2010-2011 Fleet Championships Commence

At 12:00 11-7-10, nine of the most competitive racers in Oceanside Harbor cracked the Start Line for the 2010-2011 Lido 14, Fleet 21 Championship Series. The 6th title will be engraved on the Van Slyke Trophy in May 2011, honoring the Fastest Lido in town. Although several of the most contentious names were absent, several new boats were making their presence felt.

The first windward mark rounding found Gary Hall and Jim Lackey in Hulakai II demonstrating their transom to the fleet. Gary brings as much racing experience to the race course as all the other boats combined. A previous Lido 14 racer, Gary has taken a decades- long sabbatical to race many other boats, most recently his late Catalina 270, Hulakai.

Building on momentum from last year's Champ Series, Diana and Steve Rhodes moved into the passing lane to claim the first shotgun. New Lido Crewman, Grant was aboard Hot Damn, controlling the front half of Jeff Slatterwhite's craft. They found close combat with Brian and Teresa in It's Not Pink. Lido 1497 was bought new in 1961 by Brian's family. It was sold 10ish years ago to a family friend, but was never sailed. A recently rekindled interest in sailing compelled Brian to re-purchase the prodigal sloop, still in perfect un-restored vintage condition.


The Salmon? Mango? Tangerine? Apricot gel-coat IS NOT PINK.

Oceanside Yacht Club's Lido 14 was campaigned by Junior Program Director, Tim Gallagher with the help of Jennifer. New to the Lido 14, they found the gas pedal by the later races, posting a 3rd for the fifth race.

Last Summer's Beercan winner, Danny Avina, arrived with new crew, Sarah, and improved throughout the day's races to claim 3rd for the day in his most recent of several Lidos, OXO.

Last year's Fleet 21 Champion, Larry Rowe, crewed for P C Van Slyke in Red Tide.

Sue Dijkman in Lazlo posted consistently high finishes culminating with a win in the 4th race, 2nd place for the day was the reward.
Buckaroo with Given Harrison and Lou were helped with a 2nd place in Race 1.
The rust and dust gathered in the past couple of idle months were chased off by several jarring contacts during the day.

Gary and Jim gave Hulakai an ad-lib shampoo job after a jibe, complicated by an errant mainsheet snarl. The immediate response of the entire fleet resulted in a quick curtain to the impromptu water ballet. P C, aided by Sarah,righted the turtle and Hulakai was bailed, then delivered to the ramp by James Conner, Jr Commodore of OYC. Passage for the wet crew was arranged by quick acting Lazlo and Buckaroo. “N” flag down. Class Flag Up. Then down. Race 4 was underway.
 Diana and Steve punctuated the day's lesson with a race 5 win. Any questions??

Tim Gallagher offered Oceanside Yacht Club's sparkling Harbor View for friendly rules arguments, lies, trophies, and general good time camaraderie. After a practice race on December 5th, the Championships will continue in January 2011 on a date that will be announced soon.
Results can be seen at Lido 14 Race Results Nov 7th 2010