The day started out in the upper 40s today but got up to the 50s before the start of the Midwinter Warmups/Leukaemia Cup Regatta.  Ten teams made it out to the starting line on Lake Ponchatrain in 8-12 knot somewhat shifty wind with the lake a bit lumpy.  Harry Carpenter, our builder, and Melanie Dunham from Deep Creek Lake in MD were first, Roger Sharp and John Eckart from Massapoag Yacht Club in Sharon, MA, were second, Ryan Malmgren and Joe Brake from Ephraim Yacht Club in WI were third and John Domagala and Larry Brown from Sarasota Sailing Squadron in FL were fourth.  Full results can be seen here. 

Following the day's racing, there was "the keg" everyone waits for after the day on the water.  Then Allan Terhune from North Sails held a racing clinic, sharing his observations about the day's racing.  He spent an hour answering sailor's questions about what's different about racing on Lake Ponchatrain, what tactics to use in light air versus heavy air, and how to tackle the waves and the chop. 

The evening was topped off with a super welcome party at the Club, with some gifts give by Larry Taggart  to our President Frank Gerry,  In turn, Frank presented plaques of appreciation from FSSA to Commodore Wilson of SYC and Regatta Chairperson Larry Taggart, who works tirelessly with his team to ensure a good time is had by all at the regatta.  Larry also presented gifts to the judges, the PRO and several of the volunteers.  There were awards for the oldest skippers, first time skippers and for the skippers who drove 1500+ miles get to the regatta, all followed by awards for the top 4 skippers and crew from the Warm-up Regatta.  And as if that were not enough, Nancy Claypool and Carrie Berger presented over 75 raffle prizes donated by our WONDERFUL sponsors, so everyone who was present for the raffle won something - from hats and t-shirts to artwork created by local artists. 

Racing for the championship starts tomorrow - stay tuned!