The Enduro-2022

The end of the MmMYC sailing season has rolled around once again, but there was one more race to be sailed.

To those unfamiliar with this annual ritual, the Enduro is a race with one start followed by one finish 4 hours after the start.  That’s right!  It’s continuous sailing with no holds and no breaks for anybody, or for any reason.  Battery changes, boat rescues, lunches, etc. all have to take place while everybody continues sailing and collecting laps.  The course is laid out so that it is fairly long, with 6 marks to be rounded (4 taken to port and 2 taken to starboard).  Scoring is aided by a gate between the two inside marks and all boats must pass through it, on each lap, for the lap to be counted.  The person that is still sailing at the end of 4 hours, and has the most laps, wins.  

It may sound like a free-for-all but the rules of sailing still apply, except that we allow the marks to be touched as long as they are rounded on the proper side.  

The most interesting rule is that a skipper may sail any boat they want (or have), except Wheelers and the big J’s.  There seems to be two essentials for winning the Enduro: One is sailing clean – it’s much slower to complete the course and collect laps if you are doing penalty turns or tangled up with another boat.  The other essential is boat/sail selection.  The wind at Rosemary is always fluky/variable; sometimes it’s fluky/variable high and sometimes it’s fluky/variable low.  Sometimes there are weeds and sometimes there aren’t.  So, the question is always, ‘…should you sail a bigger boat or a smaller boat…’; ‘…a heavier boat or lighter boat…’; ‘…a boat with a full keel or boat with a fin keel…’?  You just never know what the winning combination will be at any given time.  Past Enduros have been won by IOM’s, Classic Marblehead’s, Modern Marblehead’s, EC12’s, 10-Rater’s and a Canterbury J.

In past years there has only been one winner and it was usually the largest boat that could stay on the water for the full 4 hours.  This year, since we have so many new skippers, most of whom have DF95’s or Soling’s, we decided to split the fleet into “Over-40” and “Under-40” hull lengths.  They all sailed at the same time, they were just scored differently.

Early wind forecasts for Rosemary Lake were in the mid-teens, which were a little higher than normal, but not a big deal.  However, on the day of sailing, the forecasts jumped to winds gusting up to mid-20’s!  Uh-Oh!

The sailing was now a matter of boat control in high gusty winds and water-tight integrity.  Both of which turned out to be something of a challenge for skippers old and new.  There were plenty of nose-dives, knock-downs, round-ups…you know the high wind drills.

Fifteen boats started the regatta, and by lap 2, electronics started failing due to water ingress.  Apparently, it was not always possible to put enough tape, in enough places to keep water out in these wind conditions.

It was a great struggle for skippers, but also a great show for spectators.

It was good fun watching the top boats in each category compete.  There was a lot of back and forth, and it was not a given as to which boats were going to come out on top, especially in the Over-40 category.

If there is such a thing as a “nail-biter” at the Enduro, this year it was in the Over-40’s.  The top two boats were trading places during the entire race.  Later in the regatta, the Pinter had to be rescued and the 10-Rater was able to gain a couple of laps until the Pinter got back on the water.  This seemed to make the 10-Rater a sure thing, until it started having control problems.

With an hour to go, the 10-rater started occasionally wandering off course and doing odd, un-necessary circles.  We all watched as the 10-Rater control issues got worse and worse.  Then the Pinter started making up ground.  

In the last 30 minutes, the Pinter had advanced and was on the same lap as the 10-Rater, but about 3 marks behind.  We all watched as the 10-Rater finally failed to turn around one of the far marks and headed off the course.  The wind was a little calmer at this time, so we all watched the clock and the Pinter.  If the Pinter could turn around the mark that the 10-Rater missed, the Pinter would win.  

When time ran out, the Pinter was only a few yards away from the missed mark and the 10-Rater held its lead.  Great racing guys!

As always, many thanks to our score-keeper, Cheryl Titus.  Watching and listening to us for 4-hours is not easy.

Under-40
Skipper	Boat	Laps
Herb Dreher	IOM	35
Al Fearn	S1M	33
Nathan Bryant	DF95	33
Peter DeWolfe	DF95	31	*
Guy Washburn	US1M	30
Chris O’Brien	DF95	25	*
David Messina	DF95	24	*
John Martin	US1M	9	*
John Lamport	US1M	2	*

Over-40
Skipper	Boat	Laps
Rick Gates	10-RATER	38
Rick Laird	M	38
Greg LaPlante	EC-12	31
Paul Mercer	Star 45	12	*
Jim Linville	VM	4	*
Cliff Martin	VM	4	*

* Did not Finish

Rick Gates and Herb Dreher – 2022 Enduro Champions

Skippers,

This year, as in previous years, we will meet at Panera Bread after the Enduro.  At this time, the Enduro and Series race winners will be announced and awards given out.  

The Enduro stops at 3:00pm, so skippers may start arriving at Panera’s at 3:30pm.  The address of Panera Bread in Needham is: 120 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494.

In order to ensure we have adequate accommodations, please let me know by Friday, 11/04/22,  if you be able to join us at Panera’s.

My email address is:  c_martin5@comcast.net.

I’ll see everyone there!

Cliff Martin,
Commodore, MmMYC 

2022 Vintage Nationals

This years Vintage Nationals were sailed at a very picturesque site in Honey Brooke, PA.  The winds at this site were occasionally light, but tended to stay in the mid to high teens, with gusts into the low 20’s.  I think there were over 25 skipperswith over 70 boats competing.

Four events were sailed over 3 days and skippers from the MmMYC were registered to sail in three of the events.  In the interest of time and space, I will only speak to the events that were sailed by MmMYC skippers.

The first event sailed by club members was the 50” Schooner class.  There were nine skippers in this class.  From MmMYC, Jim Linville, Alain Jousse and Cliff Martin all came prepared to compete with their Schooners, or so we thought.  Our Schooners had spent some time on the water before the Nationals, but even with the best of preparations, the unexpected happens.  The first skipper to fall to fate was Cliff Martin, who started having sail winch problems at the beginning of first race and completely lost his winch after three races.  Alain Jousse was able to hang on for a few more races as he started having rig issues that took him out.  Jim Linville was able to hang in there through most of the race but tuning issues kept him in the back half of the fleet.

The next event sailed by club members was the Vintage-36class.  MmMYC skippers were Herb Dreher, Cliff Martin, Rick Gates, Rick Laird, Jim Linville and Alain Jousse.  The racing was very competitive and the winds made it very challenging for these smaller yachts.  In the end, Herb Dreher came in 1^st with his Comet-36, Cliff Martin came in 2^nd with his newly builtRiptide-36, Rick Gates came in 6^th with his Peterson double-ender, Rick Laird came in 15^th with his Chico II, and Jim Linville came in 18^th with his Riptide-36.  Unfortunately, Alain Jousse was unable to compete due to winch problems.

The last events were sailed on Sunday. They were, Traditional Vintage Marblehead’s, Vintage High Flyer Marblehead’s and Vintage Classic Marblehead’s.  The Traditional VintageMarblehead’s sailed as one fleet, with Vintage High Flyer and Classic Marblehead’s sailing as a separate fleet.  Start times for the two fleets were staggered. with the Vintage High Flyer/Classic Marblehead’s starting first.  In the Traditional VM class, Rick Laird sailed his Madcap to 7^th place.  Alain Jousse had some technical issues, but was able to sail his Magic Dragon II to a 13^th place, and Jim Linville, who also had some issues, was able to sail to a 17^th place.  In the Vintage High Flyer class, Herb Dreher sailed his Sunwind to a 1^st place, and Cliff Martin was able to sail his Magic Dragon I to 2^nd place.

The site was beautiful, the event was well run, and the racing was spirited and challenging.  I think it’s fair to say, that the high winds were a contributing factor to some of the issue/problemsencountered by skippers.  But hey!  That’s racing.  All-in-all, I think our club was well represented and I congratulate all of the skippers who took part.

Cliff Martin,
Commodore, MmMYC

Today’s US1M Series race #7, and US1M Series make-up race #6, was blown out.  

The supposedly 17mph winds looked much worse as we looked out across the pond.  Most of the skippers present were grumbling and nodding their heads that a regatta in the prevailing winds could come to no good.

However, one skipper among us, a blue water big boat sailor,was unafraid of a little wind and decided to test his boat ahead of the official start time.  We watched as his boat screamed across the pond; spray flying, sails healing, bow dipping, butmostly in control.  As we watched we were all feeling a little less like the hearty sailors we all thought we were.

We watched wondering if we really could sail in the high wind when disaster struck.  To our horror, the boat suddenly floppedcompletely over on its side…the keel had fallen off.

It’s possible the wind had nothing to do with the keel falling off, but we all took it as a sign.  I’m sure as the wind rustled through the trees I could hear the eerie words, “DON’T SAIL!…GO HOME!”…I’LL GET YOU! AND YOUR LITTLE BOAT TOO!”.

I mean, even the heartiest of skippers can’t ignore that.

So, after the sad, crippled craft was rescued, we hung around to make sure nobody else showed up, and then heeded the ominous warning.

As I drove away, I couldn’t help but think of that keel, laying at the bottom of the pond in Davey Jones Locker (assuming ponds have a Davey Jones Locker), a possible forever tribute so other sailboats may live and sail another day.

Rest in peace little keel!

Soling 1 Meter Series regatta #7  

This regatta will take place next Sunday, 10/09/2022.  Jim Linville, Herb Dreher, Alain Jousse, Rick Gates, Rick Laird and Cliff Martin will all be away at the US Vintage Nationals.  

Greg LaPlante won the last S1M Series regatta and is the designated Race Director.  He will also be bringing his pontoon boat should any rescues be necessary.

Have fun!

Skippers, 
Yesterday I received an NOR for the DF95 Nationals taking place in Stuart, FL on Dec 2-4, 2022.  If there is anybody who would like to participate, please reach out to me and I will forward you a copy of the NOR.

If you would like to participate, please let me know by this coming Monday.

Cliff Martin, Commodore

Skippers, as you know, the US1M Series regatta #6 on September 11, was cancelled due to weather.  According to our rules, this race will be re-scheduled to take place on 10/02/2022 starting at 10:00 am.  It will replace the Open Sailing Time that would normally occur, and we will race until 12 noon.

US1M Series regatta #7 will begin at 12:30pm, per the schedule.

Cliff Martin, Commodore

No wind with light rain forced a cancellation of US1M racing today.
Make up date most likely will be on October 2nd. Stay tuned.

The day was expected to be in the low 80’s with winds in the 5-10 mph range.  It turns out that the forecasts were pretty much on the money.  As it turns out, the exception was that the wind seemed to gust up to 5 mph as it was changing direction, which was usually in the middle of our starting countdown.  Fun times!

Even so, eleven skippers showed up to compete in the Sue Linville Regatta.  Everyone looking to snag one of the prized “Ducky Trophies” that Jim Linville prepares every year for this unique event.

The racing was challenging because of the crazy winds.  It was hard to even get a windward start because the wind direction would not hold steady for even one minute.  The good news is the skippers took it all into stride and sailed the best races they could under the circumstances.

However, towards the end of the regatta it was easy to tell that the constant course changes, to try and accommodate the winds, were increasing frustration levels.  After the starts, the racing itself could be rather leisurely because of the light breezes.  One skipper commented that it was almost “Zen-Like”; at least until all of the slow-moving cluster of boats had to round another mark.

But hey!  That’s racing at Rosemary.

At the end of the day, Peter DeWolfe won for his second time in a row.  Second Place was awarded to John Martin; Third Place was awarded to Paul Mercer and Fourth Place was awarded to Herb Dreher.  Congratulations, everyone!

Many thanks for all the skippers who came to honor Jim Linville’s late wife.  Also, many thanks to Sue Martin who came out to keep score.  All-in-all, it was a good day.

Skippers, 

Since we don’t really know at what temperature/humidity we should consistently suspend sailing, and after due consideration,it’s been decided that we are going to sail US1M’s this coming Sunday.

We are aware that the forecast is for temps in the low 90’s so we will be providing cold water for everyone present.  It’s hoped that the breeze, the shade from the tree, and the cold water will allow sailors to find sailing tolerable.

However, we will also be monitoring everyone and will stop sailing if the conditions become untenable.  Skippers should decide for themselves if they feel comfortable about sailing in the forecast weather conditions and act accordingly.

We will use feedback from skippers via email and at pondside to try make better decisions going forward.

Take care, stay cool,

Cliff Martin, Commodore

Old Timers Regatta-2022

The Old Timers Regatta is an annual event open to skippers over 65, who have (or can borrow) a US1M.  This Regatta is unique because after racing is completed, scores are reduced by a predetermined number depending on the skipper’s age.  This deduction is shown in the “Age Adj.” column.  The older the skipper, the greater the reduction.  Sometimes the Age Adjustment doesn’t change the rankings, but sometimes it does.

This years Old Timers Regatta was sailed on the 3^rd of July.  A warm, humid, frustratingly variable, windy day.  On any heat some of the fleet could be sitting in a calm while another part of the fleet cold be ghosting along, catching up to the becalmed boats; while another part of the fleet could be hit with a gust that had boats rounding up and out of control.  None of these wind events necessarily occurred in the order I gave, or at the same place on the pond.  It could be a challenge to say the least, and the lead of a given heat could change several times before racing was completed.

As I said, the sailing wasn’t easy, but despite the stressful winds the pondside atmosphere was very congenial and skippers did necessary (and sometimes unavoidable) penalty turns with little complaint.  Herb Dreher successfully defended against all challengers and took home the perpetual Old Timers Regatta Cane.  Congrats, Herb!

I want to thank the skippers who came out to sails with us, and I especially want to thank RD Chris O’Brien and his wife Cheryl for keeping score and keeping things running smoothly.

See everybody again next year!

Cliff Martin, Commodore

	Unadjusted	Age	Final
	Score	Adj.	Score
Herb Dreher	28	8	20
John Martin	32	4	28
Cliff Martin	31	2	29
Paul Mercer	40	4	36
Rick Laird	43	2	41
Jim Linville	55	8	47
Rick Gates	54	2	52
John Lamport	64	2	62
Alain Jousse	72	6	66
Ron Casciato	72	6	66

Skippers,

The Minuteman Model Yacht Club Independence Day Regatta, scheduled for July 4^th has been CANCELLED.

The 4^th of July is a day for relaxation and spending time with family.  This year, the Independence Day Regatta happens to be scheduled on Monday the 4^th.  This is the day after the Old Timers Regatta which is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 3^rd.  This takes up two days of a 3-day summer weekend when, historically, families like to maximize their time together.

As a result, it has been decided to CANCELThe Independence Day Regatta so that members can spend more time with their family or attending 4^th of July celebrations.

The Old Timers Regatta will still take place on Sunday, July 3^rd.

Enjoy your 4^th.

Cliff Martin, Commodore

Soling 1M Series #3
Mostly sunny day with winds mostly from the Northwest. Herb as RD chose a course that we stayed with for 12 races. Out to Green taken to starboard, down to Yellow taken to port, back up to Green taken to port, then to finish. Nine boats started the day, and 6 finished. Six different skippers claimed a victory. Such closely contested races makes for FUN. Today’s champion was John Martin with 4 victories, closely followed by Cliff Martin, and Greg LaPlante.

This Memorial Weekend regatta was projected to have light winds, and for a change the forecast was fairly accurate.  Fortunately, the breezes would occasionally freshen up to make things more interesting. 

10 skippers showed up to sail including our friend Chris Hornick, who showed us the way around the course.  He’s not able to sail with us often, but when he does he’s usually at the front of the fleet.

Greg LaPlante, Jim Linville and your author all had some technical issues with their boats.  Some problems could be fixed so the skippers could get back on the water without having to miss too many heats.  Some issues could not be overcome at the pond.

The sailing was fairly trouble/penalty free, but there were a few more discussions about mark rounding’s, as the wind began to go away during the last couple of races.

It was a good day of sailing and especially nice because our friend Colin Mosgrove dropped by the pond to say “Hello”!

Everybody stay safe!

Cliff

The day was forecast to be very windy but you couldn’t prove it by the early Zephyrs.  However, as the day progressed, so did the winds.  

One has to be impressed by the ability of the humble DF95 to remain in control through a wide range of wind conditions.  That doesn’t mean sudden high gusts don’t make for interesting starts and mark rounding; somewhat harrowing for skippers but apparently very entertaining for observers.

12 races were sailed under these conditions with a welcome break in the middle for a rescue and to let everyone drain the water from their boats.  The table shows how everyone finished.

Cliff

Eight Soling skippers welcomed a warm day, finally. Winds were southerly most of the day, so Cliff Martin, as RD, set the course to the yellow buoy, port rounding and back green buoy port rounding back to start/finish line. A few races had an additional leg or two. Typically, Rosemary Lake’s winds were difficult to read and caused difficulties at the marks. The best skipper today was Alain Jousse with his 4 victories of 12 races. Congrats Alain. Bob Pacini and Jim Linville mastered the scoring; so, we thank them both. 😉.