Light airs forces cancellation of final day
of 12th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta

CHARLOTTE HARBOR (Feb. 6, 2022) – A dead calm greeted sailors on Sunday morning of the 12th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta, forcing the cancellation of racing before the afternoon sea breeze kicked in.
With no races run Sunday, the results after Friday and Saturday stood as the final tally.
Jeff Scholz, who won four of four races on Saturday won the Harbor 20 class. Bernie Coyne took three seconds and a third to finish second ahead of Christi Van Heek.
Tony Pocklington’s four wins in the 2.4mR class gave him the win by four points over Matt Koblenzer, who took second in each race. Chris Anstey finished third.
Pete Merrifield won six of eight races run in the Weta trimaran class to claim the overall win. Bill Swanson took second place ahead of Alan Taylor, who finished third on a scoring tie-breaker.
Three wins by Jason Sanchez and Heather Mathews in Saturday’s Hobie 16 racing gave them a six-point win over Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum. Adam Atherton and Bill Whalen finished in third place.
Jim Sajdak’s Saturday wins in two of four races secured the win in the Hobie Wave class over Nelson Wright. Terry Warren finished third.
For complete results, click here.
With no races run Sunday, the results after Friday and Saturday stood as the final tally.
Jeff Scholz, who won four of four races on Saturday won the Harbor 20 class. Bernie Coyne took three seconds and a third to finish second ahead of Christi Van Heek.
Tony Pocklington’s four wins in the 2.4mR class gave him the win by four points over Matt Koblenzer, who took second in each race. Chris Anstey finished third.
Pete Merrifield won six of eight races run in the Weta trimaran class to claim the overall win. Bill Swanson took second place ahead of Alan Taylor, who finished third on a scoring tie-breaker.
Three wins by Jason Sanchez and Heather Mathews in Saturday’s Hobie 16 racing gave them a six-point win over Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum. Adam Atherton and Bill Whalen finished in third place.
Jim Sajdak’s Saturday wins in two of four races secured the win in the Hobie Wave class over Nelson Wright. Terry Warren finished third.
For complete results, click here.
Scholz wins Harbor 20 class in
12th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta
CHARLOTTE HARBOR (Feb. 5, 2022) – Jeff Scholz won four of four races to win the Harbor 20 class of the 12th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Saturday. Bernie Coyne took three seconds and a third to finish second ahead of Christi Van Heek.
Tony Pocklington also won all four of the 2.4mR class races to lead by four points over Matt Koblenzer who took second in each race. Chris Anstey is 10 points behind Pocklington in third place with one day of racing to go Sunday.
Pete Merrifield won three of four races to stretch his lead in the Weta trimaran class. Bill Swanson won one of four races and held on to second place. Alan Taylor’s steady results pulled him into a tie for third place overall with John Harrop and Charles Pucciariello.
Jason Sanchez and Heather Mathews won three of four races in the Hobie 16 class to take a six-point lead over second-place finishers Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum. Adam Atherton and Bill Whalen remain in third, but fell 15 points back of the leaders.
Jim Sajdak won a pair of races to take over the lead in the Hobie Wave class from Nelson Wright. Terry Warren pulled within two points of the leader with a pair of wins and two seconds.
Winds were in the low teens under overcast skies for the whole day.
Racing continues Sunday for all classes except the Harbor 20s. The first races will begin at 10 a.m. on two race circles.
For complete results, click here.
Tony Pocklington also won all four of the 2.4mR class races to lead by four points over Matt Koblenzer who took second in each race. Chris Anstey is 10 points behind Pocklington in third place with one day of racing to go Sunday.
Pete Merrifield won three of four races to stretch his lead in the Weta trimaran class. Bill Swanson won one of four races and held on to second place. Alan Taylor’s steady results pulled him into a tie for third place overall with John Harrop and Charles Pucciariello.
Jason Sanchez and Heather Mathews won three of four races in the Hobie 16 class to take a six-point lead over second-place finishers Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum. Adam Atherton and Bill Whalen remain in third, but fell 15 points back of the leaders.
Jim Sajdak won a pair of races to take over the lead in the Hobie Wave class from Nelson Wright. Terry Warren pulled within two points of the leader with a pair of wins and two seconds.
Winds were in the low teens under overcast skies for the whole day.
Racing continues Sunday for all classes except the Harbor 20s. The first races will begin at 10 a.m. on two race circles.
For complete results, click here.
12th annual Charlotte harbor regatta Day 2 Photos
Merrifield, Sanchez and Wright Take Class
Leads on Day 1 of Charlotte Harbor Regatta
CHARLOTTE HARBOR (Feb. 4, 2022) -- Pete Merrifield won three of four races to take the lead in the Weta trimaran class after Day 1 of the 12th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Bill Swanson placed second in three of the four races and sits one point back. Philip Styne rode a first-place finish in Race 1 to a tie for third place overall with John Harrop and Charles Pucciariello.
Jason Sanchez and Heather Mathews took a first, second, third and fourth in the Hobie 16 class to lead by two points over second-place finishers Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum and four over Adam Atherton and Bill Whalen in third.
Nelson Wright won three of four races in the Hobie Wave class to lead Jim Sajdak by three and Terry Warren by six.
Light wind in the morning gave wave to a steady breeze in the mid-teens the rest of the day.
Racing continues Saturday with the Harbor 20 and 2.4mR fleets joining the action. The first races will begin at 11 a.m. on two race circles.
For complete results, click here.
Jason Sanchez and Heather Mathews took a first, second, third and fourth in the Hobie 16 class to lead by two points over second-place finishers Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum and four over Adam Atherton and Bill Whalen in third.
Nelson Wright won three of four races in the Hobie Wave class to lead Jim Sajdak by three and Terry Warren by six.
Light wind in the morning gave wave to a steady breeze in the mid-teens the rest of the day.
Racing continues Saturday with the Harbor 20 and 2.4mR fleets joining the action. The first races will begin at 11 a.m. on two race circles.
For complete results, click here.
12th annual Charlotte harbor regatta Day 1 Photos
11th annual charlotte harbor regatta Top 3
Photos from Day 3 of the 2020 charlotte Harbor REgatta
Regatta closes SUNDAY with perfect day for sailing
By DANIEL SUTPHIN
PORT CHARLOTTE SUN STAFF WRITER
CHARLOTTE HARBOR — After two days of weather woes, the 11th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta’s final round kicked off Sunday morning with sunny skies and breezy winds.
“It’s a great day for sailing,” said Tom Atkins, one of three judges for the Charlotte Harbor sailboat race, who’s in his fifth year of working with the regatta organization.
This year’s event featured five classes — Hobie 16, Hobie Wave, Weta trimaran (one-handed and two-handed), Harbor 20 and 2.4mR, a one-person keelboat — making for six categories of winners.
Seventeen winners were named at a cookout at Port Charlotte Beach Park Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve got some of the best sailors in the world here for this race,” said Brian Gleason, Charlotte Harbor Regatta director.
The regatta featured 40 boats and 70 sailors from all over the nation, as well as some from Canada. The three-day event had sailors competing in two separate race areas called circles. The classes were grouped by compatibility and size.
“(Sunday’s) weather is nice because whatever the finishes were — the one race Friday, the four races Saturday — and now this is the finals,” Atkins said. The weather “makes for the perfect ending to be determined by the sailors, not to be determined by the weather. They have a good breeze to sail in so the sailors can test their skills.”
The event got off to a slow start Friday due to a lack of wind but picked up Saturday despite early morning rain.
“Friday was light air,” Atkins said. “We only got in one race because of such light air. For Saturday, there was the rain so they postponed races in the morning for a little over an hour or so.”
For Gleason, the regatta is all about the people involved.
“This event celebrates the sailors and the people we have here,” Gleason said, “and we’ve got a great group.”
Charlotte Harbor Regatta Final Results
Weta (Single-handed)
1. Alan Taylor
2. John Heizer
3. Rick Sylvester
Weta (Double-handed)
1. Jen French/Stephanie Tayor
2. Elise Read/Snowann Millett
Hobie Wave
1. Wayne Fischer
2. Nelson Wright
3. Terry Warren
Hobie 16
1. Greg Thomas/Karen Grisko
2. Ken Hilk/ Sarah Smith
3. Herb James/Sharon James
2.4mR
1. Dee Smith
2. Jeff Linton
3. Tony Pocklington
Harbor 20
1. Jeffrey Scholz
2 .Christi van Heek
3. Jim Nuzzo
PORT CHARLOTTE SUN STAFF WRITER
CHARLOTTE HARBOR — After two days of weather woes, the 11th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta’s final round kicked off Sunday morning with sunny skies and breezy winds.
“It’s a great day for sailing,” said Tom Atkins, one of three judges for the Charlotte Harbor sailboat race, who’s in his fifth year of working with the regatta organization.
This year’s event featured five classes — Hobie 16, Hobie Wave, Weta trimaran (one-handed and two-handed), Harbor 20 and 2.4mR, a one-person keelboat — making for six categories of winners.
Seventeen winners were named at a cookout at Port Charlotte Beach Park Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve got some of the best sailors in the world here for this race,” said Brian Gleason, Charlotte Harbor Regatta director.
The regatta featured 40 boats and 70 sailors from all over the nation, as well as some from Canada. The three-day event had sailors competing in two separate race areas called circles. The classes were grouped by compatibility and size.
“(Sunday’s) weather is nice because whatever the finishes were — the one race Friday, the four races Saturday — and now this is the finals,” Atkins said. The weather “makes for the perfect ending to be determined by the sailors, not to be determined by the weather. They have a good breeze to sail in so the sailors can test their skills.”
The event got off to a slow start Friday due to a lack of wind but picked up Saturday despite early morning rain.
“Friday was light air,” Atkins said. “We only got in one race because of such light air. For Saturday, there was the rain so they postponed races in the morning for a little over an hour or so.”
For Gleason, the regatta is all about the people involved.
“This event celebrates the sailors and the people we have here,” Gleason said, “and we’ve got a great group.”
Charlotte Harbor Regatta Final Results
Weta (Single-handed)
1. Alan Taylor
2. John Heizer
3. Rick Sylvester
Weta (Double-handed)
1. Jen French/Stephanie Tayor
2. Elise Read/Snowann Millett
Hobie Wave
1. Wayne Fischer
2. Nelson Wright
3. Terry Warren
Hobie 16
1. Greg Thomas/Karen Grisko
2. Ken Hilk/ Sarah Smith
3. Herb James/Sharon James
2.4mR
1. Dee Smith
2. Jeff Linton
3. Tony Pocklington
Harbor 20
1. Jeffrey Scholz
2 .Christi van Heek
3. Jim Nuzzo
Photos from Day 2 of the 2020 charlotte Harbor REgatta
CHARLOTTE HARBOR REGATTA AND THE BLUSTERY DAY
70 sailors in five classes on two race circles battled each other and winds gusting near 20 mph on Day 2 of the 11th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Saturday.
Alan Taylor’s two wins and two seconds powered him past Day 1 leader Rick Sylvester in the Weta single-handed division, while Stephanie Taylor and Jen French swapped spots with Elise Read and Snowann Millett in the double-handed division. In the Hobie 16 class, Greg Thomas and Karen Grisko won two of four races to lead Ken Hilk and Sarah Smith. Wayne Fisher won two races and took two seconds to overtake Terry Warren for first overall in the Hobie Wave class.
The 2.4mR and Harbor 20 classes joined the action Saturday on Circle 1. Jeff Linton won two of three races to lead Dee Smith by two points in the 2.4mR class heading into Sunday’s racing. In the Harbor 20 class, Jeffrey Scholz won all three races to lead Christi and Jan van Heek, who finished second twice.
Racing continues today.
Alan Taylor’s two wins and two seconds powered him past Day 1 leader Rick Sylvester in the Weta single-handed division, while Stephanie Taylor and Jen French swapped spots with Elise Read and Snowann Millett in the double-handed division. In the Hobie 16 class, Greg Thomas and Karen Grisko won two of four races to lead Ken Hilk and Sarah Smith. Wayne Fisher won two races and took two seconds to overtake Terry Warren for first overall in the Hobie Wave class.
The 2.4mR and Harbor 20 classes joined the action Saturday on Circle 1. Jeff Linton won two of three races to lead Dee Smith by two points in the 2.4mR class heading into Sunday’s racing. In the Harbor 20 class, Jeffrey Scholz won all three races to lead Christi and Jan van Heek, who finished second twice.
Racing continues today.
Photos from Day 1 of the 2020 charlotte Harbor REgatta
Light air stalls opening of 11th annual CHR
Light winds died to barely a whisper on Day 1 of the 11th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta, limiting the three competing fleets to only one race Friday. Foul weather is forecast for today, but racing is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., with two additional fleets on a second course.
Rick Sylvester and John Heizer finished 1-2 in the Weta single-handed division, while Elise Read and crew leads the double-handed over Stephanie Taylor and Jen French. In the Hobie 16 class, Greg Thomas and Karen Grisko topped Tom and Sue Korz. Terry Warren leads Bob Henderson in the Hobie Wave class.
Racing continues today and Sunday.
Rick Sylvester and John Heizer finished 1-2 in the Weta single-handed division, while Elise Read and crew leads the double-handed over Stephanie Taylor and Jen French. In the Hobie 16 class, Greg Thomas and Karen Grisko topped Tom and Sue Korz. Terry Warren leads Bob Henderson in the Hobie Wave class.
Racing continues today and Sunday.
10th annual charlotte harbor regatta Top 3
10th annual CHR Day 2
Smith leads 2.4mR Class in CHR
Dee Smith dominated the 2.4mR class on Day 2 of the 10th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Saturday, winning all four races and leading his closest competitor Tony Pocklington by eight points. Smith represented the United States in the 2016 Paralympics in Beijing, finishing fourth.
Bob Hodges broke a Day 1 tie with defending CHR Weta champion Knox Rodgers. Hodges won two of three races Saturday to take a two point lead over Rodgers with one day of racing remaining Sunday,
Jeffrey Scholz and Rudy Trejo won the Harbor 20 class with a win and a second place over four races. Defending champions Jim Nuzzo and John Walsh won two races, but an eighth-place finish in Race 3 dropped them into a tie for second with Jay Nadelson and Joe Onofrio. The Harbor 20 class does not race Sunday.
Tom Korzeniewski and Karen Grisko upended the Hobie 16 leaderboard, winning two of three races to overtake Day 1 leaders Jason Sanchez and Faith Payne, who fell to third place. Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen moved into second place with a pair of second-place finishes.
In the F18 class, Clay and Guy Selsmeyer won all three races over Dick MacDonald and David Ingram for the second straight day to stretch their lead to six points.
Racing was delayed for 90 minutes by light winds Saturday morning before a healthy sea breeze filled in around noon. The regatta ends Sunday.
Bob Hodges broke a Day 1 tie with defending CHR Weta champion Knox Rodgers. Hodges won two of three races Saturday to take a two point lead over Rodgers with one day of racing remaining Sunday,
Jeffrey Scholz and Rudy Trejo won the Harbor 20 class with a win and a second place over four races. Defending champions Jim Nuzzo and John Walsh won two races, but an eighth-place finish in Race 3 dropped them into a tie for second with Jay Nadelson and Joe Onofrio. The Harbor 20 class does not race Sunday.
Tom Korzeniewski and Karen Grisko upended the Hobie 16 leaderboard, winning two of three races to overtake Day 1 leaders Jason Sanchez and Faith Payne, who fell to third place. Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen moved into second place with a pair of second-place finishes.
In the F18 class, Clay and Guy Selsmeyer won all three races over Dick MacDonald and David Ingram for the second straight day to stretch their lead to six points.
Racing was delayed for 90 minutes by light winds Saturday morning before a healthy sea breeze filled in around noon. The regatta ends Sunday.
10th annual CHR Day 1
Rodgers in familiar spot in Charlotte Harbor Regatta
Knox Rodgers and Bob Hodges traded wins in the first two races of the 10th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Friday to co-lead the Weta class going into today's racing. Rodgers is the two-time defending Weta champion.
The teams of Nicolas Liebel and Fabian Stapleton and Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen each won a race in the Hobie 16 class, but Jason Sanchez and Faith Payne logged a second and third to lead by a point over Susan Korzeniewski and Kathy Miles, who took a second and a fourth Friday. Hilk's and Liebel's teams are tied for third.
In the F18 class, Clay and Guy Selsmeyer won all three races over Dick MacDonald and David Ingram to lead by three with two days of racing to go.
A steady 12-knot wind from the east in the late morning faded in the early afternoon to limit all but the F18 class to only two races. Today's racing will feature a second circle with two classes, the 2.4mR and Harbor 20. The regatta wraps up Sunday.
The teams of Nicolas Liebel and Fabian Stapleton and Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen each won a race in the Hobie 16 class, but Jason Sanchez and Faith Payne logged a second and third to lead by a point over Susan Korzeniewski and Kathy Miles, who took a second and a fourth Friday. Hilk's and Liebel's teams are tied for third.
In the F18 class, Clay and Guy Selsmeyer won all three races over Dick MacDonald and David Ingram to lead by three with two days of racing to go.
A steady 12-knot wind from the east in the late morning faded in the early afternoon to limit all but the F18 class to only two races. Today's racing will feature a second circle with two classes, the 2.4mR and Harbor 20. The regatta wraps up Sunday.
New logo introduced for 10th annual CHR

The board of directors of the Charlotte Harbor Regatta approved the logo for the 10th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta at its board meeting Jan. 10.
The Inaugural Charlotte Harbor Regatta was held in January 2010 and featured 65 boats in eight classes. In January 2012, CHR Inc., was the host of the International Association for Disabled Sailing World Championships. By 2013, the regatta had expanded to 12 classes and 105 boats. The 2013 CHR included the 65-boat Laser Masters Midwinters East. In October 2015, CHR served as the organizing authority for the Zhik F18 Americas, which featured 29 boats from across the country.
Since its inception, CHR has raised more than $80,000 for youth, adult and disabled sailing on Charlotte Harbor.
The 10th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta is scheduled for Feb. 1-3, 2019. for the NOR and to register, click here.
The Inaugural Charlotte Harbor Regatta was held in January 2010 and featured 65 boats in eight classes. In January 2012, CHR Inc., was the host of the International Association for Disabled Sailing World Championships. By 2013, the regatta had expanded to 12 classes and 105 boats. The 2013 CHR included the 65-boat Laser Masters Midwinters East. In October 2015, CHR served as the organizing authority for the Zhik F18 Americas, which featured 29 boats from across the country.
Since its inception, CHR has raised more than $80,000 for youth, adult and disabled sailing on Charlotte Harbor.
The 10th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta is scheduled for Feb. 1-3, 2019. for the NOR and to register, click here.
10th annual Charlotte harbor regatta Feb. 1-3, 2019
The 10th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta is scheduled for Feb. 1-3, 2019. The regatta is open to Windmill, Laser, Weta, F18, F16, Hobie 16, A-Class Cat, 2.4mR, and Harbor 20 classes. Additional classes will be considered upon request. To read the Notice of Race and register, click here. For information, email Brian Gleason at gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com or call 941-661-6415.
9th annual charlotte harbor regatta Top 3
Windy drama in CHR on Day 3
20-knot winds power lead changes on final day
Anderson and Mark Brunsvold ran off seven straight wins Saturday and Sunday to defeat Jeff Rehm and Tucker McElwaney in the F18 class of 9th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Steady winds in the high teens with gusts to 28 knots provided plenty of drama as two of the four classes competing Sunday saw lead changes before the end of racing.
Chris Tuckfield and Eric Brattinga slipped past Daniel Borg and Christopher Molder to move into third place with a second-place finish in the final F18 race.
Mia and Teddy Nicolosi broke a first-place tie with Matthew Monts and Carlyn Blauvelt in the N15 class with three wins and a second on Sunday. Monts and Blauvelt won the other race, their fourth of the regatta, to hold on to second place.
In the Hobie 16 class, Ben Brown and Casey Astiz pulled away from William Jeffers and Karen Grisko with two wins Sunday. Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen clinched third place despite a strong finish by Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum, who won the second-to-last race, but fell to fourth behind Hilk and Jensen in the finale.
Jim Nuzzo and John Walsh won three of five races for the win in the Harbor 20 class on its only day of racing Saturday. Last year's runners-up Christi Jan Van Heek repeated the feat this year, winning the two races Nuzzo and Walsh did not. Camille Amy and R.J. Trjeo finished third.
In the Weta trimaran class, Knox Rodgers won all three races Sunday to go with his four wins on Saturday to successfully defend his CHR title. Rick Sylvester took three seconds to stay in second place, while Phil and Cathy Sanders jumped into third place with three third-place finishes after Howard Paul dropped out.
Anderson and Mark Brunsvold ran off seven straight wins Saturday and Sunday to defeat Jeff Rehm and Tucker McElwaney in the F18 class of 9th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Steady winds in the high teens with gusts to 28 knots provided plenty of drama as two of the four classes competing Sunday saw lead changes before the end of racing.
Chris Tuckfield and Eric Brattinga slipped past Daniel Borg and Christopher Molder to move into third place with a second-place finish in the final F18 race.
Mia and Teddy Nicolosi broke a first-place tie with Matthew Monts and Carlyn Blauvelt in the N15 class with three wins and a second on Sunday. Monts and Blauvelt won the other race, their fourth of the regatta, to hold on to second place.
In the Hobie 16 class, Ben Brown and Casey Astiz pulled away from William Jeffers and Karen Grisko with two wins Sunday. Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen clinched third place despite a strong finish by Greg Raybon and Nancy Kornblum, who won the second-to-last race, but fell to fourth behind Hilk and Jensen in the finale.
Jim Nuzzo and John Walsh won three of five races for the win in the Harbor 20 class on its only day of racing Saturday. Last year's runners-up Christi Jan Van Heek repeated the feat this year, winning the two races Nuzzo and Walsh did not. Camille Amy and R.J. Trjeo finished third.
In the Weta trimaran class, Knox Rodgers won all three races Sunday to go with his four wins on Saturday to successfully defend his CHR title. Rick Sylvester took three seconds to stay in second place, while Phil and Cathy Sanders jumped into third place with three third-place finishes after Howard Paul dropped out.
9th annual CHR Day 3
North wind blows on DAY 2 of CHR
Strong winds power CHR sailors on Saturday
Jeff Rehm and Tucker McElwaney cling to a three-point lead over Anderson and Mark Brunsvold in the F18 class after a day of racing that featured gusts over 20 knots in 9th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Saturday. The Brunsvolds won three of four races on Day 2 after not competing Friday. Rehm and McElwaney won the other race.
Daniel Borg and Christopher Molder broke out of a logjam for third place after Friday's racing to move into third alone with a pair of third-places finishes and a second.
In the Hobie 16 class, Ben Brown and Casey Astiz broke out of a group tied for second after Day 1 to overtake William Jeffers and Karen Grisko for first place by four points on the strength of a pair of wins and a pair of seconds. Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen are in third after winning their first race of the regatta Saturday.
Mia and Teddy Nicolosi swept into a first-place tie with Matthew Monts and Carlyn Blauvelt in the N15 class with a pair of wins and two seconds on Saturday. Monts and Blauvelt's also won two races and took second in the two wins by the Nicolosis.
Galen Richardson and Ashley Ferreira sit in third, well back of the leaders entering Day 3 Sunday.
Jim Nuzzo and John Walsh won three of the five races for the win in the Harbor 20 class on its only day of racing. Last year's runners-up Christi Jan Van Heek repeated the feat this year, winning the two races Nuzzo and Walsh did not. Camille Amy and R.J. Trjeo finished third.
In the Weta trimaran class, Knox Rodgers won all four races to notch back-to-back CHR titles. Rick Sylvester took three seconds to finish in second place, while Howard Paul placed third.
The final day of racing begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Jeff Rehm and Tucker McElwaney cling to a three-point lead over Anderson and Mark Brunsvold in the F18 class after a day of racing that featured gusts over 20 knots in 9th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Saturday. The Brunsvolds won three of four races on Day 2 after not competing Friday. Rehm and McElwaney won the other race.
Daniel Borg and Christopher Molder broke out of a logjam for third place after Friday's racing to move into third alone with a pair of third-places finishes and a second.
In the Hobie 16 class, Ben Brown and Casey Astiz broke out of a group tied for second after Day 1 to overtake William Jeffers and Karen Grisko for first place by four points on the strength of a pair of wins and a pair of seconds. Ken Hilk and Darcy Jensen are in third after winning their first race of the regatta Saturday.
Mia and Teddy Nicolosi swept into a first-place tie with Matthew Monts and Carlyn Blauvelt in the N15 class with a pair of wins and two seconds on Saturday. Monts and Blauvelt's also won two races and took second in the two wins by the Nicolosis.
Galen Richardson and Ashley Ferreira sit in third, well back of the leaders entering Day 3 Sunday.
Jim Nuzzo and John Walsh won three of the five races for the win in the Harbor 20 class on its only day of racing. Last year's runners-up Christi Jan Van Heek repeated the feat this year, winning the two races Nuzzo and Walsh did not. Camille Amy and R.J. Trjeo finished third.
In the Weta trimaran class, Knox Rodgers won all four races to notch back-to-back CHR titles. Rick Sylvester took three seconds to finish in second place, while Howard Paul placed third.
The final day of racing begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
9th annual CHR Day 2
Shifty winds test CHR sailors on Day 1
Day 1 of Charlotte Harbor Regatta was a waiting game before seabreeze filled in.
Jeff Rehm and Tucker McElwaney lead Chris Tuckfield and Eric Brattinga by three points In the F18 class after two races in variable and shifty winds on Day 1 of the 9th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Friday.
Rehm and McElwaney logged a first and second, while Tuckfield and Brattinga struggled to a fifth place in Race 2 after winning the opening race. Three boats were tied for third with seven points.
In the Hobie 16 class, William Jeffers and Karen Grisko lead a trip of competitors tied for second by winning one and taking third in another after more than two hours of postponement while the seabreeze filled in from the east. Ben Brown and Casey Astiz were one of the boats tied for second on the strength of a win in Race 2.
Matthew Monts and Carlyn Blauvelt lead the N15 class by one point over Mia and Teddy Nicolosi, after the pairs traded first-place wins in the two races. Monts and Blauvelt's earned their second-place finish in Race 1 and the Nicolosis' third in Race 2. Evie Blauvelt and Tristan DeMarzo sit in third, two points behind the Nicolosis.
Two classes, the Weta trimaran and Harbor 20, will join the regatta for Day 2 on Saturday. The regatta ends Sunday.
Jeff Rehm and Tucker McElwaney lead Chris Tuckfield and Eric Brattinga by three points In the F18 class after two races in variable and shifty winds on Day 1 of the 9th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Friday.
Rehm and McElwaney logged a first and second, while Tuckfield and Brattinga struggled to a fifth place in Race 2 after winning the opening race. Three boats were tied for third with seven points.
In the Hobie 16 class, William Jeffers and Karen Grisko lead a trip of competitors tied for second by winning one and taking third in another after more than two hours of postponement while the seabreeze filled in from the east. Ben Brown and Casey Astiz were one of the boats tied for second on the strength of a win in Race 2.
Matthew Monts and Carlyn Blauvelt lead the N15 class by one point over Mia and Teddy Nicolosi, after the pairs traded first-place wins in the two races. Monts and Blauvelt's earned their second-place finish in Race 1 and the Nicolosis' third in Race 2. Evie Blauvelt and Tristan DeMarzo sit in third, two points behind the Nicolosis.
Two classes, the Weta trimaran and Harbor 20, will join the regatta for Day 2 on Saturday. The regatta ends Sunday.
9th annual CHR Day 1
8th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Top 3
8th annual charlotte harbor regatta Day 3
day 2 leaders struggle, most hold on in light-air CHR finale

Leaders struggled to master the light wind, but mostly held on to their overall leads Sunday in the 8th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
Kevin Keough and Marvin Carlson of Hilton Head, S.C. won both races Saturday and held on to win despite a fifth-place finish in Sunday’s only race in the Harbor 20 class. Christi and Jan van Heek of Punta Gorda took second overall with a third-place showing Sunday. Ted Neilsen and Chuck Millican of Hilton Head won the Sunday race, with Punta Gorda’s Jim and Carol Nuzzo in second place.Both teams finished off the medal stand.
The trend continued in the Hobie 16 class, where William Jeffers and Sherry Smith of Sodus, N.Y., took third place behind Greg Raybon and Nancy Cornblum and Sharon and James Herbert in Sunday’s only race, but still won the class by three points on the strength of three wins in the first two days of racing. Raybon and Cornblum of Shrewsbury, N.J., leapfrogged Phil Sanchez and Courtney Thompson of St. Petersburg for second overall.
A scoring method that allows sailors to compete only on Saturday and Sunday against competitors who started racing Friday boosted the newcomers in the F18 class and nearly did so in the F16 fleet. Friday average scoring gives weekend-only sailors their average score for Saturday and Sunday races in each of the ones they missed Friday.
Charles and Daulton Tomeo of Bradenton won two of three races Saturday and Sunday and finished second in the other. With that average of 1.3 points for Friday’s three races, the Tomeos won the class over another weekend team, Laura Muma and Dave Ingram of Claremont, Fla., who won one race and took two seconds on Saturday and Sunday, giving them a 1.7 average for Friday’s races. That left Day One leaders Jeff and Colin Rehm of Commerce Township, Mich., in third overall.
Tucker McElwaney of Clearwater Beach and Svren Graham won the F16 class by 1/10th of a point over Sarasota weekenders Mark Brunsvold and Dylan Heinz, who won both races Saturday, but slipped to third place behind DeeDee and Philippe Laurent of Laurinburg, S.C.,and McElwaney and Graham on Sunday. The Laurents would up third overall.
In the 2.4mR class, Bruce Millar of British Columbia topped Peter Eager of Toronto, just as he had in Saturday’s two races, to capture the title. Tony Pocklinton of Fort Myers finished third in all three races and overall.
Knox Rodgers of Marietta, Ga., managed to hold on to his Day Two lead despite being disqualified from Sunday’s race for hitting the signal boat at the start. Rodgers was able to throw out the six points he would have scored by taking advantage of the throw-out rule, under which all competitors are allowed to throw out their worst finish in the final tally. That left Highland Beach, Fla.’s Norm Hansen one point behind Rodgers, even after his win Sunday. Day One leader Robert Patterson of Greenville, N.C., was also disqualified from Sunday’s race, but finished third overall. He missed a start on Saturday and was able to drop only one of his two six-point races in his total score.
The regatta featured 58 boats racing on two courses.
Kevin Keough and Marvin Carlson of Hilton Head, S.C. won both races Saturday and held on to win despite a fifth-place finish in Sunday’s only race in the Harbor 20 class. Christi and Jan van Heek of Punta Gorda took second overall with a third-place showing Sunday. Ted Neilsen and Chuck Millican of Hilton Head won the Sunday race, with Punta Gorda’s Jim and Carol Nuzzo in second place.Both teams finished off the medal stand.
The trend continued in the Hobie 16 class, where William Jeffers and Sherry Smith of Sodus, N.Y., took third place behind Greg Raybon and Nancy Cornblum and Sharon and James Herbert in Sunday’s only race, but still won the class by three points on the strength of three wins in the first two days of racing. Raybon and Cornblum of Shrewsbury, N.J., leapfrogged Phil Sanchez and Courtney Thompson of St. Petersburg for second overall.
A scoring method that allows sailors to compete only on Saturday and Sunday against competitors who started racing Friday boosted the newcomers in the F18 class and nearly did so in the F16 fleet. Friday average scoring gives weekend-only sailors their average score for Saturday and Sunday races in each of the ones they missed Friday.
Charles and Daulton Tomeo of Bradenton won two of three races Saturday and Sunday and finished second in the other. With that average of 1.3 points for Friday’s three races, the Tomeos won the class over another weekend team, Laura Muma and Dave Ingram of Claremont, Fla., who won one race and took two seconds on Saturday and Sunday, giving them a 1.7 average for Friday’s races. That left Day One leaders Jeff and Colin Rehm of Commerce Township, Mich., in third overall.
Tucker McElwaney of Clearwater Beach and Svren Graham won the F16 class by 1/10th of a point over Sarasota weekenders Mark Brunsvold and Dylan Heinz, who won both races Saturday, but slipped to third place behind DeeDee and Philippe Laurent of Laurinburg, S.C.,and McElwaney and Graham on Sunday. The Laurents would up third overall.
In the 2.4mR class, Bruce Millar of British Columbia topped Peter Eager of Toronto, just as he had in Saturday’s two races, to capture the title. Tony Pocklinton of Fort Myers finished third in all three races and overall.
Knox Rodgers of Marietta, Ga., managed to hold on to his Day Two lead despite being disqualified from Sunday’s race for hitting the signal boat at the start. Rodgers was able to throw out the six points he would have scored by taking advantage of the throw-out rule, under which all competitors are allowed to throw out their worst finish in the final tally. That left Highland Beach, Fla.’s Norm Hansen one point behind Rodgers, even after his win Sunday. Day One leader Robert Patterson of Greenville, N.C., was also disqualified from Sunday’s race, but finished third overall. He missed a start on Saturday and was able to drop only one of his two six-point races in his total score.
The regatta featured 58 boats racing on two courses.
Pusser's rum party
Day 1 leaders stumble, newcomers doMinate on Day 2

Kevin Keough and Marvin Carlson of Hilton Head, N.C. won both races in light air Saturday to take the lead in the Harbor 20 class on Day Two of the 8th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Christi and Jan van Heek of Punta Gorda took second in both races to sit two back entering the final day of racing Sunday.
The scenario repeated itself in the 2.4mR class, where Bruce Millar of British Columbia topped Peter Eager of Toronto in both races before racing was abandoned for the day.
Leaders in three of the four multihull classes that raced on Friday were overtaken on Day Two, as the spotty wind claimed casualties.
William Jeffers and Sherry Smith took the lead in the Hobie 16 class on the strength of a win and a seventh on a topsy-turvy day. First-day leaders Herbert and Sharon James could manage only a ninth and a 15th and dropped to sixth place. Phil Sanchez and Courtney Thompson took over second place, within two points of the leaders.
Jeff and Colin Rehm held on to the F18 lead despite not winning a race and Dan Borg and John Murphy, who stood in second after Day One, stumbled to two fourths on Day Two after winning two of three Friday races. The Rehms lead by one and Robbie Daniel and Ken Marshack lurk two back of the leaders. Charles and Dalton Tomeo and Laura Muma and Dave Ingram each won a race Saturday after not competing Friday. The stand seventh and eighth, respectively.
Knox Rodgers won both Saturday races to flip the leaderboard with Day One leader Robert Patterson, who trails by two, along with Norm Hansen, who logged two seconds.
Tucker McElwaney and Sven Graham held on to the F16 lead despite the appearance of Mark Brunsvold and Dyan Heinz, who didn’t race Friday, but won both races Saturday. DeeDee and Philippe Laurent remain in second, three points back of McElwaney and Graham.
For full results, photos and information about the Charlotte Harbor Regatta visit www.charlotteharborregatta.com.
The scenario repeated itself in the 2.4mR class, where Bruce Millar of British Columbia topped Peter Eager of Toronto in both races before racing was abandoned for the day.
Leaders in three of the four multihull classes that raced on Friday were overtaken on Day Two, as the spotty wind claimed casualties.
William Jeffers and Sherry Smith took the lead in the Hobie 16 class on the strength of a win and a seventh on a topsy-turvy day. First-day leaders Herbert and Sharon James could manage only a ninth and a 15th and dropped to sixth place. Phil Sanchez and Courtney Thompson took over second place, within two points of the leaders.
Jeff and Colin Rehm held on to the F18 lead despite not winning a race and Dan Borg and John Murphy, who stood in second after Day One, stumbled to two fourths on Day Two after winning two of three Friday races. The Rehms lead by one and Robbie Daniel and Ken Marshack lurk two back of the leaders. Charles and Dalton Tomeo and Laura Muma and Dave Ingram each won a race Saturday after not competing Friday. The stand seventh and eighth, respectively.
Knox Rodgers won both Saturday races to flip the leaderboard with Day One leader Robert Patterson, who trails by two, along with Norm Hansen, who logged two seconds.
Tucker McElwaney and Sven Graham held on to the F16 lead despite the appearance of Mark Brunsvold and Dyan Heinz, who didn’t race Friday, but won both races Saturday. DeeDee and Philippe Laurent remain in second, three points back of McElwaney and Graham.
For full results, photos and information about the Charlotte Harbor Regatta visit www.charlotteharborregatta.com.
8th annual Charlotte harbor regatta Day 2
leaders within striking distance after Day 1 of 2017 CHR

The leaders in the four classes competing on Day One of the 8th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta won eight of the 12 races run, but failed to establish themselves as clear frontrunners with two days of racing to go.
William Jeffers and Sherry Smith won the first two races in the Hobie 16 class but tallied a ninth-place finish to trail Herbert and Sharon James by one point after Friday’s races. They’ll get to throw out the bad race once five races are run, so the second-place rank is misleading.
Thirty-five boats in five classes started racing after a late-morning postponement kept the fleets ashore until the sea breeze built to 14 knots in the afternoon.
Jeff and Colin Rehm were one point up on Robbie Daniels and Ken Marshack in the F18 class, despite the fact Dan Borg and John Murphy won two of three races. Borg and Murphy managed only a sixth place in the third race to cost them the lead.
Robert Patterson won two of three races in the Weta class to lead by a point Knox Rodgers, who logged three seconds. Norm Hansen won the other race and added two thirds. He sits one back of Rodgers and two behind Hansen in the tightest class in the regatta.
Tucker McElwaney and Sven Graham won all three of their races head to head against Philippe and DeeDee Laurent to lead the F16 class.
The regatta expands to two circles and seven classes when the Harbor 20 and 2.4mR classes join the action today. The regatta wraps up Sunday.
For full results, photos and information about the Charlotte Harbor Regatta visit www.charlotteharborregatta.com.
William Jeffers and Sherry Smith won the first two races in the Hobie 16 class but tallied a ninth-place finish to trail Herbert and Sharon James by one point after Friday’s races. They’ll get to throw out the bad race once five races are run, so the second-place rank is misleading.
Thirty-five boats in five classes started racing after a late-morning postponement kept the fleets ashore until the sea breeze built to 14 knots in the afternoon.
Jeff and Colin Rehm were one point up on Robbie Daniels and Ken Marshack in the F18 class, despite the fact Dan Borg and John Murphy won two of three races. Borg and Murphy managed only a sixth place in the third race to cost them the lead.
Robert Patterson won two of three races in the Weta class to lead by a point Knox Rodgers, who logged three seconds. Norm Hansen won the other race and added two thirds. He sits one back of Rodgers and two behind Hansen in the tightest class in the regatta.
Tucker McElwaney and Sven Graham won all three of their races head to head against Philippe and DeeDee Laurent to lead the F16 class.
The regatta expands to two circles and seven classes when the Harbor 20 and 2.4mR classes join the action today. The regatta wraps up Sunday.
For full results, photos and information about the Charlotte Harbor Regatta visit www.charlotteharborregatta.com.
8th annual Charlotte harbor regatta Day 1
2016 Charlotte Harbor Regatta Top 3
7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Day 3
Blow out on Charlotte Harbor
Mark Modderman and Dafna Brown won twice Sunday in winds exceeding 20 knots to wrap up a dominating performance in the Hobie 16 class of the 7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
With only three classes racing on two circles due the extreme conditions, Saturday’s leaders held on to win their overall class titles, including Bruce Millar, who won the 2.4mR class over Dee Smith and Peter Wood, despite Woods’ win on Sunday’s only race.
Ben Brown and Alden Cowap took advantage of a depleted Hobie 16 fleet to edge out Nicolas and Laurence Liebel for second place, while Terry Back and Tina Pastoor held onto their lead in the absence of Saturday’s three-time winners Mark Brunsvold and Skye Ehrhart in the F16 class. Laura Muma and Dave Ingram extended their F18 class lead, winning one of two races Sunday to clip Ken Marshack and Meaghan Hislop by three points.
Mark and Michele Taylor, who won four of four races Saturday, won the Flying Scot class, which stayed ashore Sunday. Jim Rodenkirk won the WindRider 17 class and Christi and Jan Van Heek won the Precision 15 class, while Norm Hansen took the Weta class. Bill Wilkinson and John Walsh won a tie-breaker over Ralph Holt, Tony Burkhart, Tony and Jim Roe in the Harbor 20 class based on Saturday’s results.
For complete results and photos of the 7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta, go to www.charlotteharborregatta.com.
With only three classes racing on two circles due the extreme conditions, Saturday’s leaders held on to win their overall class titles, including Bruce Millar, who won the 2.4mR class over Dee Smith and Peter Wood, despite Woods’ win on Sunday’s only race.
Ben Brown and Alden Cowap took advantage of a depleted Hobie 16 fleet to edge out Nicolas and Laurence Liebel for second place, while Terry Back and Tina Pastoor held onto their lead in the absence of Saturday’s three-time winners Mark Brunsvold and Skye Ehrhart in the F16 class. Laura Muma and Dave Ingram extended their F18 class lead, winning one of two races Sunday to clip Ken Marshack and Meaghan Hislop by three points.
Mark and Michele Taylor, who won four of four races Saturday, won the Flying Scot class, which stayed ashore Sunday. Jim Rodenkirk won the WindRider 17 class and Christi and Jan Van Heek won the Precision 15 class, while Norm Hansen took the Weta class. Bill Wilkinson and John Walsh won a tie-breaker over Ralph Holt, Tony Burkhart, Tony and Jim Roe in the Harbor 20 class based on Saturday’s results.
For complete results and photos of the 7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta, go to www.charlotteharborregatta.com.
7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Day 2
Millar, Smith and Wood trade bullets in 2.4mR CHR debut
Bruce Millar, Dee Smith and Peter Wood won a race apiece Saturday to sit 1-2-3 after the first day of racing in the 2.4mR class on Day Two of the 7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
Light air gave way to wind-driven rain across Charlotte Harbor, giving competitors in 56 boats on three race circles a taste of the variable condition for which the harbor is renowned. Millar prevailed in the first race of the day under mostly cloudy skies and winds in the single digits, while Smith and Wood traded firsts in the blustery afternoon conditions that followed a 90-minute postponement. Three points separate the men going into today’s final day, with four races scheduled - weather permitting.
Mark Modderman and Dafna Brown took one first and two seconds to extend their Day 1 lead, while Nicolas and Laurence Liebel leapfrogged Sharon and Herb James into second on the strength of a win in the final of three Saturday races. The leaders have a nine-point cushion and have never finished lower than second in seven races after a “throw-out” rule let them cut a fifth-place finish on Day 1.
Mark Brunsvold and Skye Ehrhart won all three races in the F16 class, but trail Terry Back and Tina Pastoor by two points due to their absence from Friday’s races. Laura Muma and Jake Domingo continue to dominate the F18 class, winning two of three races to lead Ken Marshack and Meaghan Hislop by four points.
Mark and Michele Taylor won four of four races to lead the Flying Scot class by eight points over Dave Strawbridge and Joe Connelly. Doug Shore and Don Gasgarth are four back in third place. Two Harbor 20 crews traded bullets and are tied after two races. Ralph Holt, Tony Burkhart and Jim Roe won the first race, while Bill Wilkinson and John Walsh switched places with them in Race 2. Michael and Patti Mixson are third.
Rob and Linda Powell lost a pair of races to Jim Rodenkirk in the WindRider 17 class Saturday, but clung to a four-point lead going into today’s racing.
Christi and Jan Van Heek won both races in the Precision 15 class to lead Dain Morningstar and Max Achtau by three points. Norm Hansen is winning the Weta class by a mile over Knox Rodgers despite Rodger’s three wins Saturday because Rodgers didn’t compete on Friday.
Light air gave way to wind-driven rain across Charlotte Harbor, giving competitors in 56 boats on three race circles a taste of the variable condition for which the harbor is renowned. Millar prevailed in the first race of the day under mostly cloudy skies and winds in the single digits, while Smith and Wood traded firsts in the blustery afternoon conditions that followed a 90-minute postponement. Three points separate the men going into today’s final day, with four races scheduled - weather permitting.
Mark Modderman and Dafna Brown took one first and two seconds to extend their Day 1 lead, while Nicolas and Laurence Liebel leapfrogged Sharon and Herb James into second on the strength of a win in the final of three Saturday races. The leaders have a nine-point cushion and have never finished lower than second in seven races after a “throw-out” rule let them cut a fifth-place finish on Day 1.
Mark Brunsvold and Skye Ehrhart won all three races in the F16 class, but trail Terry Back and Tina Pastoor by two points due to their absence from Friday’s races. Laura Muma and Jake Domingo continue to dominate the F18 class, winning two of three races to lead Ken Marshack and Meaghan Hislop by four points.
Mark and Michele Taylor won four of four races to lead the Flying Scot class by eight points over Dave Strawbridge and Joe Connelly. Doug Shore and Don Gasgarth are four back in third place. Two Harbor 20 crews traded bullets and are tied after two races. Ralph Holt, Tony Burkhart and Jim Roe won the first race, while Bill Wilkinson and John Walsh switched places with them in Race 2. Michael and Patti Mixson are third.
Rob and Linda Powell lost a pair of races to Jim Rodenkirk in the WindRider 17 class Saturday, but clung to a four-point lead going into today’s racing.
Christi and Jan Van Heek won both races in the Precision 15 class to lead Dain Morningstar and Max Achtau by three points. Norm Hansen is winning the Weta class by a mile over Knox Rodgers despite Rodger’s three wins Saturday because Rodgers didn’t compete on Friday.
7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta Day 1
Hobie 16 dual on Day 1 of the 2016 Charlotte Harbor Regatta
Mark Modderman and Dafna Brown won two of four races in 20-knot winds to take a one-point lead over Herb and Sharon James on Day One of the 7th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta on Friday.
Both struggled in the first race, which saw gusts reach the high 20s, finishing in the middle of the Hobie pack. Neither finished worse than third the rest of the day. Two first places provided the edge for Modderman and Brown who have nine points. The Jameses had a first, second and third, to finish with 10.
Rob and Linda Powell won two of three races in the WindRider 17 class to lead by six points over Jim Rodenkirk. Terry Back leads the F16 class, while Laura Muma is atop at F18 class. High winds kept all but Norm Hansen onshore, so he’ll start today with a substantial lead, with two days of racing today.
The regatta expands to three circles and 10 classes when the Flying Scot, Hobie Wave, Harbor 20, Precision 15 and 2.4mR classes join the action today. The regatta wraps up Sunday.
Both struggled in the first race, which saw gusts reach the high 20s, finishing in the middle of the Hobie pack. Neither finished worse than third the rest of the day. Two first places provided the edge for Modderman and Brown who have nine points. The Jameses had a first, second and third, to finish with 10.
Rob and Linda Powell won two of three races in the WindRider 17 class to lead by six points over Jim Rodenkirk. Terry Back leads the F16 class, while Laura Muma is atop at F18 class. High winds kept all but Norm Hansen onshore, so he’ll start today with a substantial lead, with two days of racing today.
The regatta expands to three circles and 10 classes when the Flying Scot, Hobie Wave, Harbor 20, Precision 15 and 2.4mR classes join the action today. The regatta wraps up Sunday.
Gated storage available

Gated trailer storage is available for CHR participants at Precision Auto, 12447 Kings Highway, Lake Suzy, FL 34269
$60/month (plus Fla. tax)
Contact info:
Jon Turner
Chris Turner
941-564-9424
precisionautofl@gmail.com
Google maps link for Precision Auto:
https://goo.gl/maps/J8bEJKVqJXv
Google maps link from Precision Auto to Port Charlotte Beach Park:
https://goo.gl/maps/ykLJ1YMMYbu
Less than 10 miles from storage facility to Port Charlotte Beach Park.
$60/month (plus Fla. tax)
Contact info:
Jon Turner
Chris Turner
941-564-9424
precisionautofl@gmail.com
Google maps link for Precision Auto:
https://goo.gl/maps/J8bEJKVqJXv
Google maps link from Precision Auto to Port Charlotte Beach Park:
https://goo.gl/maps/ykLJ1YMMYbu
Less than 10 miles from storage facility to Port Charlotte Beach Park.
Congratulations to winners of the 2015 Charlotte Harbor Regatta
Opportunities and upsets on final day of 2015 CHR
114 sailors on 82 boats navigated shifting and fading wind Sunday on the final day of the 6th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. The conditions created opportunities for some, upsets for others.
In the crowded Hobie 16 class, Dan Borg and Liana Giavondo held onto their first-place spot, but Phil Sanchez and Heather MacDonald took advantage of miscues by Mark Modderman and Gordon Isco to leapfrog into second place after 10 races.
Mike Pederson won the final race of the day in the Wave class in light air to beat Rick White on a tiebreaker. Both men had three wins and two seconds over the weekend.
Tony Pocklington won the first race Sunday to give himself a chance against Tim Ripley in the 2.4mR class, but a sixth-place finish in the second race -- even as Ripley struggled to a fourth -- kept him from overcoming Ripley's Day One lead. Peter Eager actually caught Pocklington on points, but lost a tiebreaker to take third.
Mark and Anderson Brunsvold never lost a race with wind over 4 knots and after throwing out their second-place finish in Sunday's last race, finished with nine bullets to win by nine points over Philippe and DeeDee Laurent in the F16 class.
In the F18 class, Laura Muma held onto her lead over Ken Marshack despite disappointing seventh- and fifth-place finishes in challenging light-air conditions. Thomas Samuel and Lon Sherman had the Flying Scot class virtually wrapped up after Saturday's two-win performance and added two more wins Sunday. The drama was for second and third, as Bob Knowles and Don Suter were able to hold off Don Gasgarth and Doug Shore by a point.
Doug Fisher never lost a race in the inaugural CHR appearance for the Harbor 20 class, topping Michael Mixson. Christi Van Heek and Lynn Squire edged Jan Van Heek and Bernie Coyne by a point by winning the final race in the Precision 15 class as Van Heek and Coyne wound up third.
Jim Richter won every race Saturday and Sunday to beat young Cooper Whitten to win the second Will White Cup awarded to the Sunfish class champion in honor of the author of "The Sunfish Book," DeSoto County resident and founding director of the Charlotte Harbor Regatta Will White.
Keith Rice's 1-2 finish on Sunday extended his Day Two lead over Knox Rodgers in the Weta class. Jim Roddenkirk won both races Sunday, but couldn't overcome Rob and Linda Powell and Joe Murphy, who finished first and second in the WindRider class.
In the crowded Hobie 16 class, Dan Borg and Liana Giavondo held onto their first-place spot, but Phil Sanchez and Heather MacDonald took advantage of miscues by Mark Modderman and Gordon Isco to leapfrog into second place after 10 races.
Mike Pederson won the final race of the day in the Wave class in light air to beat Rick White on a tiebreaker. Both men had three wins and two seconds over the weekend.
Tony Pocklington won the first race Sunday to give himself a chance against Tim Ripley in the 2.4mR class, but a sixth-place finish in the second race -- even as Ripley struggled to a fourth -- kept him from overcoming Ripley's Day One lead. Peter Eager actually caught Pocklington on points, but lost a tiebreaker to take third.
Mark and Anderson Brunsvold never lost a race with wind over 4 knots and after throwing out their second-place finish in Sunday's last race, finished with nine bullets to win by nine points over Philippe and DeeDee Laurent in the F16 class.
In the F18 class, Laura Muma held onto her lead over Ken Marshack despite disappointing seventh- and fifth-place finishes in challenging light-air conditions. Thomas Samuel and Lon Sherman had the Flying Scot class virtually wrapped up after Saturday's two-win performance and added two more wins Sunday. The drama was for second and third, as Bob Knowles and Don Suter were able to hold off Don Gasgarth and Doug Shore by a point.
Doug Fisher never lost a race in the inaugural CHR appearance for the Harbor 20 class, topping Michael Mixson. Christi Van Heek and Lynn Squire edged Jan Van Heek and Bernie Coyne by a point by winning the final race in the Precision 15 class as Van Heek and Coyne wound up third.
Jim Richter won every race Saturday and Sunday to beat young Cooper Whitten to win the second Will White Cup awarded to the Sunfish class champion in honor of the author of "The Sunfish Book," DeSoto County resident and founding director of the Charlotte Harbor Regatta Will White.
Keith Rice's 1-2 finish on Sunday extended his Day Two lead over Knox Rodgers in the Weta class. Jim Roddenkirk won both races Sunday, but couldn't overcome Rob and Linda Powell and Joe Murphy, who finished first and second in the WindRider class.
Hobie 16 champions duel on Day Two of 2014 CHR
Friday's duel between national champions continued Saturday when 2014 Hobie 16 North Americans champ Dan Borg added two wins and two seconds to extend his lead over former Hobie 14 national champion Mark Modderman in the Hobie 16 class on Day Two of the Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
Tim Ripley won two of four races to take a five-point lead over Tony Pocklington in the 2.4mR class, one of six classes to join the racing on Saturday. Three racers in the 14-boat class, traded first-place finishes, with Peter Eager notching the other win to earn third place with three races scheduled for today's final day.
Mark Brunsvald continued his winning ways on Saturday, winning four more races to extend his lead over Philippe Laurent to 14 in the F16 class. Charles Tomeo shook up the F18 class, winning twice in four races after sitting out Friday's races, but Laura Muma retained her lead over Ken Marshack. Thomas Samuel won two of four races to take a one-point lead over Bob Knowles, who won one race and finished no lower than third in his four races in the Flying Scot class on their first day of competition.
Doug Fisher won four of four races to lead the Harbor 20 class, which was featured in the regatta for the first time this year.
Christi Van Heek and Jan Van Heek traded wins, but Christi holds a one-point lead in the Precision 15 class due to Jan's third-place finish in Race Three. Jim Richter won all four races over Cooper Whitten, to take a four-point lead into tomorrow's racing in the Sunfish class. Mike Peterson and Rick White won two races apiece, but White's third place in the first race Saturday left him one point behind Peterson in the Wave class.
Dick Stephens upended Friday's one-two finishers, Keith Rice and Knox Rodgers, winning twice on Saturday, but he remains well back of Rice, who leads Rodgers by four after eight races. Rob Powell won three of four races in the WindRider 17 class and takes an eight-point lead into today's races, which start at 10 a.m.
Tim Ripley won two of four races to take a five-point lead over Tony Pocklington in the 2.4mR class, one of six classes to join the racing on Saturday. Three racers in the 14-boat class, traded first-place finishes, with Peter Eager notching the other win to earn third place with three races scheduled for today's final day.
Mark Brunsvald continued his winning ways on Saturday, winning four more races to extend his lead over Philippe Laurent to 14 in the F16 class. Charles Tomeo shook up the F18 class, winning twice in four races after sitting out Friday's races, but Laura Muma retained her lead over Ken Marshack. Thomas Samuel won two of four races to take a one-point lead over Bob Knowles, who won one race and finished no lower than third in his four races in the Flying Scot class on their first day of competition.
Doug Fisher won four of four races to lead the Harbor 20 class, which was featured in the regatta for the first time this year.
Christi Van Heek and Jan Van Heek traded wins, but Christi holds a one-point lead in the Precision 15 class due to Jan's third-place finish in Race Three. Jim Richter won all four races over Cooper Whitten, to take a four-point lead into tomorrow's racing in the Sunfish class. Mike Peterson and Rick White won two races apiece, but White's third place in the first race Saturday left him one point behind Peterson in the Wave class.
Dick Stephens upended Friday's one-two finishers, Keith Rice and Knox Rodgers, winning twice on Saturday, but he remains well back of Rice, who leads Rodgers by four after eight races. Rob Powell won three of four races in the WindRider 17 class and takes an eight-point lead into today's races, which start at 10 a.m.
Day one in the books at 6th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta
Mark Brunsvold won four of four races in the F16 class to take a four-point lead over Philippe Laurent on Day One of the 6th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Winds were steady in the mid-teens, with gusts over 20 mph in mild temperatures that topped out in the low-70s.
Laura Muma led the F18 class, with four wins, and sits six points ahead of Ken Marshack going into Day Two Saturday, when six classes join the regatta, which expands to three race circles. Canadians Dan Borg and Liana Giovando won three of four races and holds an 11 points over Mark Modderman of New Jersey in the Hobie 16 class. Racers on Circle 3 battled three-foot swells and sudden wind gusts throughout the day, although the breeze and waves settled down for the last race.
Keith Rice, a multiple CHR winner, won two of four races and leads John Adams, who also won two races, by two points heading into Day Two for the Weta class. In the WindRider 17 class, Joseph Murphy won one of four races, while Rob and Linda Powell won three, but a last-place finish in Race One leaves the Powells behind Murphy by four points. (When the throw-out kicks in after Race 5 Saturday, the Powells will leap to first.)
The 2.4mR, Flying Scot, Sunfish, Harbor 20, Wave and PRecision 20 classes join the action tomorrow, with the forecast calling for wind from 11 mph to 15 mph under partly cloudy skies and a high of 74 degrees.
Laura Muma led the F18 class, with four wins, and sits six points ahead of Ken Marshack going into Day Two Saturday, when six classes join the regatta, which expands to three race circles. Canadians Dan Borg and Liana Giovando won three of four races and holds an 11 points over Mark Modderman of New Jersey in the Hobie 16 class. Racers on Circle 3 battled three-foot swells and sudden wind gusts throughout the day, although the breeze and waves settled down for the last race.
Keith Rice, a multiple CHR winner, won two of four races and leads John Adams, who also won two races, by two points heading into Day Two for the Weta class. In the WindRider 17 class, Joseph Murphy won one of four races, while Rob and Linda Powell won three, but a last-place finish in Race One leaves the Powells behind Murphy by four points. (When the throw-out kicks in after Race 5 Saturday, the Powells will leap to first.)
The 2.4mR, Flying Scot, Sunfish, Harbor 20, Wave and PRecision 20 classes join the action tomorrow, with the forecast calling for wind from 11 mph to 15 mph under partly cloudy skies and a high of 74 degrees.
Check out our discounted lodging rates at participating hotels. Click on "Lodging" above to see the wide variety of options and prices for everything from efficiencies to two-bedroom suites. Don't forget to mention Charlotte Harbor Regatta when you book your room to get the regatta rates. Participating hotels also provide a room rebate to help support the regatta.
Blouin wins Inaugural Will White Cup in 5th annual CHR

At the awards ceremony capping off the 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta, Joe Blouin accepted the trophy for winning the Inaugural Will White Cup, wrapped his arm around White and thanked him for everything the author of "The Sunfish Book" and producer of "The Sunfish Bible" has done for the Sunfish class and sailors everywhere.
Blouin topped David Silverman by five points over six races to win the silver cup. Sunfish Florida Peninsula Region Representative Chris Gates took third, two points behind Silverman.
Mark Bryant won the 2.4mR class, winning five of six races over Paul Tingley and Tony Pocklington. Knox Rodger and John Adams won the F16 class. Ravi Parent and Sam Armington won eight of 10 races to win the F18 class over Charles Tomeo and Dalton Tebo.
Samuel Thomas and Lon Sherman took the Flying Scot title over Bob Knowles and Martin Holland, while the father and son team of Paul and Nate Willsey placed third.
William Jeffers and William Whalen held off a late charge by James and Sharon Herbert to win the Hobie 16 class by 5 points, despite the Herberts’ winning the final two races on Day Three. Jim Sadjak and Tina Pastoor took third.
Bob Hill, sailing one of three experimental Laser Wings designed by Chuck Taylor, won what organizers cheekily called the Inaugural Laser XL World Championship. (See Sun Correspondent Al Hemingway’s story about the XL below.)
Jim and Carol Nuzzo won the Precision 15 title over Jan and Christi van Heek and Bob Sween and Bonnie Flaherty. The Nuzzos won four of six races enroute to the victory. Rick White, publisher of Catsailor Magazine, won six of seven races to win the Hobie Wave class over Ray Matuszak and Sharon Woodruff.
Keith Rice won six of eleven races, including three on Day Three to defeat defending champion Richard Stephens by four points in the Weta class. Mike Mead took third. Mike Rodenkirk also won six of 11 races to win the WindRider 17 WOW Midwinters over Bill Lee, with Joseph Murphy next in third.
Posted 2-9-14
Blouin topped David Silverman by five points over six races to win the silver cup. Sunfish Florida Peninsula Region Representative Chris Gates took third, two points behind Silverman.
Mark Bryant won the 2.4mR class, winning five of six races over Paul Tingley and Tony Pocklington. Knox Rodger and John Adams won the F16 class. Ravi Parent and Sam Armington won eight of 10 races to win the F18 class over Charles Tomeo and Dalton Tebo.
Samuel Thomas and Lon Sherman took the Flying Scot title over Bob Knowles and Martin Holland, while the father and son team of Paul and Nate Willsey placed third.
William Jeffers and William Whalen held off a late charge by James and Sharon Herbert to win the Hobie 16 class by 5 points, despite the Herberts’ winning the final two races on Day Three. Jim Sadjak and Tina Pastoor took third.
Bob Hill, sailing one of three experimental Laser Wings designed by Chuck Taylor, won what organizers cheekily called the Inaugural Laser XL World Championship. (See Sun Correspondent Al Hemingway’s story about the XL below.)
Jim and Carol Nuzzo won the Precision 15 title over Jan and Christi van Heek and Bob Sween and Bonnie Flaherty. The Nuzzos won four of six races enroute to the victory. Rick White, publisher of Catsailor Magazine, won six of seven races to win the Hobie Wave class over Ray Matuszak and Sharon Woodruff.
Keith Rice won six of eleven races, including three on Day Three to defeat defending champion Richard Stephens by four points in the Weta class. Mike Mead took third. Mike Rodenkirk also won six of 11 races to win the WindRider 17 WOW Midwinters over Bill Lee, with Joseph Murphy next in third.
Posted 2-9-14
Photos from 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta — Feb. 6-9, 2014
Sailors soar onto harbor on experimental wings

By AL HEMINGWAY
SUN CORRESPONDENT
ON CHARLOTTE HARBOR — Chuck Taylor does not know how fast his boat will go when it sails for the first time in the Charlotte Harbor Regatta. For himself, Bob Hill and Tom Ray, it will be a learning curve.
Taylor’s 14-foot Laser vessel is distinctive — one of only three, named XL1, XL2 and XL3, that will be equipped with experimental foil wings — not the usual floppy sail. The Punta Gorda resident built the wing sails using carbon fiber, and they are extremely light, weighing just 8 pounds each. The total weight for each two-piece sail is 18 pounds, with 80 square feet of sail. At first, Taylor used 1/8-inch plywood twoby-fours and pine ribs to make them. That produced only 32 square feet of sail that weighed in at 50 pounds.
“The carbon fiber allowed an overall 25 percent reduction in weight, with an increase in durability and appearance,” Taylor said.
Tom Ray, who was assisting Taylor and piloting one of the Lasers, said the carbon fiber was placed over foam.
“Around the foam are gauze pads that have a honeycomb structure,” he said. “When resin is applied, it flows around a channel, but not into the gauze pads. The result is a very light sail.”
“It’s a two-piece sail,” Taylor added. “The design came from the 2010 America’s Cup, when the first slotted wings competed in the race.”
Working out of his workshop near the airport, Taylor said he has been experimenting with different designs for his wing sails.
“My early stuff was like a box,” he said. “Then I made an angular one, and then a curved one that was narrow at the top and then widened at the bottom.”
Taylor said he used clysar, a thermoplastic, to cover his sails, hoping the material will allow his Laser wing sails to increase their speed.
“If you adjust it right, you’ll go like hell,” he said.
Ray said he has used the wing sails on only one occasion, and he is excited to see how they will perform at sea.
“I sailed a Hobie Bravo, like a catamaran, using the wing sail,” he said. “It’s hard to tell what you’re doing wrong. A soft sail will start flapping letting you know, but not a hard sail. If you do it right, however, it will reward you with speed.”
Ray said the fastest boat using a slotted sail is the Sail Rocket, which has been clocked at 65 knots.
“It can pass you on the freeway,” he said.
Bob Hill, piloting one of the Laser wing sailboats, said speed is an unknown factor, until they can get out on the harbor.
“Even in a low wind, the wing sails are more efficient than a soft sail,” he said. “But we’ll see when we get out there.”
For more information, visit www.solidwingsails.com or www.tropicalboating.com .
Reprinted by courtesy of Sun Newspapers.
Posted 2-9-14
SUN CORRESPONDENT
ON CHARLOTTE HARBOR — Chuck Taylor does not know how fast his boat will go when it sails for the first time in the Charlotte Harbor Regatta. For himself, Bob Hill and Tom Ray, it will be a learning curve.
Taylor’s 14-foot Laser vessel is distinctive — one of only three, named XL1, XL2 and XL3, that will be equipped with experimental foil wings — not the usual floppy sail. The Punta Gorda resident built the wing sails using carbon fiber, and they are extremely light, weighing just 8 pounds each. The total weight for each two-piece sail is 18 pounds, with 80 square feet of sail. At first, Taylor used 1/8-inch plywood twoby-fours and pine ribs to make them. That produced only 32 square feet of sail that weighed in at 50 pounds.
“The carbon fiber allowed an overall 25 percent reduction in weight, with an increase in durability and appearance,” Taylor said.
Tom Ray, who was assisting Taylor and piloting one of the Lasers, said the carbon fiber was placed over foam.
“Around the foam are gauze pads that have a honeycomb structure,” he said. “When resin is applied, it flows around a channel, but not into the gauze pads. The result is a very light sail.”
“It’s a two-piece sail,” Taylor added. “The design came from the 2010 America’s Cup, when the first slotted wings competed in the race.”
Working out of his workshop near the airport, Taylor said he has been experimenting with different designs for his wing sails.
“My early stuff was like a box,” he said. “Then I made an angular one, and then a curved one that was narrow at the top and then widened at the bottom.”
Taylor said he used clysar, a thermoplastic, to cover his sails, hoping the material will allow his Laser wing sails to increase their speed.
“If you adjust it right, you’ll go like hell,” he said.
Ray said he has used the wing sails on only one occasion, and he is excited to see how they will perform at sea.
“I sailed a Hobie Bravo, like a catamaran, using the wing sail,” he said. “It’s hard to tell what you’re doing wrong. A soft sail will start flapping letting you know, but not a hard sail. If you do it right, however, it will reward you with speed.”
Ray said the fastest boat using a slotted sail is the Sail Rocket, which has been clocked at 65 knots.
“It can pass you on the freeway,” he said.
Bob Hill, piloting one of the Laser wing sailboats, said speed is an unknown factor, until they can get out on the harbor.
“Even in a low wind, the wing sails are more efficient than a soft sail,” he said. “But we’ll see when we get out there.”
For more information, visit www.solidwingsails.com or www.tropicalboating.com .
Reprinted by courtesy of Sun Newspapers.
Posted 2-9-14
Hobie sailors a fast crowd

By ROB SHORE
SUN SPORTS WRITER
PORT CHARLOTTE — The way Phil Sanchez steered his Hobie 16 over to Bill Jeffers and Bill Whalen for a friendly word after Saturday’s first race a the Charlotte Harbor Regatta, you would have thought the yachtsmen see each other all the time.
They do, they’re just usually out on the water when it happens. Such is the friendly nature of the folks who compete in these races.
And some of the acquaintances go back years.
“We get to know all of the Florida guys every time we come down here,” Jeffers said. “We see some of them at nationals. Phil Sanchez … I used to race against him in the 80s. He used to win everything in Florida.”
Sanchez, a St. Petersburg resident, had a laugh recounting when he came across the Jeffers-Whalen boat at the regatta last year, after he had taken some time away from the sport. The two boats were going for the finish line when Sanchez called out a rule to the Jeffers-Whalen catamaran.
“That hasn’t been a rule for 10 years!” Jeffers called back.
“I haven’t been on a boat for 10 years!” Sanchez responded. “My son Jason bought the boat.”
A light bulb had gone off in Jeffers’ head.
“Holy cow. Jason Sanchez?”
“Yeah.”
“By any chance are you Phil Sanchez?” Jeffers shouted. “I used to chase you around in the 80s.”
There was a lot of that going around, even on Jeffers’ own team. Whalen was only teaming with Jeffers for the second time. It seemed to work out right the last time: they won the Hobie 16s at last year’s Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
So far, the partnership is working well again. Jeffers-Whalen leads the Hobie 16 standings, winning two of the three heats on Saturday.
Sanchez’s boat is in third place after winning twice on Friday.
“They’re doing very well this weekend,” the 65-year-old Sanchez said of Jeffers-Whalen. “So we’re chasing them, which is fun.”
It’s fun just for Jeffers and Whalen to be out on the water. They made the trip down just for the weekend from upstate New York — the 60-yearold Jeffers is from Sodus and the 60-year-old Whalen is from Syracuse.
So it’s not just a race, it’s a chance to escape Northeast weather.
“Do you know much snow we left at home?” Jeffers laughed.
“We left a blizzard to come here,” Whalen deadpanned.
Sanchez’s son Jason is in fifth place after Saturday. His father started him racing boats when he was 8. He’s getting to know the crowd at regattas as well.
“The cameradery is one of the better parts of the whole deal,” he said. “Everybody is real helpful with each other.”
On Saturday, that extended to Marah Kviltine, a 30-year-old St. Petersburg resident who crews for regattas when she can. She doesn’t have her own boat, but cut her teeth in trimarans.
“I was never competitive until I started racing Sailbirds,” she said. “It’s great because it’s not just skill. Some of it is luck, some is knowledge. They say it’s like chess, but the board is moving. You get to be outdoors, you get a workout, you get to work on your tan and go to great parties.”
No wonder why these guys see each other all the time.
Reprinted courtesy of Sun Newspapers
Posted 2-9-14
SUN SPORTS WRITER
PORT CHARLOTTE — The way Phil Sanchez steered his Hobie 16 over to Bill Jeffers and Bill Whalen for a friendly word after Saturday’s first race a the Charlotte Harbor Regatta, you would have thought the yachtsmen see each other all the time.
They do, they’re just usually out on the water when it happens. Such is the friendly nature of the folks who compete in these races.
And some of the acquaintances go back years.
“We get to know all of the Florida guys every time we come down here,” Jeffers said. “We see some of them at nationals. Phil Sanchez … I used to race against him in the 80s. He used to win everything in Florida.”
Sanchez, a St. Petersburg resident, had a laugh recounting when he came across the Jeffers-Whalen boat at the regatta last year, after he had taken some time away from the sport. The two boats were going for the finish line when Sanchez called out a rule to the Jeffers-Whalen catamaran.
“That hasn’t been a rule for 10 years!” Jeffers called back.
“I haven’t been on a boat for 10 years!” Sanchez responded. “My son Jason bought the boat.”
A light bulb had gone off in Jeffers’ head.
“Holy cow. Jason Sanchez?”
“Yeah.”
“By any chance are you Phil Sanchez?” Jeffers shouted. “I used to chase you around in the 80s.”
There was a lot of that going around, even on Jeffers’ own team. Whalen was only teaming with Jeffers for the second time. It seemed to work out right the last time: they won the Hobie 16s at last year’s Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
So far, the partnership is working well again. Jeffers-Whalen leads the Hobie 16 standings, winning two of the three heats on Saturday.
Sanchez’s boat is in third place after winning twice on Friday.
“They’re doing very well this weekend,” the 65-year-old Sanchez said of Jeffers-Whalen. “So we’re chasing them, which is fun.”
It’s fun just for Jeffers and Whalen to be out on the water. They made the trip down just for the weekend from upstate New York — the 60-yearold Jeffers is from Sodus and the 60-year-old Whalen is from Syracuse.
So it’s not just a race, it’s a chance to escape Northeast weather.
“Do you know much snow we left at home?” Jeffers laughed.
“We left a blizzard to come here,” Whalen deadpanned.
Sanchez’s son Jason is in fifth place after Saturday. His father started him racing boats when he was 8. He’s getting to know the crowd at regattas as well.
“The cameradery is one of the better parts of the whole deal,” he said. “Everybody is real helpful with each other.”
On Saturday, that extended to Marah Kviltine, a 30-year-old St. Petersburg resident who crews for regattas when she can. She doesn’t have her own boat, but cut her teeth in trimarans.
“I was never competitive until I started racing Sailbirds,” she said. “It’s great because it’s not just skill. Some of it is luck, some is knowledge. They say it’s like chess, but the board is moving. You get to be outdoors, you get a workout, you get to work on your tan and go to great parties.”
No wonder why these guys see each other all the time.
Reprinted courtesy of Sun Newspapers
Posted 2-9-14
Day One in the books

Phil Sanchez
and Matt Krupke took home two bullets, but a rough first race cost them
valuable space on the leaderboard, as William Jeffers and William Whalen took
the lead after three races in the Hobie 16 fleet of the 5th annual
Charlotte Harbor Regatta Friday.
Five classes competed on Day One, with six more set to join the action today and Sunday
Ravi Parent and Ken Marshack went 1-2 all day in the F 18 class to stand atop the fleet after three races Friday. A steady 10-knot breeze out of the east powered the sailors through the first race and gradually dropped down to a difficult light air final race.
John Adams and Knox Rodgers outdueled Bill Raska in the F16 class, while Keith Rice and Richard Stephens traded firsts in four races in the Weta class. Rice has a one-point lead heading into Day Two, as Stephens logged a third place in Race Two, while Rice finished second in the two races he didn’t win.
Jim Rodenkirk won a pair of races to take the lead in the WindRider17 class, three ahead of Bill Lee and Bruce Draper, who each won one of the four races Friday.
The Sunfish, Flying Scot, Wave, 2.4mR and Precision 15 classes join the action today, in addition to a Laser fleet featuring experimental wings in place of traditional sails.
Posted 2-7-14
Five classes competed on Day One, with six more set to join the action today and Sunday
Ravi Parent and Ken Marshack went 1-2 all day in the F 18 class to stand atop the fleet after three races Friday. A steady 10-knot breeze out of the east powered the sailors through the first race and gradually dropped down to a difficult light air final race.
John Adams and Knox Rodgers outdueled Bill Raska in the F16 class, while Keith Rice and Richard Stephens traded firsts in four races in the Weta class. Rice has a one-point lead heading into Day Two, as Stephens logged a third place in Race Two, while Rice finished second in the two races he didn’t win.
Jim Rodenkirk won a pair of races to take the lead in the WindRider17 class, three ahead of Bill Lee and Bruce Draper, who each won one of the four races Friday.
The Sunfish, Flying Scot, Wave, 2.4mR and Precision 15 classes join the action today, in addition to a Laser fleet featuring experimental wings in place of traditional sails.
Posted 2-7-14
The Will White Cup has arrived in Charlotte Harbor

The 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta will feature the Inaugural Will White Cup. Named in honor of Sunfish racing legend and “The Sunfish Bible” author Will White, the cup will be awarded to the winner of the Sunfish class.
The Notice of Race has been posted and online registration is open for the 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta set for Feb. 6-9, 2014. Go to www.charlotteharborregatta.com for information and registration.
The 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta will once again feature a wildly popular Pusser’s Rum Beach Party at Port Charlotte Beach Park. Limited on-site tent camping is available.
For participant, media and sponsor inquiries about the 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, e-mail Brian Gleason at gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com or call 941-206-1133.
The Notice of Race has been posted and online registration is open for the 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta set for Feb. 6-9, 2014. Go to www.charlotteharborregatta.com for information and registration.
The 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta will once again feature a wildly popular Pusser’s Rum Beach Party at Port Charlotte Beach Park. Limited on-site tent camping is available.
For participant, media and sponsor inquiries about the 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, e-mail Brian Gleason at gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com or call 941-206-1133.
2014 CHR to feature Will White Cup for Sunfish class

The 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta will feature the Inaugural Will White Cup. Named in honor of Sunfish racing legend and “The Sunfish Bible” publisher Will White, the cup will be awarded to the winner of the Sunfish class.
The 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta once again feature a wildly popular Pusser’s Rum Beach Party at Port Charlotte Beach Park. Limited on-site tent camping is available.
For participant, media and sponsor inquiries about the 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, e-mail Brian Gleason at gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com or call 941-206-1133.
The 5th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta once again feature a wildly popular Pusser’s Rum Beach Party at Port Charlotte Beach Park. Limited on-site tent camping is available.
For participant, media and sponsor inquiries about the 2014 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, e-mail Brian Gleason at gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com or call 941-206-1133.
2013 Charlotte Harbor Regatta featured on Paradise TV

Nice Charlotte Harbor Regatta feature with race video and interviews from Paradise TV. Click here.
Wetas duel to the gate in Charlotte Harbor Regatta
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More video coverage on Mainsail News TV![]() This Weta duel was great to watch live. Check out all the exciting Charlotte Harbor Regatta racing on Mailsail News TV.
Thanks to Jeff Dreschler of Mainsail News TV, media boat sponsors Holidaze Boat Rental and Aaron's Rental. |
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Consistent MacCausland wins 2013 Laser Masters Midwinters East

Photo by Sue Killion
John MacCausland's consistency powered him to the top of the 2013 Laser Masters Midwinters East regatta by three points over Peter Shope. The Saturday and Sunday edge held up as racing was cancelled for the final day of the event Monday on Charlotte Harbor. Shifty winds in the low teens and gusting higher at times challenged the competitors throughout the day Sunday.
“I prefer shifty conditions,” MacCausland said. “The wind is always challenging you, but it can also be on your side and allow you to get ahead.”
With 20 and 23 points respectively, MacCausland and Shope held a wide margin over a pair of sailors -- Buddy Heausler and David Heibert -- who tied for second with 34 points.
Michelle Davis earned the top woman prize, finishing 20th overall in the 60-boat fleet.
Heibert wound up with the apprentice masters title while Heausler topped the grandmasters division. Tim Millhiser won the great grandmaster division. For complete results, click here.
“I prefer shifty conditions,” MacCausland said. “The wind is always challenging you, but it can also be on your side and allow you to get ahead.”
With 20 and 23 points respectively, MacCausland and Shope held a wide margin over a pair of sailors -- Buddy Heausler and David Heibert -- who tied for second with 34 points.
Michelle Davis earned the top woman prize, finishing 20th overall in the 60-boat fleet.
Heibert wound up with the apprentice masters title while Heausler topped the grandmasters division. Tim Millhiser won the great grandmaster division. For complete results, click here.
Winners dominate their classes in the 4th annual CHR

Photo by Sue Killion
The winners of the eight classes in the 4th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta did so by winning early and winning often. Williams Jeffers and William Whalen dominated the Hobie 16 class, winning four races and placing second twice to top the Hobie 16 fleet in the 4th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
Richard Stephen did the same in the Weta class, finishing no worse than second in 10 races to top Keith Rice. Jack Woehrle won four of five races in the Hobie Wave class to claim the victory burgee. Steve Shaw and Henry Picco won every race in the Flying Scot class and Christi and Jan van Heek won four of five races in the Precision 15 fleet.
Father and son F16 team Zachary and Matthew Lynch won what was essentially a match race over Knox Rodger and John Adams, taking four of five races. Nick Bryan-Brown topped his brother-in-law Brian Thorpe, winning four of five contests on their 2.4mRs. In the Sunfish class, Liz Clark took advantage of Sunday DNSs to win.
For complete results, click here.
Richard Stephen did the same in the Weta class, finishing no worse than second in 10 races to top Keith Rice. Jack Woehrle won four of five races in the Hobie Wave class to claim the victory burgee. Steve Shaw and Henry Picco won every race in the Flying Scot class and Christi and Jan van Heek won four of five races in the Precision 15 fleet.
Father and son F16 team Zachary and Matthew Lynch won what was essentially a match race over Knox Rodger and John Adams, taking four of five races. Nick Bryan-Brown topped his brother-in-law Brian Thorpe, winning four of five contests on their 2.4mRs. In the Sunfish class, Liz Clark took advantage of Sunday DNSs to win.
For complete results, click here.
Multihulls kick off 2013 Charlotte Harbor Regatta

Keith Rice and Richard Stephens traded bullets in the Weta class to kick off the 4th annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. William Jeffers and William Whalen dominated the Hobie 16 fleet, with three wins in four races to grab a two-point lead of Jim Sajdak and Tina Pastoor, who won the final race of the day. Rice won the first two races in the Weta fleet and Stephens paid him back with wins in the two final races. The Hobies and Wetas will be joined today by the Hobie Wave class in one of three circles set up across Charlotte Harbor.
Five more fleets, including the 60-strong Laser Masters fleet, will join the action today. Other classes competing on another circle include the Flying Scots, Sunfish, Precision 15s and 2.4mRs.
For complete results, click one Laser Results or CHR Results above.
Five more fleets, including the 60-strong Laser Masters fleet, will join the action today. Other classes competing on another circle include the Flying Scots, Sunfish, Precision 15s and 2.4mRs.
For complete results, click one Laser Results or CHR Results above.
Videos from the 2012 IFDS Worlds on Charlotte Harbor

Click on "2012 IFDS Worlds video" in the menu above to see the exciting video coverage of the 2012 IFDS Worlds on Charlotte Harbor. The videos were produced by T2P.TV's Ashley Love and funded by a grant from the Florida Sports Foundation.
Copies of the video are available for showing at local boating and sailing club events, meetings, etc. For a DVD copy of the video, contact Brian Gleason at 941-206-1133 or gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com.
Copies of the video are available for showing at local boating and sailing club events, meetings, etc. For a DVD copy of the video, contact Brian Gleason at 941-206-1133 or gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com.
Sunny sailing on Charlotte Harbor

From the Int'l 2.4mR Class Association newsletter:
"There are winter regattas for the 2.4mR sailor in Florida every year but the 2011-2012 circuit was busier, and better attended, than usual. First up was the Americas Regatta December 2-4 in St. Petersburg with 17 boats competing. Mark Leblanc was first followed by Paul Tingley in second and Allan Leibel third. With just a couple of days off most of the sailors from St. Petersburg, and a few additions, next made their way to Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda for the Pre-Worlds regatta. The 19 sailors there enjoyed mostly light winds and great hospitality from the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. The winner was Helena Lucas with Paul Tingley in second and Bruce Millar third. After this regatta the Charlotte Harbor YC generously allowed competitors to store their boats at the Club until after the holidays for the IFDS Worlds across the harbor in Punta Gorda.
Returning to Punta Gorda for the IFDS Worlds in January were 22 competitors who had nice weather, although several days of light wind, the whole week. Disabled World Champion was Damien Seguin with Thierry Schmitter second and Paul Tingley third. The competitors then packed up and moved to Miami for the 2.4mR class midwinters, which was a good tune up for the Miami OCR, and the OCR itself. With 25 entries the Miami OCR had the biggest fleet of all the regattas and excellent weather continued. In Miami Damien Seguin was first again, with Paul Tingley second and Barend Kol third. Mark Leblanc put two boats between himself and John Ruf, overcoming the deficit he had coming from the IFDS Worlds and winning the US trials for the Paralympics."
Submitted by Charles Rosenfield USA NCA Secretary.
"There are winter regattas for the 2.4mR sailor in Florida every year but the 2011-2012 circuit was busier, and better attended, than usual. First up was the Americas Regatta December 2-4 in St. Petersburg with 17 boats competing. Mark Leblanc was first followed by Paul Tingley in second and Allan Leibel third. With just a couple of days off most of the sailors from St. Petersburg, and a few additions, next made their way to Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda for the Pre-Worlds regatta. The 19 sailors there enjoyed mostly light winds and great hospitality from the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. The winner was Helena Lucas with Paul Tingley in second and Bruce Millar third. After this regatta the Charlotte Harbor YC generously allowed competitors to store their boats at the Club until after the holidays for the IFDS Worlds across the harbor in Punta Gorda.
Returning to Punta Gorda for the IFDS Worlds in January were 22 competitors who had nice weather, although several days of light wind, the whole week. Disabled World Champion was Damien Seguin with Thierry Schmitter second and Paul Tingley third. The competitors then packed up and moved to Miami for the 2.4mR class midwinters, which was a good tune up for the Miami OCR, and the OCR itself. With 25 entries the Miami OCR had the biggest fleet of all the regattas and excellent weather continued. In Miami Damien Seguin was first again, with Paul Tingley second and Barend Kol third. Mark Leblanc put two boats between himself and John Ruf, overcoming the deficit he had coming from the IFDS Worlds and winning the US trials for the Paralympics."
Submitted by Charles Rosenfield USA NCA Secretary.
Gardner, Witte go wire-to-wire to win 2012 Charlotte Harbor Regatta

Annie Gardner and crewmate Eric Witte in the 2012 Charlotte Harbor Regatta.
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FLA. – Annie Gardner and Eric Witte went wire to wire to capture the F16 title, as a Sunday lull forced an early end to the 3rd annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. John Casey took the F18 victory and Wally Myers won the Hobie 16 class.
John Sherry and Nelson Wright traded places for the third straight day in the Hobie Wave class, as Sherry’s win Sunday light air race making the difference. In the Weta class, Dick Stephens topped Keith Rice on the strength of five wins in 10 races, while Tom Reese slipped into third past Ben Arthur. Skip Mansfield topped two-time winner Bob Sween in the Precision 15 class.
Mark Taylor and Nikki Holland earned top honors in the Flying Scot over Steve Shaw and Isao Toyama with Ryan Walsh and Joey Mello in third. In the Sunfish class, Jim Richter won over Paul Odegarrd and Phil Mewhinney.
Riley McDonald took second in the F16 class on the strength of two wins in five races Saturday after Spring Fever scoring vaulted him past Zachary Lynch who finished third. Taylor Reiss and Robbie Danile were second and third in the F18 class, with Ravi Parent in fourth.
Ken Hilk edged Jim Sadjak for second in the Hobie 16 class, despite Sadjak’s win in the only race on Sunday.
Sixty-four boats in eight classes competing in the 3rd annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Next year’s event will be held, Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2013.
John Sherry and Nelson Wright traded places for the third straight day in the Hobie Wave class, as Sherry’s win Sunday light air race making the difference. In the Weta class, Dick Stephens topped Keith Rice on the strength of five wins in 10 races, while Tom Reese slipped into third past Ben Arthur. Skip Mansfield topped two-time winner Bob Sween in the Precision 15 class.
Mark Taylor and Nikki Holland earned top honors in the Flying Scot over Steve Shaw and Isao Toyama with Ryan Walsh and Joey Mello in third. In the Sunfish class, Jim Richter won over Paul Odegarrd and Phil Mewhinney.
Riley McDonald took second in the F16 class on the strength of two wins in five races Saturday after Spring Fever scoring vaulted him past Zachary Lynch who finished third. Taylor Reiss and Robbie Danile were second and third in the F18 class, with Ravi Parent in fourth.
Ken Hilk edged Jim Sadjak for second in the Hobie 16 class, despite Sadjak’s win in the only race on Sunday.
Sixty-four boats in eight classes competing in the 3rd annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Next year’s event will be held, Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2013.
Catch all the exciting action
Main Sail News TV captured all the exciting action in the 2012 Charlotte Harbor Regatta. Below are highlights from Day Two, which featured 2-knot winds and plenty of acrobatic sailing on Charlotte Harbor. And yes, that is America3 navigator Annie Gardner interviewing 2012 CHR co-chair Sarah Buck in the video titled, "Why Charlotte Harbor?"
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