Fun! That's What It's All About
For a year now Clearwater Florida sailors have been talking about building Sunfish
interest and a fleet. Finally we have put our words into action.
In August momentum built. We achieved the support of the Harbormaster of the City of
Clearwater (Bill Morris) and started aggressively advertising a recreational Sunfish fleet
to be based out of the Clearwater Community Sailing Center (a city-owned facility).
The objective of our fleet is to provide recreational racing for new adult sailors, Jr.
sailors, and area Sunfish sailors. This fleet has been designed to provide an
opportunity to learn the principles of racing with education provided by seasoned Sunfish
sailors, certified instructors, and guest racers. We promote sportsmanship (yelling,
screaming, etc. is considered grounds for disqualification), all levels of competition,
competitive racing, and an introduction to the sport of sailboat racing for new sailors.
After many city meetings, information gathering from the Sunfish Office and Class
President (Vic Manning), a lot of hard work by Sarah Beth Reeves (the "voice" of
our fleet), and coordination and input from Paul Strauley (our Fleet Captain), the Sand
Key Sunfish Fleet was created.
We have scheduled 4 race days for our Fall Series. Each race day starts with a
seminar (topics include flags, jens rigs, capsizing, racing rules, and rigging tips).
Our first fleet race took place on October 3. Seventeen sailors participated.
One of our sailors, John Spray broke down during the first race. He was able
to make it to shore without any boom blocks. But, when John got to shore he didn't
kick himself for not checking his equipment beforehand but instead he quickly got a ride
back to the mark/crash boat so that he could help coach the less experienced sailors
around the racecourse. Now, that's what it's all about----having fun and helping
others!
Coaching (except in the Championship Division) is encouraged and well received.
Sand Key Sunfish Fleet (Fall Series #1) Race Results:
3 races, 2 divisions, wind 8-15mph.
Championship Division:
R1 R2 R3 Avg Pts.
1. Jennifer Lindsay 1 1 2 1.33
2. Mindy Strauley 2 3 1 2.00
3. Stu Smith 3 2 4 3.00
4. Chris King 4 4 5 4.33
5. Paul Strauley 5 6 3 4.66
6. Mark Rother 6 5 DNF 6.66
7. Ed Fooks 7 8 6 7.00
8. John Spray DNF RC RC ----
Challenger/Novice Division:
R1 R2 R3 Avg Pts.
1. Fuller Moore 2 1 1 1.33
2. Andrea Fooks 1 2 3 2.00
3. Tim Ruman 4 3 2 3.00
4. Barbara Carrier 3 4 4 3.66
5. Tom Szelistouskey 6 6 5 5.66
6. Susan Dixon 5 7 6 6.00
7. Steve Roberts 7 5 7 6.33
8. John Dixon 8 DNC DNC 7.00
9. Trish Emser DNS DNC DNC 10.00