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ow winds, a stubborn knot, a lost rudder. There’s a reason it’s called a ‘challenge’.

Larry Summers and Bob Austin looking for the windward mark.

In the Greens Creek Challenge, Vessels 20’ and under are invited to sail a course spanning both sides of the bridge. To make things interesting, a rubber chicken is tied some where in the creek for some lucky sailor to find. This has been going on for 25 years. Sailors gather on the the lawn of Grace Evans for the skipper’s meeting, lunch, and awards ceremony, launching from the Wildlife Ramp next door.

Reggie, the famed rubber chicken of the challenge, flies from a tree after the first race. He was found, tied with a sailor’s knot to a buoy, during the first race.

The Narrasketuck Tuxedo. At the beginning of the second race, the boat lost it’s rudder. Owner Don DiStephano will have to carve a new one for the 1947 vessel.

This year FJs, Lasers, 420s, and Sunfish (some provided by Bow to Stern) joined a Classic Sharpee, Force 5, Flying Scot, and a Narrasketuck in search of the elusive Reggie the rubber chicken. Twenty-two vessels competed. NC State Sailing Team attended for the 3rd consecutive year.

Sailors and spectators.

Roger Clapp and crew won the Sail N Swim award; both went into the water after capsizing.

Winners Overall:

• 1st Overall and 1st Laser: Chuck Lee
• 2nd Overall: Adam Anon
• 3rd Overall and 1st Sunfish: George Sechrist
• 1st FJ: Zach Brown
• Chicken Finders: Erica Walker and Samuel Sanderson

Adam (no last name) from NC State took second place overall.

Life Experience Awards:

• Sail ‘n Swim: Roger Clapp
• Most Experienced: George Sechrist
• Most Improved: Bob Austin
• Youngest: Bonnie Frazer
• Muddy Rudder: Don Destefano

The youngest skipper, Bonnie Frazer, and her younger crew – only 10 years old.

Beth Michne, chairwoman of the challenge, gifted Grace Evans with a plaque thanking her for hosting the Greens Creek Challenge for 25 years. She also thanked the many volunteers who helped make the event happen:

Beth Michne and Grace Evans.

• The land crew: Nelda Coats, Finola and Harry Corbett.
• Home hosts: Jim Edwards and the Conklins
• PRO: Doug Carmichael
• The water crew: Don Giro, Dick Mannion, JoAnn Hurley, Peggy mcDonald, Ken and Carol Small

Light winds let competitors stretch their legs while sailing.

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Erin Walker and Samuel Sanderson hold up their prize.

Sailors left the creek to gather at the start on the river side of the bridge.

Centerboard up, Adam (no last name) from NC State rounds the windward mark holding a rope with one foot and leaning over the stern.

Overboard at the mark; a study.

Larry Summers acts as human whisker pole.

A crowded field made for close sailing prior to the race start.

Dennis Harms sailed a zebra striped Laser on loan from Bow to Stern.

Setting up for the start.

Every challenge has its reward.

Posted Tuesday September 4, 2018 by Allison DeWeese