Race 2 for the X's was another light air affair, this time out of the East and more consistent, making it more of a boat speed race.  Parker Trepton led much of the race, followed closely by Colin Rowe (I-59), Johnny Ferguson (M-68), Willy Crary, Griffin Rolander (I-16), and Matt Ripke.  Race one winner Joey Feichtmeier was close behind this pack and sailing fast.  On the last beat Colin Rowe sailing with his brother Finn, were able to find better pressure on the right making it around Parker on that side of the course, meanwhile Johnny Ferguson found something on the left, so it was a tough break for the early race leader, who finished third behind Colin and Johnny but a good race nonetheless.  Matt Ripke sailing with Annalise Floody followed Parker to cap off a very consistent series, with two 4's, followed by Griffin Rolander, Willy Crary and then race 1 winner Joey Feichtmeier and crew Joe Gagliano in 7th.

After 3 hours of waiting on shore racing was called off at 1:30 allowing time for the Minnesota contingent to make some progress toward their home waters.   Even though the breeze was light, and there were only a couple races the regatta was lots of fun, on shore kids from different lakes got to know one another and the volleyball net saw plenty of action.  Joey and Joe's series of 1-7 was enough to win the tie breaker with Matt and Annalise, for first place earning them a spot on the Ersnt C. Schmidt trophy.  Thanks to all of the competitors, volunteers and parents who make this happen every year.

The GLSS Dinghyfest was blessed by excellent sailing conditions this year.  Breeze filled out of the South and poured down on a strong contingent of Opti's, Laser Radials and 420's.  On the Red, White and Blue course, which sailed in the middle of the lake straight North of the YC, and was managed by Jane Pegel and her team, racers from around the Inland and some from Chicago found themselves some great competition.  Mimi El-Khazindar who sails out of Minnetonka in the summer but is a Brit, and headed home for the British Nationals right after the regatta takes the prize for traveling the farthest for our event this summer.  She sailed pretty well too, taking two first placed out of the four race series.  The other Minnetonka sailor who faired well was the very strong Johnny Ferguson, who's 1,2,4,1 score sheet was very impressive.  Mimi took second, Will Curtiss from Chicago was third, John Hartfiel from Calhoun was fourth and Stuart Henry from Geneva, nipped his team mate Nate Freytag by a couple points to take fifth overall.  The entire fleet showed great poise, handling the breezy conditions.  There were a few wipe outs a lots of bailing but the group really sailed well in what was some of the nicest sailing conditions we've had all year.

The Green Fleet had a fleet of 24 this year and with help from the GLSS instructors, Craig Workman ran five nice races close to shore.  Looking at the score sheet I don't see a lot of letters meaning almost everyone finished every race.  The comment that was made on shore was that this was the "Best Green Fleet Ever!"  They all sailed fabulously and had a great time.  They all earned their participation and top ten trophies as well as their ice cream.  Winner Kyle Navin even made a nice speech thanking his parents and instructors at the end of their presentation, nice job Kyle!

Over on the Radial/420 course, David Porter put in an extra day with help from David Gallagher on the RC boat.  The kids in the 420's got to use their trapezes in the puffs and those with clean set's and douses on their spinnakers found themselves in good positions.   Minnetonka sailors Addy Ferguson and Hayley Jewett showed the others how it was done, with 4 first and a 3rd that exhibited their experience on the national scene.  They beat out last minute entrant and local Collegiate racer Spencer Simms who sailed with Sarah Gross from Delavan.  The Rolander brother's Joe sailing with Melinda Lee and Griffin sailing with Davis Porter took third and fourth respectively.  Special awards were given out to competitors in both the X and 420 Classes to encourage that transition as they start aging out.  Addy took both the top combined and female sailor trophies and RJ Porter took the top crew trophy.  All the 420's sailed well, and I was impressed by the performance of Will Huerth who sailed with Eleanor Larson, finishing right in the middle of the pack in their first regatta ever.  Wow, way to go!

In the Laser Radial we had a very close competition with four different sailors winning the 5 races.  There were only 4 points separating the top 5 spots, so it was really good racing for this crowd.  Mary Claire Kiernan nipped out her brother for the top spot George who won a tie breaker with his buddy Michael Barr, who was only one point ahead of Issabella Loosbrock, and a couple more ahead of brother Cullen Barr.  Whew...  that's a mouthful, but it shows how close it was.  First time Radialers, Tommy Garber and Mac Six also finished within a couple points of each other so it was close all around.  They had a great time and slept well that night I'm sure...