For the first time in several years, Team Melges returned to the waters of Lake Wawasee.   Sam Rogers and team attended, fresh from a great showing at the Geneva regatta.   While it is presumed he had some sailing advice from the senior members of MBW, they forgot to warn him of the dangers of the late night pontoon ride to The Frog with the Herdrich/Hackleman/Pipps.    It may be another generation before they attend again…

With a light forecast, Race One greeted the (all symmetrical spinnaker) fleet with a surprisingly fresh easterly breeze.   Sam Rogers hit the first big shift and was off to the races followed by Toby Sutherland and Jason Sutherland in third.   Despite some velocity and direction changes there was no passing the rest of the race among the leaders, but plenty of dicing a little further back.   

The RC attempted another start immediately after the finish in a fading breeze.   When the spinnakers came out on the first leg, they wisely abandoned.   From there, the big blue H did its job the rest of the day limiting the competition to football.   Social Chairs Mr. and Mrs. Vegas led the charge for the party on Saturday night.   With the Laser bar serving pirate drink concoctions and great Italian food, it was a night to remember – although there were a few people that didn’t. 

Race Two started early on Sunday with a fairly light but steady breeze out of the south.  WA 99 had the lead after one lap and covered Sam and Toby on the right side of the course going upwind.   Then the “steady” part changed, and a big lefty rocketed JB VanMeter and Jason Sutherland into the lead.   Jason was able to scoot by to win, setting the stage for an exciting third race.

With the “steady” part of the breeze out the window (shifty and variable), the first leg of Race Three ended up being a race to the right side of the course.   Bill Misenheimer did a great job getting there first and never looked back, winning the race with a nice lead.  Jason Sutherland rounded the last weather mark in fourth, barely behind Toby and Casey, with Sam Rogers back a little further.   Their team did a great job beating both boats at the photo finish for a second place in the race and a regatta victory.   Sam Rogers recovered nicely after a difficult first leg to score a five in the race and preserve second place in the regatta.

Congratulations to Jason Sutherland, Mike Sutherland and Jay O’Neil on board GL 31!  They have been attending the Wawasee regatta for years and were a very popular winner.  Team work, consistency and a fast boat proved to be too much for the competitors.  Congratulations as well to Sam Rogers for his second place finish.   It was a very difficult to be consistent, no matter how good you are.  

Next year is the 25^th anniversary regatta for the Wawasee E Scow fleet and there are special events already being planned.  Hopefully we will have a one design class again by then, and hope to see you there!