The Catalina 22 Mid Winter Regatta was held down in Cocoa Beach, FL the weekend of February 20 and 21. Mark Cline, Keith Bennett and Mickey Richardson, all from Dixie Sailing Club, caravaned across Georgia and down I-75 into Florida without mishap. We arrived in the staging area, which was a city public park with parking and launch ramps, at around 4:00 in the afternoon. After stepping masts and rigging the boats we headed over to the local abode for most sailors, The Dixie Motel. After all the horror stories about the place we found it acceptable as a bachelor pad for the weekend. We were all starved so after unpacking headed out to find the most local seafood shack in the area. Found a table big enough to seat Mickey and his two crew Sandy and Julie, Keith and Jennifer, and Mark with his crew Chuck Newman and myself. Great relaxing, race strategizing and super eating. In need of a good night sleep before race day we headed back to the hotel to bed down, Mark on one, me on another and Chuck on the floor.
Saturday morning came early East coast time so we headed for a local diner that offered breakfast 24 hours a day. Too anxious to sit around too long we headed over to the park to register, rig and launch. The Indian River Yacht Club, who basically operate their club out of the public boat launch and park, sure did a bang up job of hosting the event. Enough breakfast rolls and stuff were offered so that we could take it out on the boat with us for lunch. After the skippers meeting we launched and were out on Indian River Bay which leads out to the Atlantic Ocean. The field of racers ranged from beginners to the pro guys, many boats from Florida, but others from as far away as Indiana and Michigan. Boats were Catalina 22’s and Sports, 19 in all, many having Waters Sails on them which were from a local Florida sailmaker in the area. Mark was competing in the Silver fleet against 2 other boats. Race one started with light winds which dissipated soon after starting and left us stranded and floating in the Indian River currents. After a long time we caught a light ocean breeze, played with it, and were able to make it to the “shortened course” finish line first. Sweet victory! By the time for races 2, 3, and 4 the winds were up and we had ourselves a great day of racing. Mark skippered, Chuck pulled sheets until he about dropped and I did all the whisker pole work and navigating. As a team we worked well together but by the end of the day I think Chuck was the one suffering the most. Mickey Richardson was doing well in the standings until suddenly crew Sandy went over backwards into the water and had to be rescued by the race committee.
According to park policy we had to trailer the boat and park it in a slot for the night. No problems since the entire area was paved and clean. The regatta dinner was held at the usual place, Norman’s, which is famous for their wings. Lots of refreshments, chatter between tables, race rehashing and relaxing after the long day of activity. The local club and sponsors had raffle prizes being handed out all evening and by the end almost everyone had received one.
The next thing I knew Mark was getting us up because we needed to get some food in us before getting over to hit the waves again. Day two winds started off the same with very light air that soon turned to a good stiff sea breeze of 10 - 12 knots. Although stiff jointed we all were back at it as the first race began. By the end of the races we had time to de-step masts and rig the boats for trailering, all before the awards ceremony.
Keith Bennett and crew Jennifer lead the pack for most of the two day event in Gold Fleet but ended up in second place after the last day competition. Mickey Richardson did well but ended up in the middle of the scoring due to having to retire after loosing crew. After coming in first place in all races Mark Cline won first place in the Silver Fleet. Congrats to both Keith and Mark for their expert skippering.
All in all it was a very exhausting weekend but a very rewarding and fun experience. If you have an opportunity to take a boat or catch a ride as crew I strongly recommend it.
By Ron Jenkie