By Ted Corning
Photos by Donna Clapp and Mike Barnes
On Saturday, April 5, The Corinthians held their annual Frostbite Regatta at the Mystic Seaport Museum’s Sailing Center in Mystic, CT. This year’s event had a great turnout out despite a forecast of strong winds and rain. But just as is the case so often in New England, the actual weather did not agree with the forecast so races were easily completed with windward-leeward courses on the Mystic River.
A brunch was served for racers and spectators and then 18 adult racers headed out in 8’ Dyer Dhow sailing dinghies, which are better suited for the children in The Museum’s summer sailing programs. It’s quite a sight. After seven hard fought races the competitors came ashore to clean up and head to the awards/after party, which is always the highlight of the event.
The breeze was shifty out of the East/Southeast and with an increasing incoming tide, racers had to be on their toes to get off the starting line cleanly and navigate the current and shifty puffy conditions. Despite the forecast for things to be quite wet, the rain held off for the most part, with just some sprinkles for the last two races.
For another year, as to be expected and since all racers were true ladies and gentlemen, not a single protest was filed for any incident in any race. It is worth noting however, this event has a unique rule in the Sailing Instructions regarding protests, which states in part, “protests must be filed in writing within 5 seconds from finishing a race and be accompanied by a $1,000 non-refundable donation to the Mystic Seaport Community Sailing Program. The skipper of the protesting yacht will also be restricted to only bread and water during the awards party.”
First place overall with 11 points, was returning 2X champion Will Beery from the Long Island Sound Corinthian Fleet. Invited guest from the Norwalk Yacht Club, Ian Ray, placed 2nd with 16 points and 3rd place from the Long Island Sound Corinthian Fleet, and top woman finisher, was Katie Morgan with 26 points.
This year’s regatta was dedicated to the memory of Jay Kiszkiel, a long time active Corinthian member who revived the event and ran it for many years. Thanks go out to the Mystic Seaport for its longtime partnership with The Corinthians and for hosting this Frostbite Regatta each year. Matt Forte and his staff were terrific once again preparing the boats and helping to manage the event on and off the water. Ted Corning served as event Chairman. Lee Reichart was the Principal Race Officer with help from Frank Murphy and Todd Williams. Sandy Corning organized the brunch and Dan Van Winkle once again hosted the Awards/After-party at his beautiful home on Mason’s Island. Although, Dan’s daughter Laura Seehaus did all the work with help from Pam Gibbs
About The Corinthians
The Corinthians is a non-commercial membership association of amateur yachtsmen and women. Its primary objectives are to promote sailing, encourage good fellowship among people afloat and ashore, and connect non-boat-owning amateur sailors and boat owners requiring crew. The organization is concerned with both beginner and expert sailors, and those in-between.
Final Results (Top 10)
1) Will Beery (11) 1,1,1,2,2,1,3
2) Ian Ray (16) 5,2,4,1,1,2,1
3) Katie Morgan (26) 2,3,6,4,4,5,2
4) John Butler (32) 4,6,3,3,8,4,4
5) Ted Corning (32) 3,4,5,7,5,3,5
6) Chris Miller (45) 7,5,9,5,3,8,8
7) Jim Travis (52) 8,8,8,10,6,6,6
8) Jessica Wood (54) 6,9,7,8,7,7,10
9) Evan Seehaus (81) 9, 14,13,11,10,12,12
10) Christin Ripley (82) DNS, 11,11,6,13,11,7
