FLORIDA FLEET REPORT
As we move from summer through fall and into winter, activities at the Lake Eustis Sailing Club are beginning to pick up, just as northern clubs are shutting down. Since many of our members return to their northern homes, travel on vacation, or are otherwise away in the summer, our “official”” club sailing season ends in May and begins again in September, the period during which we have club races and regattas.
The most active fleet at the club, however, is still the Wayfarer Fleet, which sails Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, year round.
Much time has been spent setting up and getting familiar with the new Mark IV boats from England. Of the ten new boats shipped across the Atlantic, five were for our Club members. In addition to our older boats, we now have 10 Mark IVs at the club. And we currently have a waiting list of people who want to buy an older Mark I.
A lot of effort is going into preparation for the upcoming scheduled International Regatta. The Board has authorized repairs and upgrades to the dock to have it in top shape. The Lake Eustis Youth Sailing Program has acquired two Mark IV Wayfarer boats and a recently renovated Mark I and plans to have three teams racing in the upcoming regatta.
The Club has started having at least one triangle race For Wayfarers on regular Club race days. The Club PRO advises this is to train the Race Committee to set the courses. Arrangements are also underway for the meals for the International Regatta, including an opportunity for our European visitors to try our local delicacy, Alligator.
Congratulations to Pat Kuntz who is both the current Wayfarer Class Club Champion and Lake Eustis Sailing Club Commodore..
