Darryl, Jim, Mark, and Dave

Sunday Recap - V32 Regionals: Shade, Speed, and a Whole Lotta Fun

Sunday marked Part 2 of the Soling 1M and V32 Region 4 Regatta doubleheader. We had 17 boats registered for the V32 showdown, but Mother Nature turned up the thermostat to "broil," and a couple of skippers made the wise call to skip the solar sauna. In the end, 15 brave souls hit the water - and thankfully, we had wind AND wisdom on our side.

The MVMYC stepped up big-time by constructing a full-on "tent tunnel" oasis along the shoreline. It was the classiest sailing shade structure this side of a Jimmy Buffett concert. Sailors lounged in chairs, remote controls in hand, iced drinks within arm's reach, and zero sunburns on the horizon.

We raced as one fleet and managed to knock out 12 solid races (with 2 throw-outs), wrapping up by 3 p.m. - early enough for long drives, naps, or celebratory ice cream.

One of the highlights? Doug Reiger of 3DRCBoats brought 7 freshly built V32s to loan out. It was like a mobile test drive fleet - with carbon fiber! It gave skippers a chance to see Doug's craftsmanship up close and appreciate what a fast, simple, and fun class the V32 really is.

Oh, and let's talk about Scott R. The man grabbed one of Doug's brand-new boats Saturday night, slapped on his WJ sails, and took it for its maiden voyage Sunday morning. The boat didn't just sing - it soared. Scott went on to win 10 of the 12 races, leaving us wondering if the boat was made of sails... or rocket fuel.

Hats off to Doug for building a gorgeous, fast, and accessible design - and hats off (and probably drenched in sweat) to all the sailors who toughed it out in the heat.

Mike Wyatt was testing a proto-type carbon mast that instead of having side stays and sitting on the deck, had a keel slot and mounted to the keel (no side stays). He races with us with all the rules and right of ways, but he elected that we do not count his score since this was a test boat not yet approved for competition. Either way, Mike, you rocked it.