RS Aeros at the Massapoag YC 70th Annual Regatta

Sunset during the Massapoag YC 70th Annual Regatta © Massapoag YC

Hurricane Dorian threatened to crash the party but ended up taking a turn to the right, leaving sunny skies and surprisingly good wind conditions for the 2019 Massapoag YC Fall Regatta.

We saw anywhere from 18-0 knots of wind, but mostly a shifty Northerly in the 5-12 knot range. Lake Massapoag is a locale where no lead is safe, and few deficits are insurmountable for those who keep their heads and speed up.

The RC was briskly efficient, banging out 12 races in two days. It was challenging but kind of fun mixing with the other fleets at times, including the huge Sunfish contingent. At one mark we were rounding to head back upwind, while what seemed like 20 Sunfish were gybing for their finish - made for some interesting conversations!

Ten RS Aeros were on the line this year. It was so nice having 4 women competing. Besides looking and smelling a lot better than us blokes, they really showed their chops, especially in the lighter air. Melissa Solnick and Angela Hickey sailed RS Aero 5s and had better results on windier Saturday, both placing 2nd in a race. Karen Binder hadn't sailed her boat in over 6 months (from the looks of it, hadn't washed it either - hehe), but quickly got back into the groove, scoring two 2nds. Sally Sharp once again proved her lake-sailing prowess, including 1st, 2nds and a 3rd to place 5th overall.

In the end, the point spread was incredibly close, with only 2.5 points separating 5th from 2nd place after 12 races (10 counting). As mentioned, Sally was 5th, Flip Dep Le Myerson 0.5 point ahead of her in 4th, class stalwart Eric Aker in 3rd a point clear of Flip, and Chris Stow (sailing the only RS Aero 9) finished a point ahead of Eric. One shift played a little differently throughout the weekend could have scrambled these scores thoroughly!

Prize winners in the RS Aeros at the Massapoag YC 70th Annual Regatta - photo © Massapoag YC

I popped in my RS Aero 7 rig for this regatta. Coming from a RS Aero 9, I found the 7 so tossable and easy! The lighter 7 bottom section means one can't horse the boat around as much as a 9, dictating a more subtle, nuanced sailing style.

Every North American Aero sailor has to add this event (also known as the "Food Regatta" to their bucket list. Rustic little club, lovely welcoming volunteers, shifty lake sailing, and yes, FOOD for days: breakfast, lunch and dinner including the famous lobster dinner after the cocktail party! As a single guy with limited cooking ability, the food was a major draw together with the camaraderie in sharing it - I put on 5 lbs over the weekend!

Overall Results: