The south winds were perfect for Westport Marina’s Annual Challenge Regatta on Saturday, August 20, 2016, rescheduled from August 13, due to threat of thunderstorms. While several sailors were unable to make the switch, new sailors joined the race.

In a joint start, Class A and Class B boats sailed in a large 5.6-mile, angular loop in Northwest Bay, beginning in front of Westport Marina, going to Barber’s Point, to Scotch Bonnet, just south of Basin Harbor, back to a mark by Normandie Beach Resort, then back to the start line to close the loop. Class A, Sugar Maple, a 40’ Islander, helmed by Peter Holmberg, was first in actual elapsed time, 1:05:29,  and in handicapped corrected time, 57.92 minutes. Second place went to Pair-A-Dice, a 43’ Morgan, helmed by David Miner, 1:27:11 elapsed time and 73.37 minutes corrected time. Both boats claim Charlotte, VT, as their homeport.

Sparrow, helmed by Peter Brooks, of Ballston Lake, NY, took top honors for Class B boats, finishing with elapsed time of 1:13:45 and corrected time of 58.91 minutes. Ed Smith, who sailed Moondance down from Willsboro, NY, to join the race, finished in 1:26:26 with the corrected time of 77. 7 minutes. Ed Smith has won for this class with corrected time for the past two years.

The J-24 boats sailed two races, in a linear course South then back to the North across the bay, combining the times for both races to determine the placement of each boat.

Ranked first was Rhumb Runner, helmed by Tim McCormack of Plattsburgh, NY, making the best time in both races. Second place went to Joshua Girard, with Gloria, from Bridport, VT. Kat Knip, helmed by Rob Knippler, of Middlebury, VT, finished third.  Know Name, with Jack Knox, of Lake Placid, NY, came in fourth. Paul Reese, of Westport, NY, brought Bug-A-Boo, across the finish line last, with a time just 13.86 minutes after the first place winner!