“Not enough boats and not enough boats”
Those were longtime local sailor Jack Bartlett’s two reasons on why the Rendezvous Yacht Club held its season-opener yesterday evening one week later than first planned.
“It usually takes a while for the boats to dock,” said the International Falls resident, who oversaw the three-boat race. “[But] we’re hoping to reach our average of five to 10 boats when things get rolling.”
Last night’s weather didn’t help, either. The race was reduced to a two-lap, 2.4-km run after the late evening rain. Full races usually are five laps.
Bob Algie, with the help of Bob Whitburn and Diane Wessels, sailed his Ranger 23 “Kemosabe” to victory.
They clocked an adjusted time of 18.37 metric minutes, just ahead of Colin Hewitt and his Tanzer 22 “Ariba I” (19.25) and Jas Spencer’s C & C 25 “Beagle” (20.45).
The Wednesday races leave from the Rendez-Vous dock at 6:30 p.m. Spectators are welcome to watch from the committee boat.
The Rendezvous Yacht Club has roughly 40-50 members from here and International Falls, and is anticipating a busy season.
In addition to its Wednesday evening spring and summer series, the club has lined up regular Saturday races starting June 15—including the new “Fall Classic” on Sept. 7.
As well, the club’s sixth-annual “community sail” program, open to the public and free of charge, starts June 11 and runs every Tuesday until July 23 (weather permitting).
“We’re looking forward to the season,” said RYC commodore Todd Hamilton.
In related news, registration for BOOM sailing program, being run July 29-Aug. 4 in conjunction with the Memorial Sports Centre, also is underway.
Call Eric Rude (274-6097) for more details and Megan Ross at the Memorial Sports Centre (274-4561) to register.
