Sarasota Clubs Collaborate for a Weekend on the Water

1 weekend, 2 regattas, 3 meals, 11 trophies, 20+ boats!

By Jennifer Ikeda-Faugust

Fleet 2 at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosted its inaugural Spring Melges 15 regatta on April 14, 2024. By combining with the Sarasota Bay Cup Regatta, hosted by Bird Key Yacht Club on the 13th, participants enjoyed a full weekend of sailing.

SSS kicked off the events with practice races on Friday afternoon, followed by a Welcome Party at BKYC with an abundance of drinks and hors’ d’oeuvres.

Saturday’s breeze was sporty as over 20 competitors headed out to the race course, but becalmed after the start of the second race. A delightful dinner was enjoyed at BKYC Saturday evening.

Sunday racing started with winds on the light side, which got lighter, as about half the fleet completed the first race before TLE and competitors were sent to shore. The awards ceremony with a competitor lunch and beer was enjoyed by all at SSS.

There were a number of break-out finishes, thanks in part to the active, local fleet racing, sharing of information, and post-race debriefs. We are excited that the fleet continues to grow and improve!

For those who might like to extend your FL racing experience, keep an eye on the class calendar for events surrounding the 2024-25 Winter Series at Merritt Island, FL!

BKYC Sarasota Bay Cup Results:

1st – Michael Faugust, Jennifer Ikeda

2nd – Richard Elsishans, Phyllis Elsishans

3rd – George Conklin, Jim Silverman

SSS Spring Melges 15 Regatta Results:

1st – Chris Klotz, Annette Breton

2nd – Michael Faugust, Jennifer Ikeda

3rd– Harris Padegs, Jean-Michel Bus

Top Woman – Mimi Solum, Jeff Solum

Top “Meister” (over the age of 65) – Dan Brown, Susan Mallows

Overall:

1st –Michael Faugust, Jennifer Ikeda

2nd – Chris Klotz, Annette Breton

3rd – Rob Hudson, Mark Landwer