Menantic Yacht Club: Wild, exhilarating day on the water

One week after searching for wind, Menantic Yacht Club sailors found all they could handle on Sunday. 

Twenty sailors checked-in with the Race Committee prior to racing for the Menantic Yacht Club’s fourth series of Sunfish racing on July 18. It was the most exhilarating race day this season, a pretty wild day on the water, and by day’s end only 16 boats were left floating. There were multiple flips, even by experienced sailors, broken parts and frayed nerves. Several sailors decided to retire before the first signal but all remaining sailors had a ball.

For the first time in living memory the Menantic Yacht Club started its Sunfish races at 11 a.m. instead of its 2 p.m. normal start time. But, then again, the World Cup finals, with a 3 p.m. start time, don’t come along very often, so by popular request, racing time was moved up. It took some work and a great group of volunteers to make it happen. Some of the sailors were extremely happy with the early start because, as it turned out, the wind was much stronger in the morning — 15 knots gusting to maybe 20 — than it was later in the day.

Sunday was a day of many flips and many stories. Five sailors retired before racing even started, Steve Shepstone, Jodi Sisley with a broken part, Helen Roussel, Bill Martens, and Isabel Parra. After the second race Kate Duff was able to limp home with a broken part.    

In the first race, Peter Due proved that chivalry isn’t dead. Kate Bogart lost her hat just in front of Peter. He went to grab it and immediately flipped, costing him five places. Another sailor, Will Lehr, abandoned his boat to help Peter Zahn, who was having serious trouble. While helping Peter, Will’s boat turtled and the mast got stuck in the bottom muck turning the top of the sail black. Luckily his brand new sail was still sitting in his car. His selfless act epitomizes the sportsmanship that defines the MYC.

Other flipees included Linda Gibbs, who retired after two races, and both Modicas, Charlie Jr. and Charlie Sr., who flipped between races. Charlie Jr. quickly righted his boat and placed second in that race. As John Modica would no doubt be happy to tell you, he did not flip and moved even further ahead of Charlie in their rivalry. Our youngest sailor, Timothy Mitchell, went over twice and quickly righted himself both times. Even after his sheet got tangled in the mast on his second flip, Timothy quickly fixed the problem and went on to sail all six races. Way to go, Timothy!

Welcome back Lee Montes and Rich Prieto, who joined us for the first time this season.   

With the field whittled down to 16 boats, the fleet was fairly close packed and there were a number of photo finishes. There was some really good racing. The top five racers were only separated by 31 points. Five different sailors each took home a first place finish, including Charlie Jr., Rachel Beardsley, Eric Ryan, Kate Bogart and Peter Beardsley with two. It was fun watching the top sailors trying to out-maneuver each other right at the finish. During one race, Paul Zinger sailed so close to the Race Committee (RC) boat that he clipped the pole holding the RC flag, maybe because he lost his glasses during an earlier race. Fortunately, no harm done.

Kudos to all the sailors who went out on Sunday in challenging conditions. Kudos also to those sailors who recognized their limits and decided to forgo racing in Sunday’s wind. Putting safety first is the MYC’s most important tenet.  

Betty Bishop and her crewmate, Richard Masse, were kept really busy on Sunday going from one flipped boat to another because of the strong breeze. Richard spent a lot of time in the water. The mark boat, captained by Matt Fox and crewed by Lucy Browne, set marks and helped flipped sailors as well. I’m sure that they were all tired at the end of the day. Many thanks to all. 

Betsy Colby, our PRO, was assisted by Marian Thomsen and yours truly. Fortunately for me, the RC was short a person so there was room for me to join them; had I raced, I would more than likely have retired early. I know my limitations. The wind was strong and longer courses were set. The RC crew worked the sailors hard, got in six races and everyone was home in time to enjoy a cold brew while watching the World Cup. Thank you, all.

The after-race party, graciously hosted by Anita and Jonathan Brush, was well attended. Jonathan expertly manned the grill before a crowd of sailors who were definitely hungry after an early race and a strenuous afternoon rooting for their favorite World Cup team. There was no shortage of delicious food and desserts. Many thanks to Anita and Jonathan, who, as Stephanie Zinger noted, also managed to provide a perfect, cool evening with a spectacular view of West Neck Creek. 

We are a very congenial family-friendly club, open to all. We may not have a clubhouse, but the sailing is great, the camaraderie is superb, and we just have tremendous fun. All sailors, novice to expert, are welcome. Just show up in West Neck Harbor at 2 p.m. on any Sunday through Labor Day, check in with the Race Committee, giving them your full name and sail number, and be sure to bring your life jacket.

Non-sailors are also welcome to assist with the Race Committee boat and the stake boat. You can get more information about the MYC on Facebook at Menantic Yacht Club, or from Bob Harris at [email protected] or 505-235-5844. Remember that you are out there to have fun.

See you on the water.

Results:          Pts.   Place

Charlie Modica Jr. 12 1

Peter Beardsley 16 2

Eric Ryan     21 3

Kate Bogart     36 4

Paul Zinger     38 5

Rachel Beardsley 43 6

Rich Prieto     44 7

John Modica     44 8

Alicia Rojas     51 9

Peter Due 64 10

Charlie Modica 67 11

Denise Fenchel 71 12

Will Lehr 71 13

Lee Montez     77 14

Tim Mitchell     93 15

John Colby 97 16

Kate Duff 110 17

Tom McMahon 116 18

Peter Zahn 119 19

Linda Gibbs 122 20