Fierce competition in West Neck Harbor 

This past Sunday was perfect for the Menantic Yacht Club’s 10th and next to last Sunfish race series for the 2026 season. 

At the start of racing, with plenty of sunshine and wind in the 10-12 knot range, sailors had it fairly easy. However, as predicted, the wind steadily increased, gusting to around 17 knots by day’s end. Despite the increasing winds, there was only one flip and one crash. The Race Committee (RC) had a long anchor line out, and two boats got caught up on it just before the finish, frustrating for them and something I know only too well.

Nineteen sailors participated this past weekend, and the competition was fierce, especially among three sailors: Lee Montes, Eric Ryan and Erik Langendal. Those three sailors took either first, second or third in every race except one, when John Modica eked out a third in front of Eric R. in the fifth race. Erik L. hadn’t sailed with the fleet in several years and didn’t know the course.

On the first race he was way out in front but didn’t round the gate before heading to the finish. By the time he realized his error both Lee and Eric R. placed ahead of him in that race. Lee took four first-place finishes, Eric R. and Erik L. each took one, with Lee the overall winner on the day. 

There were a few photo finishes, and not only between the leaders, but also between other sailors as well. In two races, Tim Mitchell was bearing down toward the finish against Denise Fenchel in one and Rich Prieto in another, only to lose to both by a nose in both instances. We actually had to look at a photo to determine the winner in one race.

The mark boat, captained by Matt Fox with crew of Ben Gonzalez and Rich Masse, using Tom McMahon’s Whaler, set marks and then sat back. The safety boat, captained by Betty Bishop and crewed by Dave Daly, using Charlie Modica’s rib, had an enjoyable day as well. Overall, it was a good afternoon for all the volunteers. Thank you all.

Betsy Colby, our PRO, was out of town attending her son’s birthday party in Bristol, R.I. — Happy birthday Cole — a long time MYC member even if he is only 28! 

With the wind predicted to gust in the high teens, I decided to do RC instead of sailing. I know my limitations. Betsy’s well-trained crew of Marian Thomsen, Amy Cococcia, Kerry Mitchell and Mary Vetri using John Modica’s Shelter Island runabout again this week acted in their usual professional manner.

The crew loves this boat, John; thanks for offering it again next week. Alicia Rojas joined the crew for the first time. She is an experienced RC person and it was great having her on board. Betsy compiled the scores from afar. The RC ran six mixed races, giving the sailors quite a workout. Many thanks, you all did a superb job.

Many thanks also to Charlie for hosting the MYC last Monday on his 70-foot sailboat, Charm, for the second time this summer. It was a windy day and all 23 on board had a great time. We are looking forward to more cruises next summer.

Linda Gibbs and Tom McMahon will host the annual awards banquet after racing next Sunday.  You all know what to bring. Just prior to the banquet the MYC will hold its annual meeting. Linda and Tom ask that you arrive as early as possible — preferably by 5:45 p.m. — since it’s getting dark earlier and earlier and we can’t necessarily rely on the moon to light the proceedings. If you haven’t already brought me your perpetual trophies from last year please bring them to the party so we can award them to this year’s winners.

A special thank you to Highway Department Superintendent Ken Lewis Jr. and crew for mowing the North Silver Beach Town Landing where much of the MYC gathers before and after racing. 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 RC, 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 RC 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

Lee Montes 9 1

Erik Langendal   13 2

Eric Ryan 15 3

Rich Prieto 28 4

John Modica 36 5

Tim Mitchell 41 6

Denise Fenchel  48 7

Charlie Modica  56 8

Susanne Hulme     61 9

Will Lehr   63 10

Kate Duff   71 11

Peter Zahn 72 12

Linda Gibbs 80 13

Ed Kiaer   80 14

Joan Butler 81 15

Ruth Hakansen   82 16

Tom McMahon   91 17

Jonathan Brush   103 18

Jodi Sisley 116 19