Photos Link: https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/ktJ_qGKmQIiLw1QDXx3cfQ.epzIeEFQhRAztm3OAMVIgw

2023 DragonForce65 Florida Travelers Regatta
by Gary Roby

Saturday, January 14, 2023, dawned at Green Parrot Lake in Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) like a typical sunny northern winter's day - temperatures of 50's, with variable light winds from the east and west. Both the temperature and the light winds were unexpected, as we had been experiencing high 60's temperatures warming to 70's during the day; and the weatherperson had predicted winds of 15+ mph gusting into the 20's from a northwesterly front moving into our area. The good news/bad news about the weather is that around noontime the winds DID arrive with a vengeance, as the windchill made it feel like low 40's! It certainly made for some exciting sailing in the afternoon. The competitors braved the cold with grace and gusto! There was comradery and good spirits among them all, friendly competition and encouragement, and respectful behavior at all times. A special thanks to the Race Committee and to the many volunteers for their preparation and hard work during the regatta. Special thanks to Tony Gonsalves for his assistance to the RD in setting course marks. Also thanks to Nathan Benderson Park for their assistance in providing and preparing the Regatta site.

Summary of the 2023 DragonForce65 Florida Travelers Regatta
Date: January 14, 2023
Location: Green Parrot Lake, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota Florida
Host Club: Sarasota Model Yacht Club
Entries: 29
Winds: morning winds variable from east to west about 4-8 mph; afternoon winds gusty from the northwest 12-20 mph
Races Completed: 9
Scoring: HMS Low point scoring with two throw-outs

Race Committee: Will Parry, Jim Egan, and Bill Hendrickson, Regatta Chairs; Peter Feldman, RD; Richard Lomax, Head Scorekeeper, with Gary Roby assisting; Will Parry, Bill Hendrickson, Mike Feldman, and Chris Windgardh (aka Ladder Man), Starter, Marks, and Finish Spotters; Jim Egan, Ron Prokop, Chris Windgardh, and John Stryhn, site setup/refreshments/lunches/as-needed-assistance; Jerry Wheeler, Don Miller, Rob Wucki, and Bill Hendrickson, chase boat and mark placement; Rob Wucki, photographer. We also give a big thanks to Nathan Benderson Park for the setup and use of Green Parrot Lake.