Saturday’s course was sailed upriver of St Michaels Harbor, sharing the course with the Chesapeake 20’s. They started off Gibson Flats with an oscillating Southerly 10-12knt and building, the weather mark upriver off the St. Michaels shore. Staying in phase was key with the shifty breeze. Rookie skipper Jeff Cox and William Akridge started the series with a bullet. Throughout the afternoon, the breeze built to a solid 14 with gust to 18. This breeze in flat water makes a Star fly upwind! After finding his stride, Elliot Oldak took two bullets in races 3 and 4. Oldak and Chris Hardin ended the day leading with the tie breaker over Andrew Parish and Rick Hoff and Cox/Akridge in a close third. As this was the Inaugural American Red Cross One Design Regatta, a nice dinner was offered with live music, silent auction and a raffle, all supporting ARC, at the club Saturday evening.

Sunday started out light and patchy from the SW. Starting in the mouth of Leed’s Creek, the Stars again shared the course with the Chesapeake 20’s and Snipes, with the weather mark off the Rio Vista shore. The first race started with a steady breeze. Cox/Akridge won the first race to tie Parish/Hoff for the lead. Parish/Hoff answered with a bullet in the next race. Another rookie Star sailor Alan Campbell with local veteran crew Taylor Penwell found their pace late in the regatta with two 2nds in Sunday’s trying conditions. The last race ended in a shifty, patchy dying breeze, only to fill nicely for the sail to the hoist.

Andrew Parish and Rick Hoff won the series and were awarded the John Charles Thomas Memorial Trophy. As this was the D2 Green Star event, Andrew Parish was awarded the Green Star as well. Mid-Eastern Shore Star fleet also awards the highest fleet finisher, again to the Parish/ Hoff team.In addition to the Inaugural American Red Cross One Design Regatta at Miles River YC, friends of Diana Mautz established the Diana Mautz Trophy in honor of Diana’s dedication to Jr. Sailing in Talbot County over the past 30 plus years. It is awarded to the winner of the most competitive class in this regatta. The Star class held up its best honors and traditions and topped the other 8 one design classes to win this coveted trophy. The home town team of Parish/Hoff was bestowed this award.