Paul Keeler Wins Sullivan E. Howard Trophy
Paul Keller racing his Raider Sport was the First Non-Cruising Monohull to finish the Mug Race this past weekend (39th Overall of 138 boats), earning him the Sullivan E. Howard Trophy as well as the Class Victory. This in spite of a 43 minute late start due to a error in his starting time assignment. Bruce Sobut racing the Raider Trader finished 2nd in class (58th Overall) in a clean sweep for the Raiders.
Conditions were light and variable in the opening sections of the race, which wasn't a good omen. Similar conditions 2 years ago led to no wind and the abandonment of the race by nearly all of the competitors. After a couple of hours it happened. The wind calmed from the south and the drifting began for Bruce. Paul, in the lead, managed to stay in slightly moving air, opening a large gap. While waiting, Bruce went for a swim! It looked like another abandonment and tow back to the Rudder Club.
After several hours of drifting, the wind steadily built to 10-15 knots from the east. Perfect conditions for the Raider!. The race was on! By this time, an average speed of around 6 knots was going to be needed in order to make the cut-off tiome of 8:15 PM. Fortuneately the wind gods provided and both boats stayed on a beam to close reach all the way to the turning mark at the I-295 bridge. Long runs of over 8 knots were recorded and at one point Bruce measured 9.8 knots on his GPS (without Spinakker!). The last leg was a wet, pounding, upwind run but nevertheless a welcome one since the Finish was in sight. Paul completed his race at 6:45 with Bruce trailing 1/2 hour behind at 7:15, still a comfortable hour ahead of the cut-off. We had completed the last 30 miles at an average speed over 7 knots!

John Drawe Wins Again!
At little matter like a hip replacement in December hasn't slowed John down as he won 5 out of 6 on his way to the overall championship. John McNeil followed in 2nd place with one win. Bruce Sobut finished 3rd with 3 2nds including the thrilling last race when John Drawe came from behind after trailing the entire race to nip Bruce at the line by 1/3 boat length.
Saturday did not start as a good day for racing with light rain, cool temperatures and 20+ knot winds creating a heavy chop. At one point, the fleet discussed not racing, but after the Skipper's Meeting the rain ended and the winds dropped to 10-15 so it was off to the course.
(Race details coming!)
Sunday's winds were similar, but the sun finally came out making for a much better day.
(Race details coming!)
The MYC always puts on a great event and this year's was no exception. If you haven't attended one of their events, make a point of making the next Fall Regatta on October 21-22, 2007.
Many thanks to John and Judy Drawe for opening their home to a couple of vagabond Raider racers.