49th Annual Liberty Bell Regatta

by Dave Branning

The on and off rain controlled the day along with pesky wind directional changes . We got going well after 10 AM due to no early wind but the showers messed with us right up to lunch. Post lunch we dodged a microburst mid race but we were able to complete 6 races, one throw-out before we shut it down. Lightning showed up for a brief moment mid-afternoon and, of course, after the prize awards some blue sky graced us on the ride home. Can’t win all the time.

We started the week with 21 registered boats but by race day, we lost 7 skippers for various flu colds and family issues. So, a hearty 14 skippers went fleet racing and wrestled with the light and shifty Laurel Acres Park winds for the balance of an abbreviated day. David Ramos was ever so consistent with a line score of 2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, throwing out a 2! He wasn’t always leading every race but managed to keep his cool when behind and worked the shifts to record a seven-point win over Mark Reinhart in second, Scott Graf in third, Danny Thomas in fourth and Jamey Betz in fifth. They won all the races.

Thanks to ever reliable, Skip Hall for running the races and to June Pedino, Judy Bonanno and Dave Branning as the RC. This team ran the finish line, photo ops, lunch management and kept the spirits up in the rain. Thanks for the tolerant skippers who put up with the weather conditions.

Here’s Judy’s Picture Link: https://judybonanno.smugmug.com/Sailing/EC-12-regattas/Liberty-Bell-Regattas/2022-April-3-Liberty-Bell

Results: 14 boats; 6 races, one throw-out. Winds light and variable