Midwinters 2012Eight boats (4 USA and 4 CAN) sailed the 2012 version of the Midwinters at Davis Island YC. For 48 years this venue has been the only home that the Midwinters has known. This year none of the "friends" showed up for the annual Fireball and Friends Regatta. As a result the RC was able to run 13 races over the three day event. It was nice to not have the Friends in the way! Conditions were generally light to moderate with winds varying from 5 to 15 and temperatures in the 80's under sunny skies. At the end of day 1 Crump/Millican had set the bar high with 4 races and a 2nd but the team of DuVal and McEvoy had served notice that they were in for a fight. The pattern of the four Winders at the front with four woodies following was established. Day 2 brought more of the same. Mikosch and Lausten also served notice that they were in the hunt as they posted finishes of 2,1,1,3 and 2. Crump and Millican had finishes of 1,4,2,1,and and RAF after hooking the anchor rode on the finish boat in a tight finish with Duval. DuVal and McEvoy posted 3,2,3,2,and 1and at the end of the day were 4 points behind Crump/Millican and just 2 ahead of Mikosch and Lausten. The final day's racing was delayed slightly as the RC had difficulty in getting their anchor to hold but once underway Crump/Millican and Mikosch/Lausten traded 1sts and 2nds which pushed DuVal/McEvoy into 3rd place and requiring them to win the last race if they were to hold onto 2nd. The top three boats rounded the weather mark with Crump having stretched out a comfortable lead followed by Duval and McEvoy. Mikosch and Lausten had started poorly but recovered to round in 3rd. Crump elected to 2-sail the first reach but the others hoisted spinnakers. DuVal was able to climb over Crump just before the gybe mark while Mikosch was forced to Aussie douse in order to make the mark and round in 3rd. That was the eventual finishing order which moved DuVal and McEvoy back into second with a one point margin over Mikosch and Lausten. Meanwhile the four non-Winders were having their own regatta. Mike Bogatin used up about three tillers and managed to sail the boat back to the beach by holding onto the top of the rudder. He received the Perseverance Award. The regatta's social side was a little more subdued without the "Friends" but the traditional after sailing keg on Friday and Saturday was followed by a delicious meal on Saturday all as part of the new lower cost entry fee. No boats were put in the pool this year. Davis Island YC and USIFA have applied to host the 2015 Worlds to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Midwinters. This years event was a reminder of why the class has been going to DIYC for 48 years and why the Fireball is Fast, Fun and Friendly. You need to plan to attend! Full results are here |
