ILCA Masters took over Fishing Bay Yacht Club for the 43^rd Chesapeake Bay ILCA Masters Championship last weekend. Of the 39 boats – Dave Chapin from Lake Eustis Sailing Club was the top Great Grand Master and took the overall title while Dorian Haldeman from Severn Sailing Association was the 2^nd Master and top female for her 6^th time. The fleet launched on Saturday to light winds out of the North and a long downwind sail to Godfrey Bay on the Piankatank River. The first race was started shortly after 11 in light wind and was shortened for the second leg when the wind shifted to the east. Top finishers in race 1 were Gavin O’Hare (SSA), Scott Adam, and Dave Chapin (LESC).

The wind continued to build for the 2^nd race, sometimes hitting double digits, and continuing to be shifty. Dave Chapin won the race followed by David Waiting (SSA) and Gavin O’Hare (SSA).

By the 3^rd race of the day the wind had built into the upper teens with gusts reaching to 21 and some waves. This race really tested the sailors – some of whom wished they had swapped to a smaller rig. Several sailors retired early. Dave Chapin once again showed his prowess in the chop winning the race with Luke Shingledecker (SSA) and George Slook (SSA) just behind.

The 39 boat fleet was down to 27 for the 4^th and final race of the day and the wind did ease to a more comfortable mid-teens. Like the prior 3 races, this one also started under the P-flag, but this time three boats needed to be called back and 1 boat restarted. Scott Adam was the race winner followed by Luke Shingledecker and Dave Chapin.

With four races complete, a dwindling fleet, and less wind for a long sail home meant the fleet was sent in for the day. Saturday night featured Jon’s not yet famous BBQ ribs. There was a gorgeous sunset as the fleet and volunteers ate in the screened porch.

Thanks to all who helped us feed everyone and prepare the meal: Luke Shingledecker, Gretta, Scott Adam, Mike Toms, John Hubbard, Gavin O’Hare, and Jess Deutsch.

Sunday’s forecast wasn’t calling for much wind and it delivered.  After a little hoping that the forecast would give way to enough wind to sail, racing was called off around 11 and the results from Saturday would stand.

FBYC had five sailors among the fleet with Len Guenther as the top finisher at 7^th overall and 3^rd Grand Master. Also sailing were Jon Deutsch, Mark Wensell, Mike Toms and Holly Sears.

Thank you to our on the water Race Management team of Rick Klein, Joe Roos, Brad Miller, Peter Dutnell, David Lee, John Hubbard, Alex Alvis, Donna Alvis, Catherine Clark, George G, Sharon Bauer, Steve Wirt, Becky Dale, David Clark. Along with Jess Deutsch and Jennifer Velo on the safety boat.  Photo boats with Paul Almany were David Lennarz and Noah Wensell.

Thank you to our protest committee of Mayo Tabb, Paul Almany (yes he’s back in person) and Brad Miller for hearing the one redress about an OCS.

Next year the 44th Chesapeake Bay Masters is tentatively scheduled for October 4-5, 2025.

Overall Winner: Dave Chapin, Lake Eustis Sailing Club
1st Woman: Dorian Haldeman, Severn Sailing Association

1st Legend: Rich Parolski, Ocean City Sailing Club
2nd Legend: James Graham, Potomac River Sailing Association

1st Great Grand Master: Dave Chapin, Lake Eustis Sailing Club
2nd Great Grand Master: Robert Koci, St JamesTown Sailing Club

1st Grand Master: Scott Adam
2nd Grand Master: Gavin O’Hare, Severn Sailing Association

1st Master: Luke Shingledecker, Severn Sailing Association
2nd Master: Dorian Haldeman, Severn Sailing Association

1st Apprentice Master: David Waiting, Severn Sailing Association
2nd Apprentice Master: Jon Deutsch, Fishing Bay Yacht Club

RESULTS | Pictures | Paul Almany Pictures | John Hubbard Pictures | VIDEO