Hampton Fall Fling 2017

By Steve Lovshin

November 4-5 Hampton, VA

What a Fling! HYC provided 2 days of great Hampton Flats sailing for one last kick at the cans for 2017.  Nine boats assembled and were greeted with 10-14 knot flat water wire reaching conditions. 6 races were completed on Saturday.  Local (I’m on-call) Tyler Moore found some time to scout the fleet and provided some constructive feedback at the local hot dog stand post racing. The first four races allowed for great wire reaching and defensive battles throughout the fleet with minimal wind shifts. Races 5-6 provided slight changes to the conditions which began to shake the positioning of fleet. Brendan & Patrick, Steve & Henry, and Dr. Crash secured the victories for the day. One notable spill, a few gear breakdowns, crab pot pulling, and some spectacular body drags highlighted the post-race debrief which was carried to over to the annual Oyster Roast with all the great food accompanying it.

Sunday’s conditions changed to light wind, strong tide/current and shifty. We also added a youth team (12&14-year-old) to the fleet. Race 1 – The young kids upset some very good sailors (names purposely forgotten) at the first mark and stayed competitive to finish the first race. Race 2 saw tight action with Wicked Pissa & Team Trouble in the mix throughout helping to create some very competitive situations. Brendan & Patrick and local flyboy Clark Hayes and crew worked their magic to hear the mighty cannon roar for their fine first place finishes in the two races on the day.

HYC Fall Fling Champs 

1. 7606 Brendan Connell & Patrick O’Bryan
2. 9041 Steve & Henry – Henry Amthor & Steve Lovshin
3. 8939 Clark Hayes & crew 1 & crew 2

Notable Observations 

6.5 of the 9 boats sailed by out of towners
3.5 boats from Canada
2 from Annapolis
1 from North Carolina
2 father & son teams

A big shout out to local HYC 505 fleet boat providers

Results found here: 
http://www.regattanetwork.com/event/15618#_newsroom