David, E Jim, Darrly, Mark, Dave K.

Photos Link: https://www.beanbag.com/wjsails/images/welcome.jpg

2025 Soling 1M Region 4 Regatta - It's a Wrap!

Well folks, the 2025 Soling 1M Region 4 Regatta is officially in the books!

We welcomed 18 skippers from across four states - Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina - and even a pair of brave souls who made the trek all the way from Texas.

Friday warmed things up with a friendly round of practice and team racing, hosted by MVMYC. It was light-hearted, competitive, and a great chance to shake off the travel rust and swap rig-tuning tips.

Saturday was game day. This year's Soling event was a one-day showdown to pair with Sunday's V32 Regionals. We couldn't have asked for better conditions - winds ranged from 5 to 12 knots and stayed steady enough to keep everyone honest.
The Race Committee decided to spice things up with a double-gate format:

• Windward gate: Sailors could round either buoy and head downwind through the center of the course.
• Leeward gate: Same idea - but thru the center, out either side, and sail your strategy!

This clever setup created exciting tactical shakeups. In one memorable race, a boat in 4th split from the pack at the leeward gate, hit a favorable shift, and surged into 1st within the final 30 yards. That's the kind of on-the-water drama we love!

By day's end, the fleet completed 18 races with 3 throw-outs, keeping scoring tight and competition fierce.

Saturday Night Highlights

As racing wrapped up, the crew gathered pond-side for pizza and tunes. Rob Hill, one of our own, provided live guitar music while everyone swapped tales of mark roundings and photo finishes.
The fun didn't stop there - MVMYC handed out $900 in "funny money" to all racers, spouses, and kids in attendance. Participants could earn more by joining in on lawn games including:

• Water balloon toss
• Cornhole
• Ladder ball
• Frisbee golf
• Aim-and-luck golf challenge

The evening wrapped up with a high-energy, Survivor-style auction. Using their funny money stashes, sailors bid on top-notch donated items, including:

• Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane's gift cards
• Mike's Car Wash bundles
• Cinepolis movie passes
• Hull decals from DragonskinsUSA.com
• Soling and V32 rudders and mast kits from 3DRCBoats.com

Everyone went home a winner - with a prize, a full belly, and a wide smile.