47th Annual Liberty Bell Regatta

Twenty four skippers skippers came to sail in this years 47th Annual Liberty Bell Regatta, I think that might have been a record number of entries, however, our Chief Knucklehead (Dave Brawner) could verify this for us… With this amount of entries we decided to use the Cesspool System, as the number of boats fit perfectly for that format. The wind started out of the South at 5-7 mph, a windward, leeward course was set and we sailed 2 1/2 laps the entire day. Right out of the gate the tone was set by Mark Rinehart with five bullets in a row. Dave Ramos did his best to keep up, unfortunately there was no catching Mark. Mark’s worst throwout was a fourth…… We sailed five races before lunch, during lunch the wind shifted 90 degrees which meant a course change was needed. Thanks to Mark and Dave for their assistance we were able to reset the course to another windward, leeward course. As predicted the wind increased to the top of the A Rig limits, boat handling became very important when the big puffs hit. We had a few breakdowns during the afternoon, only one boat couldn’t continue, the winch gave out on his boat. As the afternoon progressed Mark continued to show everyone he was the one to beat, another bullet, a second and the fourth place sealed the deal for Mark. Dave Ramos tried his best to close the gap, when Mark didn’t finish first, it was Dave taking the bullet. After 12 heats we called it a day and totaled up the scores, no surprise who the winner would be,, Mark Rinehart, who I believe won it last year also, Dave Ramos second, Jamie Betz third, Harry Mote fourth and Jim Flach fifth.

Many, many thanks to the race committee, without their help we couldn’t have the Great Results we had. To our scorers, Mark Aadaino and Roni Brandt Smpkins and Nick Mortgu and for lunch Beth Lippincott, Nick Mortgu, my sincere thanks for a job well done!!! Also, to Judy Bonanno for the photos,thank you!! the link to Judy’s photos; http://www.judybonanno.smugmug.com. There are two sets, one from the camera and another from her phone.

The finishing order after one throwout as follows:As seen by the scores just how close everyone was to each other, a testament to how competitive they are are!! Thanks once again for everyone that sailed, we had sailors from Connecticut, New York and North Carolina show up… Thanks to all everyone once again!!!!

Assistant Chief Knucklehead
Skip Hall