Race Committee: Race Director; Paul Busman, Head Score Keeper; Charlene Busman Registration/Set-up Crew/Videographer, Connie, Course set-up, Andy Barron, Rescue Fleet, Braulio.

Photos Link: https://www.nmmyc.com/df65-championships/2024-df65-championship

2024 DF65 Region 2 Championship Regatta By Paul Busman Region 2’s DF65 Championship Regatta was completed with ten sailors braving huge swings in the weather. Skippers had to master light winds, as well as strong winds (Officially, 1 to 11 MPH). They also had a fun time contending with overcast weather that transitioned to light rain before hitting the lake with heavy rain for two races before returning to sunshine again. The event took place at Lake Whittier, Frederick, Maryland and it proved to be an excellent venue, as the setting is perfect for regattas. Sail Wars sponsored this event in which entrants received trophies, prizes, any meal you wanted off the menu, and beverages. This was another spectacular event hosted by the Northern Maryland Model Yacht Club. Sail Wars volunteer Connie filmed the racing for Sail Wars, Paul Busman served as Race Director and Charlene kept the scores accurately. Andy ensured the course was set up to perfection. They also organized an efficient tech line to check everyone’s boats which included; boat inspection, ensuring proper keel length and weighing the batteries. Everything was checked really well as required. Once sign-in was completed a Skipper’s meeting was held and the racing commenced in nice winds. The race day would consist of 12 races with one throw-out. The competition was fierce, as there were many races where the fleet battled from start to finish. It started with Mike Campbell dominating the first three races and it looked like he was going to run away with it until Bart and Mahi were able to topple him in the fourth race. From this point on Mike started to fade, as the highest finish he would take after that was 3rd. Mike Campbell who represented New Jersey, ended up taking third overall in the Regatta as he did the year before. Bart tied Mike Campbell by winning 3 of the 12 races and never finishing lower than 5th which was his throw-out. Mari Spina was very consistent as she only had one first place finish, but six, second place finishes as she ended up finishing 2nd overall. Mike Cavanaugh overcame four 6th place and one eight place finish to take forth overall. Rob Dutton finished just one point behind him for fifth place. Bart and Mahi sealed their third consecutive Regional Championship in races 10 thru 12 by taking two seconds and a first in the light wind after lunch. It was a really exciting event, with really close racing and we were so lucky that it will be featured on Sail Wars! We even saw Colin’s boat sink! The weather really tested our sailors and made for a memorable regatta. The 12 races seemed to fly by, as everyone enjoyed themselves. This was one of those well organized and planned out regattas, where there was a lot of comradery and good sportsmanship amongst everyone. The “Sail Wars” YouTube crew was filming and interviewing the racers, so look for some great videos from this event. Braulio won the prestigious “Sail Wars Sportsmanship” award, as his rescue boats were kept very busy. A special “thank you” to all of volunteers that made this event so successful! A perfect venue, fantastic food, exciting sailing action, and a well-run event. From the great comments, I heard afterwards…this is a must attend event for next year! Well done, skippers and volunteers! Congratulations Mahi and Bart! Summary of the 2024 DF65 R2CR, Red Chevrons Date: Sept 7th Location: Frederick, Md Host Club: Northern Maryland Model Yacht Club #415 Race Director: Paul Busman Entries: 11 Weather: Overcast, light rain, heavy rain and Sunny Winds: 1-11 mph Races Completed: 12 Scoring: Low Point; with 1 throw-out 2024 DF65 R2CR Results Place Skipper Sail# Points (12 races, 1 drop) 1 Bart Drummond 777 27 (3, 1sts) 2 Mari Spina 46 29 (1, 1st) 3 Michael Campbell 165 37 (3, 1sts) 4 Mike Cavanaugh 15 43 (2, 1sts) 5 Rob Dutton 53 44 (1, 1st) 6 John Barrett 23 60 (1, 1st) 7 Walter House 02 77 8 Alan Krusinger 78 90 9 James Crawley 630 91 10 Colin Parker 49 95 (1, 1st) Boat sank in race 8. 11. Chris Carpenter 965 DNS (boat problems)