Hot to Trot Regatta Recap
SEPTEMBER 15-16 2001

In what can be best characterized as the "where's the wind" event, this years participants had ample opportunity to socialize and enjoy the hospitality put on by both fleets and organized by Interlake and Flying Scot fleet captains Tyler Cathy and Marilyn Poulter. This year's theme was "South of the Border". There were many fun activities, which started with several sailors taking a whack at the pinata. Most of us concluded that more wind was generated from this one event than what Mother Nature provided for the entire weekend.

Next up was the infamous "leg Identification" contest. Smiles abounded as several men took off their shoes and socks to have their blindfolded spouse/signficant other identify their legs and feet from a line-up. There certainly was pressure to choose the right person. Maybe more so than a congested starting line or mark rounding. As is turned out the ladies were perfect in picking our their guy. An embarrassing situation adverted!

The last event of the afternoon was learning a few south of the border dance maneuvers with instructors and Interlake sailors Joe and Michele Smyk. Regatta participants gracefully performed the Macarena and many other moves as club diners and a private wedding party looked on. Who said that sailors can't dance?

Oh by the way, there actually was some sailing. One race to be exact, early Saturday afternoon. With the wind almost non-existent, both fleets had the opportunity to sail the lake as the race committee headed by Jeff DeBoer confronted very changing wind conditions. It certainly looked like the Pied Piper had returned.

The race proved to be most challenging. Local knowledge paid off (or just plain luck as many of the sailors would tell you) for Interlake champion Craig Kivi and Flying Scot champion Forest Rogers both from PYC. Somehow they sidestepped the unforgettable last upwind mark featuring a"no wind" rounding with the Scot fleet catching most of the Interlake fleet. Approximately 20 skippers held their collective breath in a bumper car environment hoping to avoid contact and the penalty, which certainly would put you back at the fleet. Somehow everyone came clean. Everyone was certainly delighted to get it over and move onto the social activities.

The regatta provided a nice distraction from the events of September 11th. Here's hoping for more wind next year.