Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
The 2019 Star World Championships held in Porto Cervo was one for the books indeed. One of the marks of the regatta was the display of custom regatta banners around the Piazza in front of the host Yacht Club Costa Smerelda, with similar battle flags hoisted on the forestays of the competing Star boats while docked in the harbor. Unfortunately, Class Commodore John Chiarella was unable to attend to see the sights and sail in the clear waters off Sardinia. Fortunately, the YCCS race office had a couple of extra battle flags and was kind enough to donate one to us. We asked all comers to the mid-week buffet at the Club - competitors, judges, Race Committee, and more than a few of the YC Staff - to honor Commodore Chiarella and all he means to the Class by signing the flag as they entered the patio (PRO Peter Reggio asked if he could sign his nickname “Luigi”. I said Of Course, I thought you signed your checks that way!). The secret was kept, and about six weeks later we had the good fortune to attend an annual Star regatta at Lake Sunapee YC, NH, John’s home club. There we presented the signed flag at the regatta dinner Saturday night. RC member Amy was kind enough to capture the festivities in a video, and Star sailor Lauren Barth stepped up to assist in the presentation. We were glad to honor Commodore Chiarella with this small token of appreciation from the Class at the Worlds for all he has done and continues to do for the Stars. Thanks go to all who participated!
Submited by
L. Carl Schellbach, Jr.
