Congratulations to Mickey Richardson and his first-place finish in the Gulf Yachting Association's Open Regatta the weekend of May 3 & 4 in Pensacola.
View RESULTS.
The annual Gulf Yachting Association Opening Regatta was hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club May 3 and 4. Over 75 sailboats were represented in Catalina 22, Fish, Viper 640, Melges15, and Opti classes.
Sailing on four W/L courses made for a busy vibrant competitive sailing spectacle. After a breakfast social and flag raising ceremony to the National Anthem, racers checked in on Pensacola Bay under two-foot chop and a strong south sea breeze. Six Catalina 22 entries had their own start sharing a course with a fleet of 15 Fish class Masters.
Two races were squeezed in before stormy conditions approached the area. Day one saw a three-way tie atop the standings. Day two also had two races but under perfect 75-degree sunny conditions flat seas, winds NE-N and shifty to the NW at 5-12 gusty to 16.
Incredibly tight competitive racing was displayed among the top three boats with final results coming down to the last leg of the last race. Mickey Richardson and crew on "Mischief" won the day with a 1 and a 2 taking first place overall. One point back, second place went to Jennifer Bennett and crew (with two bullets). A close third, one point behind was earned by Susan McKinnon and crew on "Imp". Thanks to PYC for creating a great one class racing event. The Catalina 22 class is invited to Pensacola, Florida for the annual Jubilee on November 1 & 2. See you soon at Nationals on Lake Worth Texas.
Article submitted by Mark Heinold