The Villages Model Yacht Squadron hosted the 2013 Micro Magic R3 CR on November 16 and 17, at the Ashland Pond racing venue in The Villages, Florida.
Saturday's forecast of 8 to 10 did not materialize but Race Director Alan Perkins coaxed just enough air to get started on schedule at 9:30 A.M. Light and variable prevailed throughout the morning and overcast skies suggested rain for the afternoon. Ten heats were carded before lunch with Jacksonville ace Baron Bremer showing skill and patience. The afternoon brought drizzle then rain and Perkins called the day at 2:30 with 16 heats in the books. Saturday's bullets were shared by Bremer, Jack Ward of Punta Gorda, Martin Gray of Jacksonville and Ron Stephanz of Huntsville, Alabama.
George Balaschak, in from Palm Beach Gardens, struggled with some open seams in his new boat until Director Perkins shared a secret quick fix using a well known bathroom lubricant. With Balaschak's bottom well "greased" and early troubles "behind" him, his afternoon efforts at the pond were much improved.
The Saturday night "dutch" dinner at the Arnold Palmer Country Club provided some relaxed relief from an otherwise
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| Liz Perkins 1st place women Alan Perkins Race Director and Baron Bremer 1st place Micro Magic 3 Region Champion |
trying day on the water which most called "still and wet". The dinner was lively and wet and enjoyed by all.
Sunday conditions were better but continued light. Perkins set several challenging courses and at the end of the day it was Bremer by 20 over Jack Ward using a low point scoring system. Seventeen skippers vied for trophies with two from Alabama and nine representing The Villages Micro Magic Racing Fleet. Three gals were among the entrees and Liz Perkins took home the top ladies prize.
Summary of the Micro Magic R3 CR
Date: November 16 and 17
Location: The Villages Ashland Pond
Host Club: The Villages Model Yacht Squadron
Entrees: Seventeen
Winds: Easterly light and variable
Races Completed: 24 Heats, 3 throw outs
Scoring System: Low Total Points
Regatta Committee and Valuable Assistants: Alan Perkins, Race Director, Thomas Lange, ARD and Chief Scorer, Tom Tannert, Scorer and Protests, Jim Kelly, Grounds Management and Scoring, Michelle Santoro, Scoring, Dodie Devine Scoring, Dan Pearce, Rescue/Buoy boat operator, J.C.Peck Coffee Service. Hostesses were led by Liz Perkins and included Lynda Pearce, Francious Goldsworthy and Leone Thompson.
Regatta Top Ten Finishers
Place Skipper Home Port Score
1 Baron Bremer Jacksonville 35
2 Jack Ward Punta Gorda 55
3 Ron Stephanz Huntsville, Alabama 81
4 Martin Gray Jacksonville 90
5 John Santoro The Villages 99
6 Richard Assan Huntsville, Alabama 119
7 George Balaschak Palm Beach Gardens 156
8 Don Thompson The Villages 184
9 Liz Perkins The Villages 192
10 Joe Devine The Villages 194
Article in the Villages Newspaper: http://www.villages-news.com/deaf-skippper-winner-micro-magic-regatta-ashland-pond/
completely inaccurate, we limited the event to six races followed by Nick's delicious chilli and the trophy presentation where everybody ends up with something worth wearing.
