What a way to open the regatta! Our racers were clearly eager to get underway this morning — it took two general recalls before we finally launched into a clean start. Very light NE winds greeted us at first, with the fleet flying oversized A-rigs and ghosting across the water in classic light-air sailing.
Midway through Race 1, the predicted norther arrived and turned the course into controlled chaos. Everyone handled it well, regrouped, and by the next races the C-rigs were on deck and would dominate much of the day. Around noon the breeze shut down and swung SE, forcing a course change and keeping the race committee on its toes. Later in the afternoon the wind settled back to the NE and held there through the final races.
A fantastic lunch was provided by local downtown favorite Street Corner Kitchen — hearty, delicious, and exactly what the fleet needed to stay energized. Racing continued right up to our 4:00 PM “no race start after” cutoff, making sure everyone got a full day on the water. After the final horn, competitors pitched in to bring in marks, gear, and equipment — nothing left overnight on the seawall or in the drink.
Current Standings After Day 1 (12 Races):Todd Carrico is out front and setting the pace with an impressive 18 net points. Shockingly in second place is Ray Seta with 30 points — clearly sailing way above his head today! Third through fifth are separated by just one point each — Al Ross, Mark Cooper, and Robert Piper — setting up a fierce battle for the podium on Day 2. Close behind is our 2025 champion, Chris Macaluso, sitting on 43 points and well within striking distance.
In Silver Fleet, Vicky Stones leads with 79 points, followed by Matt Allen and Terry Lindemann tied at 80 — another tight three-way fight that promises plenty of action tomorrow.
Tonight we’ll keep the camaraderie going with an informal gathering at Blackbeard’s on the Beach — always a lively, pirate-themed good time.
Tomorrow the setup team will be back at first light to prepare for a prompt 9:30 AM start for Day 2. The forecasted sustained winds near 20 mph are manageable, but the predicted gusts in the 30–40 mph range — the “nuclear” stuff — will be the real test. We’re hoping for brisk but controllable conditions to cap off a terrific weekend of racing.
Photos from today’s racing action will be posted below. If Day 1 was any indication, this is a regatta no one will want to miss.
