Colonial Cup

Annapolis, June 4-5, 2017. Final results after 6 races (1 discard) (Regatta report by Alex Pline. Photos courtesy of Ted Morgan) Annapolis served up a chamber of commerce weekend for the twenty competitors at the 2017 Colonial Cup at Severn Sailing Association. A few days before the regatta, the weather forecast was not looking very promising with high pressure system filling in over the Chesapeake Bay. This usually results in a dying northwesterly breeze and the infamous Annapolis "Washing Machine" chop. However, there ended up being two cold fronts bookending the regatta which kept the conditions lively and challenging.

Colonial Cup Image

Annapolis, June 4-5, 2017. Final results after 6 races (1 discard)

(Regatta report by Alex Pline. Photos courtesy of Ted Morgan)

Annapolis served up a chamber of commerce weekend for the twenty competitors at the 2017 Colonial Cup at Severn Sailing Association. A few days before the regatta, the weather forecast was not looking very promising with high pressure system filling in over the Chesapeake Bay. This usually results in a dying northwesterly breeze and the infamous Annapolis “Washing Machine” chop. However, there ended up being two cold fronts bookending the regatta which kept the conditions lively and challenging.

With six races scheduled and the uncertain forecast, PRO Steve Podlich took advantage of the unexpected increase in breeze after the first race on Saturday to run four 4-lap W/L courses. The first race was light (NNE 4-6 knots), but the breeze unexpectedly for this direction, time of year, and pleasant day jumped up to NE 15, and the washing machine setting went to the “heavy cycle”.  Ernesto Rodriguez/Kathleen Tocke put together a commanding performance with three firsts and a second followed by Carol Cronin/Kim Couranz and Peter/Connie Commette.

With four races completed Saturday, the tired fleet was treated to refreshments and a burrito bar at the club while relaxing on a beautiful evening overlooking Spa Creek and Downtown Annapolis.

Sunday morning brought an increasing southerly breeze by the time the fleet left the dock. Given the excellent breeze – this is the postcard breeze for Annapolis – it was apparent the final two races would be completed and a discard figured into the scores. With Cronin/Couranz dropping their 12th in race one, the distance to Rodriguez/Tocke narrowed considerably. After Rodriguez/Tocke restarted in race five due to an individual recall (unnecessarily despite a loud hailer that sounded like the voice of God calling a different boat one number apart) and finished 7th, it left the door open just a crack for the Cronin/Couranz team to take the top spot. However, Ernesto and Kathleen showed their winning cards in the increasing breeze to win the last race and finish out the regatta with an 8 pt lead. Second through fifth (Cronin/Couranz, Commettes, O’Hares, Blodgett) were separated only by 10 points with very tight racing especially on Sunday.

Christian Filter/Jessica Bennett was the top placing Junior Team (10th) and Steve Jahnige was the top placing Silver Team.

Thanks to  Fleet Captain Chris Ryan for putting on yet another excellent regatta.  It was two great days on the water and I enjoyed sharing the race spectating with friends of competitors on the SCIRA Rep boat on both days.

1. Ernesto Rodriguez & Kathleen Tocke, 6
2. Carol Cronin & Kim Couranz, 14
3. Peter Commette & Connie Commette, 17
4. Gavin O’Hare & Holly O’Hare, 19
5. Arthur Blodgett & Lexi Pline, 23

Final Results

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