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Largest fleet in memory races
July 5, 2010

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O

ver 40 Optimists and Sunfish sailboats, the largest fleet in memory, took to the waters of Oriental to participate in Saturday’s Croaker Regatta. The Sunfish Fleet A sailed on the Neuse River off Lou Mac Park. Less experienced and younger sailors, sailing in the Sunfish Fleet B and Optimist Dinghy division, sailed the protected waters of Greens Creek.

Out on the river, the Sunfish Fleet A encountered steady 10 to 12 knot breeze and a light chop.

Crossing tacks before the start

Hiked out

The anchored Oriental Dinghy Club committee boat surrounded by regatta participants

Rounding the mark

The view from atop the Oriental bridge.

Brisk on-course conditions let sailors plane their vessels – with mixed results.

Down wind run: a racer heads down wind with her Sunfish’s centerboard raised to reduce drag.

Heading back to town.

While the breezy conditions proved perfect from some competitors, for others, they proved overwhelming. The occasional inverted hull proved it was a day when a heftier crew would have an advantage. In all cases, the capsized craft were quickly righted and resumed the race.

Knocked down by a gust

Spectators follow the regatta from the Lou-Mac Pier.

Sunfish “Black Pearl” moments before sailing under the Oriental bridge.

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Posted Monday July 5, 2010 by Bernie Harberts