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squall on the second day of summer delayed the start of the 19th annual Whortonsville Yacht and Tractor Club Solstice Regatta. About two dozen boats waited out the storm and eventually completed the course.

The winning boat was “Nevermoore” a Moore 24 owned by Brian Brown. He is, like all winners of the Summer Solstice Sailebration Regatta, a first time winner. In the 19 years of the event, no one has ever won twice. The rigorous handicapping of past winners by WYTC race organizer Nick Santoro is seen as the reason no repeat winners have emerged. Last year’s winner Graham Byrnes made it close however, finishing 2nd.

The crew of “Nevermoore” shows the Moore 24’s form just before the race. (Brian Palmer photo)

Saturdays race was marked by some mishaps along the way. “Topsy” snagged the pin, or float, that marks one end of the starting line (that was before the race was delayed). The sailboat’s encounter with the pin lodged its anchor so well that it took the efforts of three men to raise the anchor after the race. Once loose of the marker, “Topsy” wasn’t slowed down too much, ultimately placing third.

“Long Run” & “Dawn Treader” collided shortly after rounding the downward leg mark. No sailors appeared to be injured, however “Dawn Treader” (a Hinckley Bermuda 40), just fresh out of the boatyard with a glistening paint job, will be heading back there for repairs.

After the race, about 100 people gathered at Ensign Harbor Marina, aka Nick and Jeannette Santoro’s place, where the Yacht and Tractor Club potluck has taken place for 19 years. Pig was served, and a potluck table laid out.

Here are photos from the day. Special thanks to Brian Palmer for the race course photos. Race results on page three.

The starts were staggered according to Nick Santoro handicapping. Here are some of the boats in the second of the nine starts. (Brian Palmer photo)

Marshall cat boat, “Grace” with Ned Ferris at the helm. (Brian Palmer photo)

A 1960 HInkley Bermuda 40 yawl passes the white marker of the starting line as part of the fourth wave of boats to start the race. (Brian Palmer photo)

Graham Byrnes, Beth Bucksot and Tom Lathrop onboard “Southern Skimmer”, a Graham designed Everglades Challenge 22. (Brian Palmer photo)

Orion and crew, Margaret Alexander, Regina Dubiel and LuAnn Parins. (Brian Palmer photo)

For a while Saturday, it was fine racing weather for a cruising boat such as the Pacific Seacraft 31 “Slainte”. The squall that settled over the race course prompted a half hour delay for the start, during which the squall passed. Winds went from 22 knots to about 10. Still,“Slainte” did well with a fourth place finish. (Brian Palmer photo)

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Posted Monday June 23, 2008 by Melinda Penkava

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