..
the Tim Dowling Memorial Regatta
 Clark Lake YC * Sept. 23-24, 2006
Saturday: Race 3
by Peggy Quiniff and Neil Robb

A series of small fronts moved through as we enjoyed our break ashore after race 2. The RC decided our best beat would be from 5 to 1 in a wind that was now a fine but gusty hiking breeze. Mark #2 was placed closer to mark 5, making the 2nd leg a reach. Then we went on a long reach-run past Eagle Point to #3 with a final short beat across to a finish at #4 as I recall.
...

The spinnakering Interlakes coming back up the lake towards Eagle Point were a fine sight.
for full-size pic, click here - use Back button to return to this page
...

Here, Team Aspery (1335) are on their way to their first bullet of the series. Bob Bradley in 1332 looks well placed to take 2nd but on Clark Lake, many things are always possible - lots of them unpleasant surprises! Ron Gall (1325) and Jeff Clark (1370) are also still very much in the hunt.
...

More Interlake spinnakers come rolling down the lake as the Rebels continue to tack their way to mark #1.
for full-size pic, click here - use Back button to return to this page
...

Bob continues to hold off Ron (1325) and Jeff. At this point, the RC suddenly realized that they might be pressed to get into finish position at #4 before the fast-charging Interlakes got there. So they floored it back up the lake, and whilethey were doing so, Peggy got some great shots on the move.
...

As they sped by - to leeward!!! - the RC got a great view of some close racing:
Here Jack Coleman is holding off Kevin Bracy (1248) and Tom Marriott (909).
...

And this is what it looked like from in front as ...
...

... Jim and Tim Boucher and their purple spinnaker came planing up to join the fray.
...

Still, there were the occasional "dead" spots.
...

Bob and Betsy (1332) get set to make their move on ...
...

... Steve Aspery.
...

They're coming ...
...

... closer!!
...

Note the wake from the speeding RC boat. A dead spot for Bob who moves to leeward to balance the boat, just ...
...

... in time for a nasty puff to hit the slow-moving and therefore capsize-prone boat.
...

A bit of a rough go for Team Aspery who fortunately have three crew ready to sit out on the high side.
No such luck for Bob and Betsy who ...
...

... get ...
...

... flattened!! To their credit, they self-rescued and still placed 10th. A very large chunk of lousy luck for the Bradleys who - had they held onto their solid 2nd - would have won the Interlake series by 4 points!

next photo page
return to Regatta index