Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
The annual Baxter Bowl Regatta was hosted by Newport Harbor YC in Newport Beach on June 23 and 24th. A strong fleet of 16 entries worked through some boat yard confusion caused by NHYC‘s new clubhouse construction and many boats went for a practice sail Friday. Saturday conditions were uncharacteristically cloudy, cool and breezy from the SSE. Even the tow out was a bit precarious as stars cleared the onion patch near the Newport Harbor entrance in dicey conditions. While the breeze was a moderate 10 to 14 the chop was wicked making conditions challenging. The race committee ran three good three lap races with .8 mile weather legs. Eric Doyle and Payson Infelise showed excellent speed and boat handling posting a 3, 1, 1 on day one. Jim Buckingham and Craig Moss along with Paul Cayard and Jim’s younger brother Charlie where in close pursuit. There were several breakdowns and all the crews were a bit weary upon return to the club. But the NHYC staff rolled out the red carpet that evening with a perfect keg, bar and beach barbecue feast and the recovery was on! Sunday conditions gave us smoother seas, more moderate winds (8-10), and even a little sun! Doyle\Infelise continued their winning ways Sunday taking the regatta by six points. Cayard/Buckingham ended up second with Buckingham/Moss close behind in 3rd place. Doug Smith and Brian O’Mahony sailed a consistent regatta and finished fourth. Special thanks goes to the NHYC staff and volunteers who ran an excellent regatta. Next year we hope to move this event back to the its traditional Father’s Day weekend spot on the calendar (the previous weekend) so come check out our brand-new clubhouse! District 5 action continues July 14/15 in Santa Barbara for the Lipton Cup; this year’s district championship (Blue Star). See you there!
Left to Right: Paul Cayard, Charlie Buckingham, Eric Doyle, Payson Infelise, Craig Moss, Jim Buckingham, and NHYC Rear Comm. John Fuller.
