2011 GTYC Spring Regatta
Story Submitted by Tom Babel
The GTYC Spring Laser Regatta was held on West Grand Traverse Bay on May 14, 2011. Nine skippers were greeted with cold air/water temps, 12-18 Northerly wind and a driving rain. Perfect spring Laser Racing conditions in Traverse City.
Jordon Owen (RC/PRO) scheduled a 5 race/no throw out series. Ultimately, four races were sailed as the series was cut short due to thermal issues. A dry suit was the order of the day. The four legged, relatively short courses lead to some very close racing. First at the weather mark was often decided by the right of way vessel.
Than Dykstra (GTYC) was very consistent, sailed strong in all four races and had no big mistakes. He posted finishes of 2,1,1,1 to win the series. Than is a past GTYC Fleet Champion and demonstrated that form to convincingly win this regatta.
It was a tight race for second place. Jamie Stuursma and Patrick Gerber tied on 13 points. Jamie won the tie-breaker with a 1st in race one leaving Patrick with the bronze for the day. Both skippers sailed hard in the northerly breeze and waves. Jamie came back from an OCS in race two, and later a collision with Pete Comfort, to show a true test of survival.
Four Jr Sailors Participated. Pete Kirby-Miller was the top Jr in sixth place over-all. Elle Rivard was the top female in 7th. Fourteen year old Colton Gerber sailed very well all day, with no hat and no capsizes. Nicely done Colton.
Racers were treated to some warm chili dogs from WARES FROSTY TREAT at the completion of racing.
Special thanks to Jim Sorbie and crew of the safety boat.
Results:
- T. Dykstra 5 points
- J. Stuursma 13
- P, Gerber 13
- G. Stauber 16
- P. Comfort 19
- P.Kirby-Miller 22 Top Jr
- E. Rivard 28 Top Female/Radial
- M. Lyons 33
- C. Gerber 33
