March 7, 2002
While most of the group was arriving by plane, train, and automobile, a few intrepid souls beared the cold rain and snow and sleet (just kidding, but it WAS raining). Only one practice race was sailed because after we finished the wind died (blast it!). Sailing was followed up by dinner at the usual Sarasota standby – Dos Amigos (Spanish for good Mexican food, cheap).

March 8, 2002
The festivites were commenced with three long races in light to moderate breeze, and 75 – 80 Degree (F) sunshine. First race was started without a hitch. The second race started well, until the second beat turned into a run, and the second “run” was a beat. Needless to say, several positions were exchanged among the racers. Once the dust settled, the team of Harris/Harris eked out a win (well he was actually several boatlengths ahead) over Jordan/Stanek. The third race started with a bit of confusion, as some sound signals were not synchronized with flag signals and the sequence had to be restarted. Once the race really began, things were quiet, until the last beat, when a tacking duel was started amongst four teams near the top of the fleet. When it was over, Barney and Becky Harris finished a convincing first, while Lars and Janice Rathjen claimed a second, with Henry Pedro/Stephanie Strand narrowly missing a second position and finishing third. Closely following were Greg Jordan/Ken Stanek and Chris Gorton/Dave Smith.

March 9, 2002
The day started with a one hour postponement. But eventually the winds picked up from somewhere near zero to about 5 knots or so, and racing was underway. The second race saw another 180 degree shift as the prevailing winds were replaced by a nice sea breeze coming the other way. Yep, that’s right! That meant that a beat turned into a run. Interesting times. The rest of the day the winds stabilized and we managed to sail five good races in winds from 6 to 8 knots.
Upon returning to shore, a sumptuous feast was laid out by Cassie Gorton, with special grilling skills provided by Dave (call him Bruce – or else) Smith. He hopes no one gets food poisoning.

March 10, 2002
Good breeze was the order of the day with winds consistently over 10 knots. Another five good races were sailed. Again, the team of Harris/Harris showed their dominant streak posting three bullets in a row until Harris retired early and did not sail the final two races. That opened the door for Bob Robinson and crew / wife Jill to post two bullets in the final two races. This brought them into third place, and secured them a trophy.
Meanwhile places were being traded further down the ranks. Chris Gorton and Dave Smith held on to their second place with a hardworking turnout in an unfamiliar (and under-rigged) boat.
A good time was had by all, and with nearly perfect weather, no rain throughout the series and warm temperatures, who could hate that??