Changes are afoot in the Tampa fleet at DIYC.  James Nunn has sold Spud Patrol  (11451) to Mike Bogatin, and Rondar #10299 has been rebuilt and sold to Patrick Berger.  That brings the fleet at DIYC to four....now if Allison Jolly would come back out in Bazooka Joe (14418)....

In other news Boomer is headed West to PA in the hands of Dave White and  Duncan Schaeffer has 14957 back in his care and control.

Colombia Gorge One Design Regatta - Gregg Ferguson (Glenmore Sailing Club)

The August long weekend saw a number of Alberta and B.C. Fireballs head south to compete in the annual Colombia Gorge One Design Regatta (CGOD). The three day event delivered the big conditions that the Gorge is renowned for but Frank Crawford and Sean Holmes-Smith were up to the task and came up with an exceptional regatta win; decided in the final of twelve races.

With temperatures at near records above 40ºC, the big winds of over 20knts each day, for several races, were a welcome relief and provided for exceptional sailing and racing. Sean and Frank started things off with a bang with 2 straight bullets but after that, the racing got closer with multi-National Champs Jamie Cox and Simon Pearson of Victoria trading wins off for much of the weekend.

Third place was closely contested throughout by Mark Cummings and Evelynn Chisholm of Victoria, Debbie Kirkby and Gregg Ferguson of Calgary, and Rupert Homes-Smith and Janice Shapka, also from GSC in Calgary.

After some of the tightest racing in memory, it all came down to the final leg of the final race on the third day. In wild gusts towards the finish, Frank and Sean pipped Jamie and Simon at the line for the regatta. Debbie and Gregg earned third place by pulling off a third after regaining two of three spots lost doing penalty turns at the last leeward mark – this after a win in the second from last race.

Mark and Evelynn earned fourth while Rupert and Janice pulled off a very respectable fifth place in the windy event.

As good as the racing was, it is the whole experience at CGOD that makes it such an outstanding event to attend. The facility at Cascade Locks is fantastic and the site hosts everything from great camping, outdoor banquets, endless beer for competitors off the water, and a good beach to launch from. Add to it friendly Fireballers from BC, Alberta, Colorado, and Oregon – as well as other dinghy and keelboat classes - CGOD is a definite must-sail.

For more information about next year’s events for Fireballs and many other classes, look up the Columbia Gorge Racing Association website for dates of CGOD and other exceptional events throughout the summer.