the GWB Regatta: Jim McIntyre reports
Wooden spars and all, George Washington seemed to be smiling upon us this year. After a brief delay to allow a rain squall to pass, the skippers and crews of a George Washington's Birthday Regatta-record 69 boats enjoyed two solid days of good wind and great racing . The attendance of nineteen multi-hulls allowed us to score three different multi-hull Portsmouth classes. Mono-hull fleets also surged in attendance. Eleven MC Scows participated, as well as twenty Flying Scots. Two one-designs had enough boats to qualify for class scoring for the first time this year, the Wayfarers and the 2.4mR. 

 
 

Good weather made this a successful event, as did the work and generosity of so many people. Special thanks go to our Race Captains, Alex Shafer and Gale Shoemaker, who both did excellent jobs running their courses. Several others volunteered to help run the courses, man the safety boats, and do the many chores required before, during and after the regatta. Several worked throughout the year to improve the LESC facility , which made it possible to have so many boats without becoming overcrowded. 

This year the regatta was the kick-off event for the City of Eustis' ggth annual George Washington's Birthday Festival, the nation's 2nd oldest continuously running Washington's Birthday celebration. Next year, we will return the regatta to its traditional last weekend of February, the 23rd and 24th. 

So, why was George smiling? Maybe because, two-hundred-plus years later, we have the freedom, prosperity, and character to assemble freely and participate in such a pleasurable event. 

Hope you all come back next year! 

Regatta Chairman, Jim R. Mclntyre