The 2016 Caterwaul Regatta at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club in Panama City Florida was such a good time. Twenty-three A-cats and three F18s showed up giving us a total of twenty-six boats. Five boats are needed to make a class, we needed more F18s. With only three F18s we could only sail for the 
overall trophies, which is cash prices buy the way! It is totally worth the time and effort to come. The St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and their sponsor B&C Technologies are the best hosts you can ask for. Kegs of beer each day, the welcome party Friday night, the banquet dinner Saturday night and burgers on Sunday. You couldn’t ask for anything better!
Temperatures were in the 80s with south winds from 6-12 knots and flat water. With the full moon in affect, there was some current at the windward mark to 
contend with, especially when it was set near the ship channel. The first race of each day was a little light, but the sea breeze built as the day went on. In the lighter air the A-cats are hard to beat. They seem to point a little better than we can, but when the wind built, our boat speed took over. The second race of the first day there was a big shift to the left on the last upwind leg and if you caught it right, you were golden. There seem to be a small left shift at the top of the course near the windward mark for most of the regatta. Which is a little uncommon with the sea breeze here. Most of the time it shifts to the west as the day goes on.
As for how the F18s did overall in the regatta, I would say we kicked some butt! Robbie Daniel and Keenen Madewell were first overall with 14 points, winning races 5 and 7. Matthew Whitehead and Savannah Perry were second overall with 21 points winning race 3. Rives Allen and George Reiss 
were seventh overall with 42 points. We didn’t win a race, but we had a great time. It was the first time I’ve ever been on a F18 and I really love the boat. We need your support to bring more F18s here next year, you won’t be disappointed if you come. Did I mention there were cash trophies? So please put it on your calendar for next spring. We look forward to seeing you then.
Fair Winds,
Rives Allen
Waterfront Director
St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club