Herb Shear Spring Invitational

April 26th and 27th 2003

This year's event will be remembered for lots of reasons, but not for any thing much worse than Mr. Magoo driving the Bahia Belle through the race course several times in the last two races. Other than that ….the wind was fine, the courses were perfect (thank you, Stan and company!) and the competition was fierce.

Saturday twenty-eight Snipes registered, most of which were local however, there were at least three boats from as far away as San Francisco and a handful from the LA area. It didn't take but a few moments for a trained eye to recognize that this would be a tough regatta to try to win. Lots of talent oozing from every Snipe in the parking lot!!!!

Saturdays racing started with Ken Redler/ Carol Merriman holding off the Krebs team for the first race win in a shifty 8 to 9 knot wind from 280 degrees.

The second race was a thriller for Dave Tillson and John Fretwell. Jerry Thompson had led for most of the race with George Szabo and Eric Wilcox hanging in third. Just when it seemed J.T. had D.T. were pinned the left of the finish line, Dave squeezed off Jerry and forced him to tack. Dave tacked and lifted inside to take the bullet with George sneaking across just in front of Jerry for the deuce.

Craig and Lisa Leweck owned the third race. They showed everyone that it doesn't take new sails or practice to win. You only need to be a world class Snipe sailor in a former life. See ……it's not rocket science!

George Szabo and Eric Wilcox providing a bit of a preview of what was to come on Sunday with Eric's Sunday substitute, Brian Janney, won the last race of the day.

When Tom Fisher posted Saturday's results Lewecks led the pack as the only team that managed to finish in the top five every race. Everyone else looked to be mortal with some good and some not-so-good races. Videotape of the day's races in the bar (next to the keg of beer) proved to be entertaining. Videos don't lie and that made for some amusing discussions followed by the judging by the peers to assess guilt or innocence. We won't name any names but J.S. will remember a certain start for a long time. The evening was followed by a nice barbecue and with follow on activities in assorted hot tubs, which may be a little too spicy for this PG regatta report. If you need more details you'll just have to be there next year!

Sunday was the George Szabo / Brian Janney show. They won the first pin end start and never looked back. Only when the Bahia Belle decided to play with the fleet during the second race did they ever need to make any tough decisions and they made the right call on that one too! In the end, George showed us again that it is very difficult to best those with lots of recent tiller time.

It was great to see the return of Marc Barra and Bob Jackman, two well-known names from the past who rejoined the fleet. We also saw some new faces and it is very exciting to see them learning to play with the seasoned salts. Don't forget to offer all of the class newcomers a helping hand and pass along the knowledge that will keep them happy Snipe sailors.

Lots of fun and lots of excitement. Tell all your friends and get pumped up for some more action. Make 2003 the year everyone gets Snipe envy!!!

Doug

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