Laser-Radial-C420 Alternate Regatta at Riverside YC

The morning of the Laser-Radial-C420 Alternate Regatta did not start exactly as any of us hoped. At 6:45am, the teams from Douglaston and Port Washington began their trek through closed highways, monsoon rains, and tornado warnings in order to get to Riverside Yacht Club in time for the skipper's meeting. Despite the horrific weather, almost all of the competitiors showed up and then enjoyed a spectacular day of 12-15 knots of breeze out of the west!

The Race Committee held 5 races for the C420 and Laser Radial classes in which leads switched often and the competition was fierce. The same was true for the Laser Standard class which careened through 6 races. The sailing was terrific and the competitors very much on their game. Chris Oliver and Patrick Alyward from Norwalk took honors (1-1-3-2-1) in the C420 class. John Howland of Riverside had 4 bullets, a third and second to win the Laser class. Brooks Walker, also of Riverside, won the Radial class with a very solid & consistent performance - (3-1-3-1-2)

An important event occured which impressed everyone on the water. In the 4th C420 race, the Port Washington team of Molly Hodson and Caroline Doyle were flying down wind towards the leeward mark. Much to their dismay, their boat capsized into a full turtle and their mast stuck solidly in the mud. Olivia Kamisher and Keara Mageras from Norwalk saw their predicament and instead of sailing on by, stopped their boat and jumped into the water to help out Molly and Caroline. Between the 4 sailors, they were able to get the boat righted - and then sailed back to the sailing area to start the next race. The instructors, other competitors and race committee were properly inspired by Olivia and Keara's actions. As Chad Graves, RYC's PRO mentioned in the award ceremony, Molly and Caroline exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Riverside Yacht Club thoroughly enjoyed hosting the event -- and we're sure that many of these sailors will excel at champs next year!