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espite the rain, thirteen vessels showed up and Oriental Mark #1 for the 2021 Instead of Football Regatta.

The rain had begun the day before and continued all morning. Organizer Nelda Coats moved the race from noon to 1:30, looking for a clear weather window. Except for a slight drizzle and some hazy conditions, the rain held off.

Heading to a mark in the hazy distance.

Mostly sailing vessels, there was one RIB that kept pace with the regatta, keeping an eye out more than competing. Given the COVID restrictions in force, the mandatory Skipper’s Meeting (traditionally held after the regatta) was canceled this year.

In light of this fact – and the inability to pull the winners from a hat at the Skipper’s Meeting – Coats said that Kindergarten Rules for Winners were in effect: everyone who races goes home a winner.

The smiling crew of Zugenruhe.

Despite this, there was a clear front runner who crossed the finish line first. Dan Gilbert sailed his Fulmar 19 trimaran (with red and white sails) across the line first, followed by Blue Moon.

Winner of winners. Dan Gilbert in his trimaran.

The B&B Yacht Designed Avocet also participated in the 2020 IOFR.

Blue Moon and a Fulmar 19 trimaran battled it out for first place. Dan Gilbert’s trimaran made it to the finish first. Blue Moon took second.

A full view of Zugenruhe.

While Odyssey did not participate, he did wave to the sailors as they passed.

Keeping up with the Regatta in a RIB.

Peering around the jib of Ripple.

Passing on the port side of Makani Olu.

Blue Moon crew

Minimal freeboard

Buddy Kelly and son, underway.

Related Links

• Forty+ Boats on New Year’s Day
• Instead of Football Regatta 2019
• Instead of Football Regatta
• Scenes From New Years 2017 Regatta
• 50+ Boats in New Years Day Sailing in Oriental

Posted Saturday January 2, 2021 by Allison DeWeese