HOST

Coral Reef Yacht Club    
2484 S Bayshore Dr
Miami FL 33133 USA

CONTACT

Regatta Chair : Larry Whipple

RESULTS

REGATTA REPORT

Report by Larry Whipple:

Twenty two teams raced for the 2015 edition of

the Masters Championship. This regatta concept

started by Frank Zagarino has become the

highlight of the year ‘s sailing for many

longtime Star sailors. This year we had entries

from Great Britain, Germany, Canada, and the

United States.

On Saturday the winds were 15- 20 knots from the

East. Rich Raymond, the veteran PRO, postponed

on shore for one hour to let the wind settle in

direction and velocity. Rich posted the number

5 course, which is a double triangle. It was fun

to do reaches in a Star boat. Something we

rarely get to do. Augie Diaz and super crew

Arnie Baltins led wire to wire. Close behind in

second were veteran sailors Kevin McNeil and

Shane, the “Z” man, Zwingelberg. The always colorful Mike

Phinney surfed in for third with his fit first

crew Mark Strube riding the rail.

The dinner Saturday evening was at Coral Reef Yacht Club. With music and wine we were treated to many a good sea going story. Myles Pritchard was presented with the “Shot of the day Trophy”, a special club made by Frank Zagarino for the golf tournament held on Friday which saw 14 sailors tee off at the Biltmore country club.

Sunday saw lighter breezes from 7-12 knots at 120-130 degrees. For the first race , The “A” team of Augie and Arnie had a narrow lead at the weather mark. Two time gold medalist Mark Reynolds , sailing with Myles (I can hit my tee shot that far) was a close second at the mark. The father son team of Tony and Mark Herrmann seemed to be the fastest as they rounded in a group with the Canadian Bandit Brian Cramer and his seasoned crew Matt Johnston, closely followed by the West coasters Doug Smith and his crew Eugenio “the heart of Santa Monica Bay”. John Chiarella and Rick Burgess were coming in so hot there was a vapor trail behind them at the weather mark! On the run things stayed close with four boats rounding the gate within 12 seconds. The “A” team continued to lead at the second weather mark. On the final run to the finish things got even closer. Augie/Arnie, Reynolds/Pritchard and Whipple/Hoss daddy Sperry were all neck and neck. As Whip/Hoss took the lead with 15 yards to go, the “A” team actually turned their glutes to the transom and flew across the line for a six inch victory! With the golf pro crewing and the multiple gold medalist helping they secured third place.

The final race was somewhat shifty. Team Herrmann was hot again. Reynolds/Pritchard led at mark one, Diaz/Baltins, Chiarella/Burgess, Smith/Eugenio and Cramer/Johnston. All very close. On the final run Reynolds/Pritchard held their lead over Whip/Sperry with Augie and Arnie 3rd.

Next year, the 30th anniversary of the Zag Cup, there are special events planned which will be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned for a very special regatta in February 2016. Many thanks to Mandy Whipple and Kathey Phinney for their part in making it a great event.

Congratulations to winners; Augie and Arnie - Masters champs
Whip and Austin - Grand masters champs
John and Rick - Exalted Grand masters champs
Father & son champs - Tony and Mark
Doug ( tougher than steel) Steele - Oldest sailor award!

Hope to see more sailors at this great event next February. Plan now so you will not miss the great sailing on Biscayne bay, and the great parties , and golf, and renew great friendships with sailors in the “Greatest class on the planet”.

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Hey you guys (and gals), isn't it time you caught up with your old sailing buds again? Really, it is we promise!

Put this event on your 2015 schedule, come to Sunny South Florida to get a tan, raise a glass and enjoy some of those friendships you forged in the Star Class.

Tee times are being arranged for Friday, email Larry Whipple to get your time!

See you there!