Fifth Annual Roger Punzi Memorial Regatta and Fleet 24 50th Anniversary

Submitted by Mark Riefenhauser

A calm Candlewood Lake greeted the 12 Flying Scots on the morning of October 8th for the Flying Scot Fleet 50th Anniversary and Fifth Annual Roger Punzi Memorial Regatta at Candlewood Yacht Club in New Fairfield, CT. This was also the Fleet 24 Championship. Out of town boats traveled from the New York Lakes District and the New England District as well as other fleets in the Greater New York District which Fleet 24 is a part of. A welcome continental breakfast was served to the racers and volunteers. Races were scheduled to start at 11 am. Our Race Committee, chaired by our Commodore, Tom Mullen and Melanie Dunham, smartly postponed the start due to little to no wind on the lake. We all waited patiently as the time passed by. It was hopeful that we get in at least one race. After checking wind conditions several times over the course of the day, it was decided to give it a try as a light wind started to form in the afternoon and all of the boats were in the water ready to go. So we all headed out on the lake in search of the wind following the Race Committee. After about an hour on the water, it finally came! A southerly wind of about 6-8 mph filled in on the lake. Race 1 will be on! A windward – leeward course was quickly set and the start sequence commenced. Greg and Dianne Kampf took the win and a close finish for second by Mark and Adam Riefenhauser over Greg and Steve Northrop. Race 2 immediately started after all the other boats finished. Greg and Dianne took first, followed by Mark and Adam in second and Dave Irving and Warren Schutt in third. Overall for the regatta, Greg and Dianne Kampf came in first, Mark and Adam Riefenhauser, second and Dave Irving and Warren Schutt, third. For the Fleet 24 Championship, Mark and Adam Riefenhauser took first. After the races, racers were treated to snacks and cheer provided by Fleet 24 members followed by a catered dinner. Out of town boats were quickly packed and ready for the road. It was a great end of the season for some of us as winter is just around the corner. But regardless, we are already planning next year’s event and hope to see you all next year! Photos have been provided by Joe Doucet and Ed Wilkes.  See results here See pictures here.