Final Race of Fall / Winter PIXIE

The West Florida Sunfish Pixie group rang in the New Year with the first Pixie of Y2K on January 29th at Gulfport Yacht Club. This was the third and last regatta of our fall-winter series, with first place for the series dependant on this day's races. The day started out slow, it was slightly chilly, we all were a bit lazy (its been nearly 2 months since any of us have been in a Sunfish) but once out on the water it warmed up and being in a Sunfish felt familiar. Fifteen sailors competed, 10 in A fleet and 5 in B fleet. Light (2-8 mph) and shifty winds prevailed throughout the day.

In A fleet, Paul Strauley could rarely be seen after the start, easily winning all three races. Pat Hamilton, Rick Pantall, and Mark Rother all sailed fast and smart to round out the top 4 for the day. Pat Hamilton has been a tough Pixie competitor over the past couple of years. But, Rick Pantall and Mark Rother have recently improved substantially to join the ranks of tough Sunfish competitors. Look for their names in upcoming major competition.

In B fleet, no one could touch Jay Montero. From the onset it was evident that Jay was going to have a good day. His first words were "I want to race in A fleet." He was encouraged to end the series in the fleet he started in (B fleet), albeit both fleets would start together. Not only did Jay win B fleet, he out-sailed ½ of the A fleet. Also in B fleet is Jeff Willis, a (junior) newcomer to the Sunfish Pixie Circuit. Jeff just started sailing Sunfish but let me tell you remember his name because with more time in the boat you will probably be hearing his name often at awards ceremonies.

A Fleet:

                    R1      R2      R3      Total
1. Paul Strauley    1       1       1       3
2. Pat Hamilton     2       4       5       11
3. Rick Pantall     4       5       2       11
4. Mark Rother      7       2       4       13
5. Rod Koch         3       3       dnf     17
6. Ed Nist          10      8       3       21
7. Fuller Moore     5       6       dnf     22
8. Joel Heyne       6       10      6       22
9. Mindy Strauley   8       9       7       24
10. Dave Kaighen    9       7       8       24

B Fleet:

                    R1      R2      R3      Total
1. Jay Montero      1       1       1       3
2. Bonnie Sevier    2       5       2       9
3. Jeff Willis      3       2       4       9
4. John Barron      4       3       3       10
5. SaraBeth Reeves  5       4       dns     15

Overall Results for the Fall-Winter Pixie Series:

A Fleet:	B Fleet:
1. Rod Koch 2. Paul Strauley 3. Rick Pantall 4. John Spray 5. Mark Rother 6. Mindy Strauley 7. Dave Kaighen 8. Pat Hamilton 9. Jeremy Dixon	1. Jay Montero 2. SaraBeth Reeves 3. Jeff Willis 4. John Barron

The First Pixie Race of the Winter-Spring Pixie Series is Scheduled: This Pixie will be held at Boca Ciega Yacht Club on Sunday February 27, 2000. The skipper's meeting will be at 12pm and the first start at 1pm.

Upcoming through March 2000:

March 10-12 Master's at Sarasota Sailing Squadron
March 17-19 Midwinter's at Fort Walton Yacht Club

If you need more information about the Pixie or upcoming regattas,

contact Paul or Mindy

at 727-734-4108 or email mskatz@juno.com