From the North Sails One-Design Group...
2008 Thistle Fall Finale Regatta
North Sails 1,2*,3,4,5!
Report by Nick Turney
The Lake Erie Thistle district had their final regatta of the season hosted by Buckeye Lake Yacht Club on Saturday, October 18. Twenty boats showed up for a fantastic day of fall sailing. They were greeted with cool temps, a brisk breeze, and plenty of sunshine. Four races were sailed in breezes ranging from 5-15 knots and oscillating 30 degrees, which made for some interesting racing. Race one was sailed in the most breeze of the day, and Fred Bauer and team were able to figure out the crazy and frequent wind shifts to win the race with Kevin Bradley close on his heels. Race two was sailed in a little lighter but puffier conditions with shifts favoring the left side of the racecourse. Nicole Shedden and team pulled out a fantastic second beat to take the lead and hold on to the finish. Race three saw similar conditions with the breeze being very unstable and puffy. It was a tough battle between Kevin Bradley, Nicole Shedden, Kyle Finefrock, and Fred Bauer. Kevin Bradley split the leeward gates with Kyle Finefrock heading up to the finish and was able get into a little bit more pressure to take the bullet. The fourth and final race of day began with a big wind shift to the left, which caused the first general recall of the day. After a clean start, it was Jack Finefrock who took an early lead and held it to win the final race. Kevin Bradley’s team took second, sealing the regatta victory.
1st Kevin Bradley, Tim O’Brien, Kate O’Brien
2nd Nicole Shedden, Jesse Shedden, Sarah Paisley (partial, North main and jib only)
3rd Kyle Finefrock, John Riddle, Megan Keyser
4th Steve Lavender, Kevin Arrow, Maggie Billows
5th Bob France, Kevin Tschantz
9 out top 10 boats had North Sails!
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