Dear Fleet V Members,

The 2007 Regional Regatta is now complete and if you missed it then you missed some great sailing.  This year we had six boats entered which included, Discovery, Jane's Addiction, One Time, Tiburon, Reiman N Reason and Quiet Woman.   Manana Iguana and Nemesis wanted to be there but had crew difficulties which prevented them from competing.  Unfortunately we had no visitors from out of the Long Beach area.  The format of the Regatta consisted of six races with one throw out. 

PRO Don Warner selected some terrific courses and officiated as only a person of his stature can do.  As is always the case our most distinguished fleet member, Judy Johnson, lent her support to the effort. 

The event looked like it might turn out to be a  runaway as One Time took three bullets on Saturday.  However that was not to be the case as Sunday provided drama in the extreme.  Jane's took bullets in the first two races  and all of a sudden they were tied with  One Time going into the final race.  Discovery was but a few points behind.  Anything was possible. 

The final race  was a three-lapper with Discovery jumping into the lead and holding it  for virtually the entire race.  For a short period of time One Time was able to pass them but it was short lived as they had some difficulty with the final spinnaker set and before they could get it undone Discovery was able to jump back into the lead and hold it to the finish.  However, much of the story was the duel between One Time and Jane's Addiction.  Spirited starts, multiple lead changes, jibing duels, fake jibes, etc. etc. took place until One Time was finally able to prevail and claim overall victory.  Jane's Addiction took the runner up position followed closely by Discovery. 

Don Reiman and Scott Kramer brought their boat out for a rare weekend appearance and sailed strongly both days.  Hope to see more of them on weekend races.  Tiburon had some moments of excellence and showed steady improvement as the weekend progressed.  The same would be said of Quiet Woman.  All in all it was a great weekend.  We were blessed with great weather, decent winds and spirited, clean, sportsmanlike competition.  The Regatta was competed on the water and that's where it was decided. 

Mark down August 8th as being the date of our annual Fleet V dock party.  For this event everyone is invited.  Crews,  wives, kids, girlfriends, friends, new recruits, etc.  If you're in doubt as to whether to invite someone then go ahead and invite them.  

Someone once asked me what  I do  with all the Rum that I win on Wednesday nights.  The answer is that much of it is taken to the dock parties and you guys drink it in Mike Newey's great Mojitos.  I'll bring several bottles to this year's dock party and some of you other winners are encouraged to do likewise.   It's for a good cause.

Finally, I am saddened to report tht LBYC's Waterfront Director, Alex Uniak has elected to expand his resume by resigning his position and  moving  on to other challenges.  The Fleet is going to miss him sorely.  He's a terrific guy and has always been a strong supporter of Fleet V racing.  Much of our recent success has been due to  him.  He's been a great Waterfront Director and I have relied on  him to the extreme.  However, first and foremost Alex is a sailor and in his current position he hqs found  himself doing less and less of it.  Hopefully that will change.  Best of luck to you Alex, we'll miss you.