The 2007 East Coast Championships were hotly contested and produced some incredibly tight racing. It was the father- son team of Brian and Stephen Tedeschi and their crew on board of TASTES LIKE CHICKEN that prevailed after the five race series was concluded. Mark roundings and finishes alike were close along with the results. After the first day there was a three way tie for second and after five races Only four points separated Rick Lyall’s second place STORM from Doug Hannah’s seventh place OFFBEAT.
“The weather couldn’t have been more ideal for racing. Saturday began with light southerly’s and gradually built throughout the day to 15 knots – providing racers myriad racing conditions to exert their skills. Three races were completed. Sunday picked up where Saturday left off and wind continued to build for the last two races. Shifty conditions throughout the entire regatta tested patience and abilities.” Said David Janetti, the local favorite and event organizer. Janetti and his crew on board JIBBER JABBER were in a three way tie for second with STORM and RUSH and had the advantage of a higher throw out going into the final day.
Breakwater Yacht Club’s Saturday night barbecue, was heavily attended by 250 sailors, sponsors and families. The night featured Harry Manko’s live video of Saturday racing for all to enjoy. Rod Johnstone, J/Boat’s legendary designer, traveled over from Connecticut to observe the competition and was happy at what he saw. “The 2007 SpritFest was the largest non-dinghy one-design racing event ever held in local waters.” According to Janetti.
The party gave an opportunity to watch videos of Saturday’s racing, which reinforced how tight the racing was and how many of the different boats were competing for individual race honors, evidenced by new comer and 10th place finisher SWEET CAROLINE earning themselves a gun for first place in race 4. The fleet consisted of some of the top competitors in the East coast including Sweetser’s Annapolis based J/109 program RUSH finished day one in a three way tie for second and held on for third overall.
The Defending East Coast Champion, GOSSIP, ended up fourth just one point in front of the AYC Spring Series Champion and last year’s Larchmont NOOD Champion MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN.
SpritFest was a huge step forward in progressing Breakwater Yacht Club as a premiere racing destination on the East Coast. The regatta owes it’s success, in large part, to the numerous volunteers and supportive sponsors: Sag Harbor Yacht Yard, Sag Harbor Yacht Club, J/Boats, Johnstone Yacht Sales, UK Sailmakers, North Sails, Aksia and AT Conference.
1. Tastes Like Chicken, 11
2. Storm, 16
3. Rush, 16
4. Gossip, 17
5. Mad Dogs & Englishmen, 18
6. Jibber Jabber, 19
7. OffBEAT, 20
8. Blue Rider (Phling), 25
9. Rogue, 29
10. Sweet Caroline, 33
11. Freedom, 35
12. Skoot, 35
13. Caminos, 42
14. Joy Ride, 54
15. Mischief, 59
16. Ceol na Mara, 60
17. Sanibel, 64
