The 2006 Tasar North Americans

In the first major North American regatta sailed with Mylar sails, Canadians Guy and Marie Wall prevailed in a closely contested series held at Lake Wenatchee July 22-23. There was close racing throughout the fleet. The top seven positions were separated by seven points with most everybody having at least one bad race. Only Chris and Molly Lanzinger and Bruce Gage and Indi Finch finished all races in the top 5, but that was only good enough for third and fourth, respectively.

Conditions tested the patience of the sailors as the usual afternoon breeze failed to materialize on Saturday. Crews sat in the shade or swam to avoid the 100+ degree heat. But Sunday delivered the hoped for 15-18 knot warm wind.

The one race held on Saturday began with a thirty degree shift during the starting sequence that put the fleet in some disorder. Kent Powley and Cathy Sherwood took the start and led most of the race only to be passed near the end of the downwind finish leg by speedy Andy Schmidt and Erin Harkins.

The Race Committee managed to get off four races on Sunday between 130 and 430. They started with two windward-leeward races in order to get enough races to make a series. In the breezier, almost perfect sailing conditions, the Buchans showed their transoms to the fleet all the way around the course in the first race of the day.

Race 3 saw the Walls get off to a good start and sail fast and smart to win in solid fashion. Positions 2-5 crossed the line overlapped in a very exciting finish with Andy Schmidt sneaking through at the pin to take second and the Buchans surging to beat the Gage/Finch duo by inches to take third.

At his point in the regatta, 5 boats were within three points at the top of the fleet. Race 4 proved to be the pivotal race. The Buchans again got off the line well and had a big lead at the leeward mark. Unfortunately, they had not seen that the course had changed to a windward-leeward twice around. This opened the door for the Walls who stepped through to win handily, taking command of the regatta. Chris and Molly Lanzinger came in second to assure another top finish.

One more race was needed to allow a throw out. With 15 minutes to go before the starting deadline, the always aggressive fleet generated its first general recall. But the race got off before the deadline. Fritz Lanzinger showed his upwind speed in the breeze to get out in front early. At the top mark, the Walls were well back and the Buchans were near the front, setting the stage for a possible comeback victory. But it was not to be as Bruce Gage and Indi Finch slipped by to take second and the Walls held on for sixth, good enough for the win.

In addition to the racing, the competitors and their family and friends spent a beautiful weekend together. The Saturday night BBQ was great fun, punctuated by a spectacular sunset over the lake.

The fleet was well taken care of by Ranger Hans Norr and his staff. Between the State Park staff and the Race Committee, headed by Barry Ward, the sailors were treated to a remarkably comfortable experience, especially for a bush regatta that threatened to be a non-event.

Photos and more photos from the NAs

Complete results

Bruce Gage
2397

Posted 2006-07-31

Home Site Map A-Z Index New Archive Search
News>2006>North Americans