2021 Capital District Championship

Mills Jones, FS 5846

Greater Richmond Sailing Association (GRSA) Fleet 155 hosted the Capital District Championship Regatta October 2-3.  Eight Scots registered for 2 days of racing on Swift Creek Reservoir.  Friday evening, Regatta PRO Jerry Thompson facilitated a racing rules seminar for race participants and GRSA members with emphasis on Right of Way, Keeping Clear, and Proper Course.

Saturday morning brought cool, fall temps and light southerly winds with the forecasted high temperature in the 80s.  Despite the bumper crop of hydrilla, the fleet managed to weave their way to the race area. The Race Committee set a 4-leg windward-Leeward course balancing the need for lengthy race legs and avoiding hydrilla patches. Racing was tight with numerous Port/Starboard crosses.  Despite the shifty conditions, the Race Committee completed 3 races.  John and Sharon Wake (FS 5341) and Chris and Lexi Cookson (FS 3875) battled all afternoon and were first and second after Day 1.

That evening GRSA, led by Mardi Cookson and several volunteers, treated racers to appetizers, dinner, and cheesecake for dessert.

Sunday morning the race committee set a 6-leg Windward-Leeward course for the remaining two races. Race 4 challenged skippers to keep the boat moving in light air and adjust to changing velocities.  The next race was abandoned after a significant wind shift.  Once the course was shifted, the wind clocked back to its original direction (welcome to small lake sailing).  After resetting the course again, the final race was completed, and sailors headed to the dock for awards.

First Place:  John and Sharon Wake, Fishing Bay YC

Second Place:  Chris and Lexi Cookson, GRSA

Third Place:  Mills and Karen Jones, GRSA

Full results are here.

Photos are here.