WFSC:
Boca Ciega Yacht Club
December 9, 2001

On Sunday December 9 a West Florida Sunfish Circuit Race was held on Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg Florida.  Seventeen sunfish sailors attended (15 in A fleet and 2 in B fleet).

Early in the week the forecast was calling for a cold front (70 degrees) with winds 15mph and gusty.  A rare forecast for Florida these days but a welcome one for some of us out of shape folks whose backs and knees are beginning to ache from being cramp on a light wind day in the Sunfish.  Well, the weatherman let us down, providing us with an 80 degree sunny day accompanied by very light (5-6mph) winds.

After about a forty-five minute postponement due to the light winds and problems with the mark boat, we were off.  All races were windward-leewards,
twice around.

With a small B fleet, we opted to start both fleets at one time.  Cindy Kaighen led the first race but eventually Rod Koch got out in front to take the first.  Rod and Cindy led the first race by a large margin, with Paul Strauley gaining ground each leg of the race but not quite able to pass either Cindy or Rod.  Dave Kaighen was untouchable the second race, followed by John Spray and Paul Strauley.  Rod won the third race with Dave a close second.

John Kremski (joining the circuit for the first time), and Carol McDowell, although competing against each other in the B fleet, started with the A fleet giving them the opportunity to gauge against the more advanced Sunfish racer.  Both John and Carol sailed extremely well finishing among several of the A fleet sailors.

Just following the races, drinks and snacks were served, and trophies handed out for the top finishers of the day.  A special thanks to Boca Ciega Yacht Club for hosting this race day, Carol McDowell for providing the  "fancy" hors d'oeuvres and to Rick Pantall for providing the trophies.

Complete results are as follows:

A Fleet

B Fleet