I started creeping up on the deck and played some more. I started to shadow the racers and was now getting more speed out of the boat and sitting a bit further out on the deck.

Race 6. - still shadow sailing, ok I think I'm getting the hang of it now. It's a far reach without the hiking stick and it makes tacking and coming about difficult. Well at least I'm not kneeling in the cockpit anymore. (knee's were getting sore)

Race 7 - still playing and watching the racers.

Race 8 - I'm getting tired now, time to go in and get some pictures.

A few more races and everyone headed in.

Time to load up.

I get my gear stowed and George offers to loan me the sail under with the promise that I meet them in Brigantine in June. I didn't know what to say, I'm sure I stuttered a bit and again accepted his generosity (thank you George and see you in Brigantine).

Back to the captains meeting for a nice wrap up and some laughs.

Wow what an end to an awesome day. I learned and saw so much.

Now I'm left with the memories of a great weekend and the thought of how to extend my season here in NE PA before drying the boat out and starting modifications.

The only pressure/pleasure I have now is how to get better in order to compete.

Thanks to all for such a pleasant and memorable experience. Best wishes for a wonderful off season. See you soon.

Ed

P.S. My quads are still sore. Not what I expected to hurt.