American Armed Forces Regatta

May 16, 2011

For the third year in a row, Club Nautique organized the American Armed Forces Regatta, as thank you to our servicemen and women. The racing was held Sunday on the South Bay side of Alameda in Colgate 26s. Marianne Armand reports:

With 20 knots of breeze and new skippers on the helm, we opted for all teams to put in one reef. On the first race the start line was crowded and looked like anyone's game. But the Air Force pulled out ahead as a clear winner with the Coast Guard, Navy and Marines in a close battle for second. The Coast Guard managed to nose ahead of the other two teams for an almost photo finish, with the Navy and Marines taking third and forth respectively.

Air Force and Coast Guard. ©2011 Marianne Armand

The second race was a bit longer and the lead changed several times between the Coast Guard and the Navy, with the Navy in the lead at the final upwind leg to the finish, but the Coast Guard out-tacked the Navy and pulled out a win. The wind had lightened to about 12 knots at that point and the teams opted to shake out their reefs for the third race.

Coast Guard and Navy. ©2011 Marianne Armand

On the downwind leg towards the last mark before the finish with the Coast Guard and Navy in a duel, Army managed to sneak inside and pull out clear ahead for a win with Coast Guard taking second place and clinching the overall win.

Back at the clubhouse there was a lot of smack talk but mostly good cheer. The definite sentiment was that there was going to be some serious practice and placement of ringers in next year's competition. It was another great day of celebration of the folks who serve in our military and all had a great time!

This year was the closest competition in terms of finishing times.

The Coast Guard team with their Club Nautique coach. ©2011 Marianne Armand

The Coast Guard team were:
Timothy Lutzko - MEC
David A. Flores - SNPA
Amela Boehland - PA2
Kevin P. Metcalf - PA3

Turns out that the most experienced man on the Coast Guard boat was a former Navy man who raced for 10 years for the Navy but hadn't raced in over 10 years... appears that it's a bit like riding a bike!

- Marianne Armand, Club Nautique