2025 DF65 Region 2 Championship Regatta By Walter House Region 2’s DF65 Championship Regatta had thirteen of the best sailors in the country competing for the championship. The weather was absolutely perfect and the competitors would have to master the variable winds (1-8 mph). The event took place at Lake Whittier, in Frederick, Maryland and it proved to be an excellent venue, as the setting was perfect. Sail Wars and Brother’s Pizza co-sponsored this event in which entrants received great food and beverages. This was another spectacular event hosted by the Northern Maryland Model Yacht Club. Sail Wars volunteer Walter House served as Race Director and Paul Busman kept the scores accurately. They also organized an efficient tech line to check everyone’s boats which included checking the keel length and weighing the batteries. Once the sign-in was completed, the Skipper’s meeting was held and the racing commenced. The race day would consist of nine, two-lap races with one throw-out. The competition was fierce, as there were many races where the fleet battled from start to finish. The biggest question coming into the regatta was if Bart and Mahi could win for the fourth time in a row. Kyle Russell wasn’t having a Mahi four-peat. He was focused and laser sharp on this day, as he won four of the races. Five other sailors all won one race each. Bart and Kyle battled back in forth the whole day with it all coming down to the very last race. Three quarters of race nine were completed and Bart easily had a 50-foot lead on Kyle heading down to the last gate. Mahi was moving faster than he had all day. With only one quarter of the race left, disaster struck! Mahi snagged his ballast on the start/finish mark and stopped dead in the water. By the time Bart could work his way off the mark, eight boats had passed him. Kyle ended up finishing first place in the race and became the Regional Champion by one point. Congratulations Kyle! There were so many great moves and terrific strategies incorporated. But also, bad luck and pitfalls during the races which really impacted the final standings! Mike Campbell was doing well until he fouled Bob Adams and ended up getting hung up. This collision ended up costing him two races! There were also just some great sailing, as stealing wind from others was great fun for the competitors fighting for position. The nine races seemed to fly by, as everyone enjoyed themselves and the comradery was second to none. Walter House showed that you could compete with in A-Rig, as he took third place. Sail Wars provided three beautiful crystal trophies for the winners. This was one of those well organized and planned out regattas, where there was a lot of smiles and good sportsmanship amongst everyone. Scott Dockum won the prestigious “Sail Wars Sportsmanship” award which is given to the sailor who typifies what being a great person and competitor is all about. A special “thank you” to all of volunteers that made this event so successful! A perfect venue, fantastic pizza galore, 15 kinds of beverages, 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 organizers!