WICKFORD, RI, MAY 19-20, 2012: This past weekend the Eastern Area F18 class kicked off the 2012 season at the Wickford Regatta, in North Kingstown, RI. The local fleet added this exciting regatta to the series for the first time this year, and the race committee was thrilled to have us. Surrounded by A-cats, 505’s, vipers, and 420’s, the F18 class had the honors of being the largest class in attendance. 15 teams competed in the inaugural event of the Narragansett Beer F18 Summer Series, completing 8 races over two days.
The weather was favorable with warm temperatures and sunshine prevailing for the whole weekend. Each morning, light northerly breezes resulted in racing going into postponement before a building sea breeze filled each day to provide exciting racing. Four races were completed each day, with a top notch race committee sending off back-to-back races throughout the weekend. Cold Gansetts were served to all interested F18 sailors after racing each day as old friends and new friends talked about winter activities, summer plans, and reliving the days excitement. Saturday night a great dinner was hosted at the Wickford Yacht club for all the competitors.
Once again the Eastern area fleet has grown over the winter with 3 new teams racing in the first regatta as well as many new boats and upgraded equipment being tested out for the first time in a racing situation. Consistently leading the charge around the race course were Mike Easton and Bob Merrick dueling it out as skippers for the top two podium spots. At the end of the weekend, Easton and crew Parker Shinn took home the honors with Merrick and crew Tyler Burd taking second, followed by the Canadian team of Anthony Boueih and Maxime Picard rounding out the top three.
Part of the Narragansett Beer Eastern Area F18 Summer Series:
