2017 Croakerfest Regatta on Sat, July 1, 2017

This year’s Croakerfest Regatta was well attended with 30 boats competing in three One Design Classes. A diverse group of sailors, both young and not so young, hailing from as far away as Hawaii came to the event. Twelve Sunfish, twelve FJs and six Optimist Dinghies sailed on two race courses set on the waters next to the Town of Oriental.
The Optis sailed four short course races inside the bridge on the more protected waters of Green’s Creek. The FJ and Sunfish Class boats sailed in the challenging waters on the Neuse River directly in front of the town.
In a building southwesterly breeze punctuated by several rain squalls, the competitors sailed two windy races. With sustained winds reaching over 20 mph, the race committee called it a day and all the competitors made it safely back to shore. A lively group enjoyed refreshments and swapped stories of the day’s excitement in the shade of Grace Evan’s lawn.
The two “cracker-jack” race committee teams did a fantastic job. A big thank-you goes to Bob Luhrs, John Hyde, Peter Capp, Mick Roberts, George and Marilyn Sechrist, Paul Welles, Caroline and Jackie Welles, Chase Sasser, Joe Mattea (loaned signal flags), Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer, and especially to Nancy Welles for the scoring and post-race refreshments.
The Optis sailed four short course races inside the bridge on the more protected waters of Green’s Creek. The FJ and Sunfish Class boats sailed in the challenging waters on the Neuse River directly in front of the town.
In a building southwesterly breeze punctuated by several rain squalls, the competitors sailed two windy races. With sustained winds reaching over 20 mph, the race committee called it a day and all the competitors made it safely back to shore. A lively group enjoyed refreshments and swapped stories of the day’s excitement in the shade of Grace Evan’s lawn.
The two “cracker-jack” race committee teams did a fantastic job. A big thank-you goes to Bob Luhrs, John Hyde, Peter Capp, Mick Roberts, George and Marilyn Sechrist, Paul Welles, Caroline and Jackie Welles, Chase Sasser, Joe Mattea (loaned signal flags), Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer, and especially to Nancy Welles for the scoring and post-race refreshments.