FWSA's Interclub Season Underway!

By Pam Miller, FWSA VP

The FWSA’s interclub racing finally had it’s first start on Friday, February 21st, at Pass-a-Grille in St. Pete.  The day had a very chilly start with temps in the 40’s and wind chills in the 30’s – brrrr!  As sailors crossed the Sunshine Skyway bridge, they were greeted with High Wind advisory signs and white caps on the bay.  The sun shining brightly was the saving grace of the day.

Eight brave sailors, including 3 rookies, dressed warmly and finished 3 races in 12-14 mph winds with higher gusts.  Clubs sailing included the Broad Reachers, Luffing Lassies, Salty Sisters, Windlasses and one independent member. 

The PRO of the day, Gloria Davis, had the marks boat set a windward/leeward course which the sailors did twice around.  The starts were interesting to watch from the dock since timing was critical because gusts pushed the sailors closer to the line than sometimes intended.  Only one sailor was called over early while other sailors ducked the line or tacked before going over.

Despite the clubhouse still being under renovations, the Broad Reachers hosted a delicious lunch catered by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.  Luckily the lunch tables were protected from the north wind and the bright sun kept everyone toasty.

It was so nice to have the interclub racing season’s official start underway.  Sailors have a chance to sail in two more interclubs this season at the Bitter Ends in Venice (March 12th) and the Bow Chasers in Clearwater (April 1st).  Sunfish and pram sailors let’s get out on the water!

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Luffing Lassie Lisa Brown Ehrhart works to rig her boat as the north winds came down the channel

Independent member P.J. Summerville was the first off the dock to test the waters

In the first race, rookie Karen Naulty, Luffing Lassie, is right at the front with second place winner, P.J. Summerville

Due to the day's cold conditions, it was nice that no one capsized during the gusts

Getting around the windward mark proved to be a challenge for many of the sailors. One of the rookies had a lot of difficulty at this mark and independent member P.J. Summerville worked with her on the last race to help her get around the course. During lunch, she provided additional pointers for future sailing days.

The Race Committee of Beverly Smoak and Carol Hanson (standing) on flags, PRO Gloria Davis (middle) and Scorer, Selga Sakss, did a great job in windy conditions. As the races progressed, Gloria provided learning tips throughout the day.

Winners: 1st place, Lisa Brown Ehrhart, Luffing Lassie (left); 2nd place, P.J. Summerville, independent member; 3rd place, Juliette Clark, Broad Reacher; Rookie, Karen Naulty, Luffing Lassie. The day's winners received jars filled with Starburst candy and other sailing goodies and a sailboat topped the jar.