The Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters prove that things do get better with age – both the sailors and the regatta itself which celebrated its 40^th annual this weekend. Special guests Happy Hubard and Jim Rodgers were both toasted at dinner along with current competitor and Chef Alain Vincey who all sailed in the very first FBYC Masters regatta in 1981. Alain shared the story of how the regatta was founded – in typical fashion sailors sharing a beer after racing labor day weekend decided to bring their boats and race with only the masters the following weekend and such the event was born. 40 years later the tradition continues and hundreds of sailors have taken part over the years.

Happy Hubard, James Jacob, Jim Rodgers, Kenzie Hubard, Alain Vincey & Anne Rogers

This year featured 49 sailors, 42 of which hailed from Virginia, Maryland or DC. The largest group was 22 sailors hailing from Severn Sailing Association and they took home a great haul finishing 1-5. This year was also the first year that this event split out the Legends (75+) sub-division from the Great Grand Masters (65-74) and 3 sailors competed for Legend title.

Weatherwise the weather was nearly perfect – mid to high 70s during the day, mostly clear and mid-50’s at night. Most of the races were sailed in 5-9 knots of wind out of the SSW. Most races lasted about 55 minutes which left a lot of time to make up for early mistakes and with such a large fleet, finding pressure and clear air were key – but so was being on the right side of the shifts that could come from either side of the course.

Henry Filter (SSA) got out to an early lead with bullets in the first two races.  Bob Tan (SSA) had a solid regatta with all top 10 finishes. James Jacob (SSA), who is no stranger to the podium at this regatta, was fast all the way around the course in Sunday’s race to be a contender again. Ted Morgan (SSA) and Scott Williamson (SSA) both sailed fast to cement top 5 finishes while Jon Deutsch, the top sailor from FBYC, finished 6^th.

Dave Waiting (SSA), an apprentice master, won the overall title for his second time with all top 5 finishes. Dorian Haldeman(SSA), Master, won the women’s title for her 4^th time and was presented with a newly created Women's perpetual trophy. The rest of the winners are as follows:

Overall Winner: David Waiting, Severn Sailing Association
1^st Woman: Dorian Haldeman, Severn Sailing Association

1^st Legend: David Hartman, NOMAD
2^nd Legend: James Graham, Potomac River Sailing Association

1^st Great Grand Master: Doug Hays, Southern Maryland Sailing Association
2^nd Great Grand Master: James Knab, Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association

1^st Grand Master: Bob Tan, Severn Sailing Association
2^nd Grand Master: James Jacob, Severn Sailing Association

1^st Master: Ted Morgan, Severn Sailing Association
2^nd Master: Ken Mangano, Eastport Yacht Club

1^st Apprentice Master: David Waiting, Severn Sailing Association
2^nd Apprentice Master: Scott Williamson, Severn Sailing Association

Rick Klein and a veteran crew of Race Committee members did an excellent job keeping the course square and getting races started and finished. Their patience when the wind wasn’t right ensured we got the most out of the good wind we did have. Alain Vincey with help from John Hubbard, Anna Hubbard and all of the chefs put on a marvelous dinner of Lobster Bisque and Steak Au Poivre that was one of the highlights of Saturday evening.

Finally – thank you to all of the sailors who make this tradition part of their fall calendar. We really do appreciate having you and you are what make this regatta so much fun for the old and the older alike.

RESULTS | PICTURES by Paul Almany, John Hubbard & Anna Hubbard