Don Moore Blue Crab Regatta

Saturday, September 5th, 2020

The SSA Thistle fleet made it on the water for the second time this year over Labor Day weekend for the Blue Crab regatta. In past years, Don Moore has graciously donated the crabs and pizza for the event, which typically draws a dozen boats. This year, with covid, we pared the event down to a single day with no crab feast. Fortunately, Botanas Fajardo came to the rescue and prepared a crab and shrimp enchilada dinner, which the participants were able to enjoy on the deck. On the race course, PRO Lisa Pline, ably assisted by Chris Lewton ran five windward leeward courses. The remnants of an overnight cold front persisted a bit longer than forecast, giving the two-man (or woman) teams a good workout. Board members Bruce Empey and Robin Richards staffed the Edgar D. and kept up with the ever-shifting breeze, setting the weather mark in a range between about 25 and 80 degrees. The Hugh E. was staffed by John and Missy White and their family and likewise got a good workout moving the starting pin multiple times. It was a bit confusing for the sailors on the first run, looking for the leeward mark, which we eventually determined coincided with the starting pin. With our clean regatta theme (the Thistle fleet strives to have all of its events conform to the Sailors for the Sea guidelines), we awarded the perpetual trophies of blue crab watercolor paintings done by Don Moore. The first through third place trophies are signed by the recipients each year, which saves on engraving costs, and is a great way to commemorate the event and provide a historical record. Results are posted on the SSA website.

Photos can be found on the Thistle Facebook Page.