EC12 Class News

Ahoy Gang

I have been sailing these wonderful model yachts for a little over 20 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. For 18 of those years, I have served in some form of voluntary position. First as Newsletter Editor for the Florida Association. Then as that organization's Chairman for ten years. And, now as your Class Secretary for the last six and half years. I feel for the first time, that I have let all of you down of late. I have just been in a funk. Trying to sit down at this computer to compose the newsletter for you has been a major struggle. You all deserve better from me. I am truly sorry for the four months without the news going out to the class.
     I have been doing things for the Class during this time. Registering boats, distributing cradle plans, securing the website for the next several years. These things have kept me busy as well as my job and family. I have also been working with Skip Allen who has taken over the role of Regatta Coordinator from Tom Phillips. I have to tell you he is doing a wonderful job too. Skip has been very busy with both the 2019 schedule updates as well as the 2020 schedule. I very much appreciate all the host clubs responding to Skip in a timely manner so that now we have most all of next year's regattas posted to both our Class site and the AMYA site. There is still some work to do, so PLEASE respond to Skip in a timely manner when he emails or calls. The sooner we get your regatta posted, the better it will be for your turnout as well as avoid conflicts with other classes.
     We have a number of regattas coming up. Some of them are just around the corner and they can all use some more entries. The Annapolis Regatta is August 24-25 and I am sure they will still let you in at this late date. Then of course we have the Nationals in Stowe Vermont. The deadline to enter is just a few days away. We need to fill this event up to the limit. If you have been paying attention to the Class Discussion site, you have seen the post from Chuck Luscomb on a special award to honor the memory of David Brawner. It will be awarded to a skipper who was voted by his or her peers to reflect the Spirit of Sailing that David has displayed all these many years. Go here to read more about it.
     Also coming up are the Harvest Moon Regatta in Marblehead MA, Soak at the Oak in High Point NC, The Fall Classic Housatonic in Bethany CT, which is also the Region 1 Championship, the BRAND NEW, Hagerstown Regatta in Maryland, and finally, the ever popular Wisteria Cup in Charleston SC to close out the month of October. Please check the schedule for the dates of these events and get your entries in as soon as possible.

The passing of David Brawner was a shock to all of us in the EC12 Class and all of model sailing as well. There was a wonderful celebration of his life at the home of Roger Baldwin. Judy Bonanno captured the event so well in photos. If you have not already seen the photos, Click here. And also see a beautiful series of photos of David over the past few years at regattas here.

Jacksonville Regatta

April 27-28 by Joe Walter

Perfect weather greeted the skippers at the fully remodeled hotel venue. Nice winds in plenty of different speeds but challenging directions was on tap. Jim Pardee and I were tasked with setting courses. We made a couple of pour choices but only because Mother Nature was F@&?ing with us. Brenda Pardee is a new rising star of Race Directors. She got the regatta started like the teacher she is... "eyes on me class!"

John Bottensek came out of retirement to win the first race. But, Jon Luscomb was right there with him and then took the lead with just 9 points in the first 5 races. Other skippers were making their mark on the regatta as well. Chuck Millican, Robert Greer, Ricky Gerry and Jim Kaighin all had bullets on the day.

The top five on Saturday with 2 temporary throw outs were; Jon Luscomb 40, Chuck Millican 43, Robert Greer 63, John Bottensek 65, and Jim Kaighin 66.

Right about now you are wondering where Alan Perkins is. Well unfortunately Alan was having chest pains Saturday morning and Doc Greer said go to the ER now. He and Liz did and they ended up spending the weekend in the hospital for observation and a bunch of tests. Alan did not have a heart attach. He and Liz are back home and he is doing fine. He will be back sailing with us in no time.

Sunday was more Chamber of Commerce weather, but the worst wind we could have at this lake. It came mostly from behind the hotel, which meant it was swirling around from all directions as it came down from six stories. The best we could do was set a course along the West side of the lake and just have to deal with the multitudes of 180 degree wind shifts. Also it was either drifting or blowing 5 kts, and many times it was doing that at the same time in different parts of the course. It would have been a dream course for Alan Perkins.

Jim Pardee again set great courses, given the difficulty of the wind, and Baron and I moved marks and chased boats. Bill Wells also chased boats when he wasn't busy on the finish line helping Brenda with scoring. Baron used a cool app called Afleet on his tablet to keep score. I want to get it for my iPad. But my daughters have it and I don't think I will ever see it again. Frank Ligon was the trophy guy this year and they sure were nice.

The battle for top spot was very close on Saturday, but Chuck Millican found a new gear and just stole the show on Sunday. However, it was Martin Gray who scored the most bullets (3) on Sunday to move up to 6th place in a borrowed boat. It was a beautiful day on the lake with really great people who all behaved wonderfully.

The Top Five:
1. Chuck Millican 59
2. Jon Luscomb 78
3. Ricky Gerry 96
4. Robert Greer 102
5. Jim Kaighin 111

Jon Luscomb took home the Florida Championship trophy, Chuck Millican was second, Joe (me) Walter dropped to 3rd and I knew it was going to happen, Robert Greer was 4th and Alan Perkins got 5th place.

Thanks to all the JMYC members who supported the event. A huge thanks to Brenda for doing a great job as RD. She doesn't know it yet, but she may get the job permanently.

RD Brenda Pardee presents the First Place trophy to Chuck Millican.

Jon Luscomb gets the Florida Championship Plaque from Chairman, George Balaschak and RD Brenda Pardee.

Roar at the Shorel Regatta

March 18 by Skip Hall

A picture perfect day greeted 14 skippers, Saturday May 18th ,at our 2019 R2CR EC12 Roar At The Shore#5 Regatta. The wind direction started out of the NNE at 6-8 mph and temperatures in the mid 70's. A truly chamber of commerce day! We began sailing promptly at 10:00am to sail as many races as we could since it was a one day regatta. We sailed sets of 3 races and took a short break in between. As the morning progressed the wind began clocking to the right to become ESE and finally settled into our preferred direction, SE at 8-10 mph. From the start it would become a three horse race between Dave Ramos, Dave Brawner and Jamie Betz, with Scott Graf and Dave Branning closely following for top five honors. At lunch time we reset the course to reflect the change in the wind direction and didn't move it the remainder of the day. As the afternoon progressed the top five would remain the same, Ramos, Brawner, Betz, Graf and Branning. After 13 spirited races we called it a regatta and began totally the results. With a throwout every 6 races we ended up with 2 throw outs. There would be a tiebreaker for second place between Dave Brawner and Jamie Betz, with Dave winning due his 3 bullets to Jamie's 2 bullets. Scot Graf finished fourth and Dave Branning finished fifth.

Such a beautiful venue.

This regatta could not have been the success it was if not for the race committee, Jerry Franko- scorekeeper, Harry Mote- mark setter, Judy Bonanno-our official photographer- lunch, Michele Sysyn-lunch & Karen Ann Hall- lunch. Job very well done everyone!! Everyone is looking forward to next years regatta and hoping for the same wind and weather... Judy's photo's can be seen at: ‪http://www.judybonanno.smugmug.com under "Sailing" then Roar at the Shore 2019.

The Top Five:
1. Dave Ramos    20
2. Dave Brawner 26-Tiebreaker
3. Jamie Betz       26
4. Scott Graf        39
5. Dave Branning 62

Dave Ramos accepts his First Place trophy from Skip Hall.

P.S.
We received news late Sunday afternoon that Dave Brawner had passed, a complete and total shock to everyone that knew him. We all have many happy memories of Dave, let's celebrate these memories always, especially during these trying times... Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa, Johnny and Andrew. He truly will be missed and always remembered...

"Fair Winds & Following Seas Dave"

Triangle Cup Regatta
May 18-19 by Rick Ferguson

It was a clear 64 degrees F and calm when the fourteen entrants arrived on Saturday, but the temperature warmed and wind filled in by race time, yielding very pleasant sailing conditions for the most part, dispelling the race committee’s fear of a drifter.

Winds on the lake surface are affected by the surrounding topography. The effect is magnified when winds are variable as they were on Saturday. Fortunately the only major shifts in the local wind were approximately 180 degrees, and it was a matter of flipping the race course and racing in the opposite direction, still more or less parallel to shore.

As the afternoon wore on, the weather system wind shifted and diminished, producing a period of calm followed by a nearly 90 degree shift. This required a significant course change but resulted in a good long upwind leg with variable wind patterns at the surface along the way; the fleet got in a good two-lap race on this course before calm settled in and ended racing for the day after 13 races. Reichard Kahle and Gerry Cobley demonstrated superior light air skill to dominate the day, with Skip Allen and Steve Helander getting in some good races and Ricky Gerry sailing consistently well on Saturday.

On Sunday morning, racers were greeted with a solid 10-13 mph SW wind with a clear fetch producing some mild chop. This wind remained consistent for the duration of the racing. The race committee was able to set a long windward-leeward leg with the start at the leeward end and finish in the middle. The course required no adjustment, making life easy for the RC. Most of the fleet retained their A rigs, and those who didn’t’ regretted it. Racing ended with 23 two-lap races completed, allowing each skipper three throw-outs.

Summary of the 2019 EC12 Triangle Cup Regatta, Green Chevrons
Date: May 18-19
Location: Lake Crabtree County Park, Raleigh NC
Host Club: Triangle Model Yacht Club (#28)
Entries: 14
Winds: Saturday 2-7 mph, variable direction; Sunday 10-13 SW
Races completed: 23
Scoring System: low point with 3 throw-outs
Regatta Committee & Valuable Assistants:
Race Director: Rick Ferguson; Scoring: Tom Rummage and Chase Thomas; Lunch: Michael Roberson; Drinks and ice: Dan Stomka, Skip Allen. General race organization assistance was provided by all.

Top Five Are:
1. Reichard Kahle     32
2. Gerry Cobley        39
3. Skip Allen             55
4. Ricky Gerry           78
5. Steve Helander      119

Editor's note: I sure wish we had some photos of this event to share with you all.

Green Mountain Regatta

June 8-9 by Robert De Gols

Stowe Yacht Club and The Commodores Inn held this annual event on the pond behind the Inn, in Stowe, Vermont. The regatta is part of the New England Cup Championship Series.

A near full fleet of 23 skippers were on the starting line this year, All regions were represented this year including 4 from Canada.

The weather conditions were perfect, comfortably Sunny and warm with breeze, gusty from time to time and variable in direction all the time.

Races were held in two fleets, based on the promotion / relegation system. This allowed 7 races (14 heats) on day 1 and 5 (10 heats) on day 2, for a total of 25. We finished racing around 1:30 on Sunday, served lunch followed by awards in order for skippers having long route back home to get started.

Competition was fierce, mainly between Chuck Millican and Dave Ramos, Through out this years event everyone sailed in the Corinthian Spirit all weekend. D.B. would be proud.
Chuck Millican pulled off 5 bullets and 10 podiums, for 17 points. Dave Ramos had 5 bullets and 7 podiums, for 22 points, followed by Rob Hill with 33 points, Brian Kerrigan with 38 points and Boots with 59 points…

Summary of the Green Mountain Regatta:
Class: EC12
Date: June 8 & 9, 2019
Location: Commodores Inn, Stowe, VT
Host Club: Stowe Yacht Club (#159)
Entries: 23
Winds: Moderate in force and variable in direction
Races completed: 12 (24 promotion / relegation heats)
Scoring System: Low-Point
Thanks to Race Committee: Bruce Nourjian, Rosemarie Fitzhugh, Bob & Suzan Letwenski, Louise Townsend, Fred Skeels, Wally Zinn, Jim Pitman and Robert De Gols

Top Five Are:
1. Chuck Millican      17
2. David Ramos         22
3. Rob Hill                 33
4. Brian Kerrigan       38
5. Bob Boutillier         59

Bob Boutillier 5th, Dave Ramos 2nd, Chuck Millican 1st, Rob Hill 3rd and Brian Kerrigan 4th.

Chicago Regatta

July 12-13 by Bob Armbruster

Class: EC12
Chevrons: Red, Region 4 Championship
Date: July 12 and 13, 2019
Location: Century Park, Vernon Hills, IL
Host Club: Chicago RC Model Yacht Club
Number of Entries: 11
Winds: 4 - 9 mph
Races completed: 26
Scoring System: Low Point System
Regatta Committee & Valuable Assistants: Don Zielinski, RD; Ralph Niedzwiecki, Asst. RD, Ed Jakubas, Asst. RD; Bob Armbruster, Registration; Jeff Gros; Marks Rescue Boat and Gear; Ken Chlebicki, Food.

Results:
1   Scott Mohring      51
2   Brett Biwer   62
3   Rich Mieling    86
4   Clark Fremgen 87
5   Bob Armbruster   109
6   Jeff Gros              129
7   Jim Kandler          150
8   Andy Kulikowski   155
9   Chris Chatain        166
10   Ron Schloemer    223
11   Andy Thorsen      236

Summary:
Sailors from Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois went head to head in the Chicago Classic EC12 Region 4 Championship Regatta. Varying wind conditions throughout the day and across the lake delivered plenty of surprises with positions often changing throughout the triangular course. The most successful skippers captured the shifts and rode them to their advantage, skimming across the water while others languished. Two days of fantastic sailing with good friends, good food and beautiful boats.

Upcoming Events

August

Aug 24-25, Annapolis Regatta, Stevensmill MD

September
Sep 12-14, National Championship Regatta, Stowe VT
Sep 21, Harvest Moon Regatta, Marbelhead MA

October
Oct 5-6, Soak at the Oak, High Point NC
Oct 12-13, Fall Classic Housatonic, Bethany CT, Region 1 Championship
Oct 19, Hagerstown Regatta, Hagerstown MD
Oct 19-20, Westeria Cup, Charleston SC

Ahoy Gang

In This Issue

Class Links

Jacksonville Regatta

Roar at the Shorel Regatta

Triangle Cup Regatta
May 18-19 by Rick Ferguson

Green Mountain Regatta

Chicago Regatta

Upcoming Events

Ahoy Gang

In This Issue

Class Links

Jacksonville Regatta

Roar at the Shorel Regatta

Triangle Cup Regatta May 18-19 by Rick Ferguson

Green Mountain Regatta

Chicago Regatta

Upcoming Events

Triangle Cup Regatta
May 18-19 by Rick Ferguson