2007 North Americans Regatta Results
Pewaukee YC, WI May 5 - 6, 2007
(Results submitted by Carl Spencer on May 10, narrative by Glen Kulkoski on May 14, 2007)
The 2007 MC Scow North Americans were held at Pewaukee Yacht Club on May 5-6, and true to annual form the weather was the dominant factor. We had a strong easterly breeze in the 18 mph range, with gusts breaking through from the south at 20 mph plus. The lake is long east to west and with the east wind blowing all the prior night we also had to deal with abnormally large waves rolling down the courses. This weather systme was the far northern edge of the mix of powerful systems that so devestaed the Kansas and other states with tornadoes that week-end. A field of 39 registered boats from across the contenant and from as far away as Montreal, Canada, Will Hendershot of Motreal, Canada, got in three very competivie races on Saturday. We had several tip-overs into our 40 degree water and one death-roll, but everyone survived unscathed, although those taking a swim were a bit blue around the cheeks! Jamie Kimball of Spring Lake Yacht, Michigan, took two firsts and a fourth to win the regatta. His pretty and energitic crew gave him needed extra hiikng powre in the strong breezes. Dan Fink of Little Muskego Lake won the first race and took second overall, and John McNeil of White Lake Yacht Club, Michagan was third. The fleet was top heavy with strong competors, with Jim Gluek in fourth, Zack Clayton in fith, and Pewaukee's Peter Toumanoff in sixth. Managing the swells rolling in from behind on the down-wind legs proved to be the key for the top finishers. Those who avoided submarining skimmed ahead in the breeze with their vangs pulled tight and leeward rail well up and out of the water. Sunday saw the winds grow well into the 20mph range and the commitee wisely called off any races. This early season regatta sees everything from snow to cold rain to blusterly March-like winds and every now and then even a nice spring day in Wisconsin. But the water is always cold, cold and cold, and therefore safety is always foremost on the priority list of the race committee. It was a great time for all hearty competors and we guarentee great spring weather next year!
Glen Kulkoski
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