FEBRUARY 14, 15, 16
The Upper Keys Sailing Club hosted the third annual Catboat Regatta that drew participants from Maine, NJ, Massachusetts, Vermont, Wisconsin, New York and from all points of Florida. All manner of Catboats were represented, Sandpipers, a Handy Cat, Nonesuch, Sanderlings and a few home made varieties.
The first day was a sail around on Buttonwood Bay, under light wind conditions and a beautiful day. The second day included another sail with a twist, called the "Rum Run". Each boat, while sailing around would have to pick up a card from five designated anchored boats, after obtaining the required number cards, the sailors returned to the clubhouse and exchanged the blank cards for five playing cards. The Captain with the highest hand was awarded a half gallon of fine Barbados Rum. The third day was a day of racing on Buttonwood Bay, then closing ceremonies.
A fine dinner on the second night was the highlight of the Regatta, 79 participants in attendance for a spectacular dinner cooked and served by the Sailing Club members.
 |
| Fifty foot Sharpie showed up to join in the festivities |
 |
| Sanderling, Roland Barth Captain. |
 |
| Approaching the Upper Keys Sailing Club |
 |
| Marshall Sanderling |
 |
| Paul Smith, NJ, one of my crew |
 |
| 15' Sandpiper |
 |
| Ibis, with a full crew |
 |
| Handy Cat with a relaxed Skipper |
 |
| Felix, Capt'ns Lindi and Davy |
 |
| Falling wind |
 |
| Searching for the wind, which never did return |
 |
| Beautiful Sharpie headed to NJ |
 |
| Light air sailing |
 |
| Checking for the wind direction, what wind? |
 |
| CB relaxing |
 |
| A little wind at the start |
 |
| Ibis |
 |
| Felix |
 |
| Usual Suspects |
 |
| Lindi and Davey |
 |
| Happy Cats |
 |
| Blowing of the Conch at Sunset |
 |
| Handy Cat and her Skipper before the wind layed down |
 |
| Nonesuch |
 |
| A Nonesuch joins the action |
Wow. Beautiful pics of wonderful sailing, good friends, and great times. Or put those adjectives in any order that suits you. 79 participants - I wish I we had so many to share our love of sailing with in these parts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely pics Sandscraper.
If you and K ever get the chance to come to the Keys, look me up, I would love to host a couple of great sails on the Florida Bay.
Delete