David Ramos convincingly won the Star 45 National Championship Regatta which ended today, with his son Alex Ramos (2nd place) and Scott Graf (3rd).  Dave’s name is already engraved on that trophy 6 times; this will make seven, and Alex’s name is on there twice.

Not only that, but Dave is the hardest working man in show business: he and Scott organized CPM Race Week, of which this regatta is a part, including regattas for five classes and a down the River distance race;  he competes (and usually wins) in every class, and spends most of his time before and between races helping everyone else get their boats sorted.  And he builds championship winning boats for most of those classes.  Thanks Dave, and congratulations.

Wind direction was steady but strong on Monday, 5 to 18 mph, bringing out a couple of B rigs in the afternoon.  Tuesday started moderate but built to all we wanted to handle by the last race.  Gusts were up to 24 mph, causing havoc with boats nosediving and spinning out — often at crowded mark roundings — but no rescues were necessary, and the few protests were voluntarily settled on the water.  Racing on big water with big winds stretches the skills of us lake sailors, and this is why we should do it when we have the chance.  Plus it’s the most fun sailing there is.

The class rises to recognize superlative course setting by Mark Fleckenstein, and race committee work and scoring by Judy Bonanno and Dave Branning.  Judy took the photos too.  Hats off, thank you!  Every time I come here I wonder why I haven’t come back sooner.  My only regret is that more of you were not here for it — it’s your loss!

Scores are posted below.  More pictures will be online soon.

Rick Ferguson

star45class.com