Connecticut River Classic
June 4-5, 1994
Old Saybrook Lions Club

 This was the fourth time the Lions have run the revitalized Connecticut River Classic. A healthy fleet of 25 boats turned out for this adventure down the river, which might also be called “The World’s Longest Sunfish Regatta.” Although the race ends in Deep River now instead of Essex, the total distance is over 35 miles downstream from Hartford’s Riverside Park. Each boat has a crew of two and carries tent and sleeping bags for camping overnight along the river at Hurd State Park.

            Saturday dawned bright and clear, the beginning of a weekend of fine weather. There was just enough wind to make things interesting as all of the boats headed out, heavily laden, to the start under the big stone bridge. Although the wind lightened gradually during the morning, leaving us time for only three Saturday races instead of four, it freshened up in the afternoon.

            The finish of the first race was particularly close, with the Dickinson/Einthoven boat in the lead until the last moment, when they couldn’t beat the current enough to get over to the east side of the river! The Scharfe, Campbell, and McNamara teams crossed the finish line close together while they tried to beat back up river to cross the line. The third race saw the fleet beating downstream in ever-increasing winds, with Alan and Christopher Scharfe in the lead. The fleet split around an island and those who went right ended up in the lead, even if their daggerboards had a few more nicks in the bottom!

            Saturday night was cool and clear and featured an all-out Lions and Leos-cooked dinner with appetizers, barbecued chicken, burgers and hot dogs, salad and lots of dessert. A campfire followed, and a few Leos decided it was a nice enough night to sleep out around the fire. They were right!

            Sunday found all 25 boats beating downstream for two races in fresher winds. The last race was a long beat in heavy air, with spray soaking everyone to the skin as we passed the Goodspeed Opera House and headed for Deep River Marina. There the tired crew found showers, a sunny lawn, and an extravagant picnic lunch prepared by the Leos. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams in each division, with the Rubber Ducky award going to Einthoven and Dickinson for the best score overall. In addition, a special recognition award, donated by Sunfish/Laser Inc., was awarded to Russ Jessop and Peggy Wagner, participants and survivors of decades of river races in spite of all types of adversity. See you next year for the most unique weekend in Sunfish sailing! No knowledge of the rules is required to join us in a 2-day downstream pursuit of the Rubber Duck!  

Top Six Boats:

Mixed Doubles Division                        Odd Couples Division   

1. Malcolm Dickinson, Pelham, NY                        1. Alan & Christopher Scharfe, Manchester, MA
    & Nicky Einthoven, Ewing, NJ        

2. Richard & Lisa Campbell, Mountain Lakes, NJ                        2. Jay & Patrick McNamara, East Hartford, CT

3. Russ Jessop & Peggy Wagner, Spotswood, NJ                        3. Steve Koons & Jeff Williams, Mountaintop, PA