by Mike Ferring
Al Lehman is the 2022 SeaWind National Champion.
After the first day of the two-day event, Allan Vinson held a skinny three-point lead and Sunday promised a close finish with good racing in moderate wind. Close fought to the end. High drama.
The wind never showed up, but there was a little quiet high drama anyway. The first complete race Sunday didn't happen until after Al Lehman, Sr., grilled the lunchtime brats. And in the three-race drifter finale, Al Lehman fired nothing but bullets while Allan Vinson was sucked back into the pack. Winner: Al Lehman, 31-25.
Fifteen boats lined up for racing at the Gilbert Desert Sky Park on Saturday and Sunday (11/5- 6/2022) in what turned out to be two days of very light wind sailing. Sailing Director Al Stewing got creative with courses, dropping extra marks, and even trying to use a light pole as a start line end, but he couldn't make the wind blow.
The SeaWind National Championship Regatta was a partnership presentation by the West Valley RC Mariners and the Gilbert Model Yacht Club.

Summary of the 2022 SeaWind NCR, Gold Chevrons
Date: November 5-6, 2022
Location: Gilbert Desert Sky Park, Gilbert AZ
Host clubs: West Valley RC Mariners & Gilbert Model Yacht Club
Entries: 15
Winds: Light and variable
Races Completed: 15
Scoring System: Low Point, two throw-outs
Regatta Committee and Valuable Assistants: Mike Ferring; Marc Mills; Al Stewing; Al Lehman, Sr; Mike Eades; Maryellen Ferring; Gary Wollenhaupt; Jack David; Allan Vinson