75th Labor Day Regatta
at Stillwater Cove
August 29th & 30th
Presented by Stillwater Yacht Club

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The 75^th Labor Day Regatta upheld its reputation as one of the Mercury Class’s premier events, drawing 17 boats to the starting line and welcoming several sailors back to the fleet. Patrick Whitmarsh returned to the Mercury class aboard Dave Morris’s recently acquired Mercury 504, while Mark Chandler brought out 524 and Greg Dair returned with 575.

Sailing conditions were demanding throughout the weekend, with a puffy, shifting breeze that kept both the sailors and race committee alert.  The sea swell combined with the lighter breezes challenged even the best helmsmen.

Race 1: Mike Burch and Don Whelan led for most of the race, but Greg Dair and Kaelyn Ibold passed them at the final leeward mark. After Burch fouled Dair and completed penalty turns, he dropped to fourth, with Dave West and Patrick Whitmarsh moving ahead.

Race 2: Similar conditions tested the fleet, with crews constantly moving on and off the rail. Greg Dair handled the conditions well and went on to win the second race.

Race 3: Bill Schopp and Dave Shoemaker, sailing 572, broke away at the start and led the fleet around the course. Mike Burch challenged them on the run to the finish, but Schopp held him off for the win, while Tom Priest and Scott Jenson sailed a strong race to secure fourth.

At the end of the first day, Greg Dair and Kaelyn Ibold led the standings with two first-place finishes.

Race 4: The racing became even more unpredictable as positions shuffled throughout the fleet. Patrick Whitmarsh and Dave Morris stayed consistent to win the race and build a strong lead in the series, while John and Michael Ravizza sailed well to finish second.

Race 5: The final race brought more changes in the standings, but Mike Burch won the start and sailed away to a commanding victory. Greg Dair recovered from a difficult Race 4 to finish second, while Whitmarsh slipped to eighth but retained a two-point margin over Burch to win the series; Andy and Marie-Odile Goodman also finished the regatta strongly in Races 4 and 5.

Congratulations to Patrick Whitmarsh and Dave Morris on winning the 75^th Labor Day Regatta.

Saturday night’s dinner on the pier was another highlight of the weekend, with excellent weather, a great meal from the chef, and entertainment from the Lanzafame Band, including their new song, “Kelp Fly Blues,” written by Chip Wood.

Special thanks go to the Stillwater Yacht Club, Dick Clark, Chip Wood, Jack and Patti McAleer, Richard Beach for their contributions on and off the water.