42nd Chesapeake Bay ILCA Masters Championship at Fishing Bay Yacht Club!
Light rain and approaching thunderstorms limited the 32-boat fleet at the 42nd Chesapeake Bay ILCA Masters Championship at Fishing Bay Yacht Club to just two races on Saturday and no racing on Sunday. James Jacob from Severn Sailing Association won the overall title for his 7th time while Dorian Haldeman from Severn Sailing Association won the women’s title for her 5th time.
The weekend started with hot conditions on Friday as sailors were arriving and many elected to hit the pool to cool off, not something this group is used to needing or doing when the event is in October. Those who elected to go out for practice were treated to an awesome afternoon sea breeze from the SSE.
Saturday morning saw light winds in the 5-10 range with partly cloudy skies. After a short postponement on the water and two general recalls the fleet was off for the first race. Scott Adam would go on to finish first followed by Gavin O’Hare (OBYC) and David Waiting (Severn Sailing Association).
The second race was a little longer and saw a few lead changes as David Waiting and Jon Deutsch (Fishing Bay Yacht Club) would trade places through the race with Dave getting the better of Jon and Luke Shingledecker (Severn Sailing Association) finishing just behind them.
Before another race could be started the wind dropped out and it became clear there would be a storm system moving into the area. Further racing was abandoned for the day.
After two races James Jacob and David Waiting were tied for the lead with Scott Adam just two points behind. Luke Shingledecker and Gavin O’Hare would round out the top five.
Saturday evening after rain showers rolled through, the fleet and volunteers were treated to another legendary Alain Vincey meal.
On Sunday the wind never materialized, and afternoon storms didn’t give us the chance to wait around for a shot at a sea breeze. The sailors considered whether we should use a sing off, belly flop competition or paddle board race to settle the tie for the championship but ultimately elected to stick with the ILCA Master’s scoring rules.
Congratulations to James Jacob on another title in two well-sailed and consistent races. Thank you to all of the sailors for coming and making this event a part of your fall season. And a special thank you to all of the Race Committee and volunteers who helped make the event possible. We’ll look forward to taking this event back to early October in 2024.
1st Overall – James Jacob – Severn Sailing Association
1st Woman – Dorian Haldeman – Severn Sailing Association
1st Legend – Rich Parolski – Ocean City Sailing Club
1st Great Grand Master – James Jacob – Severn Sailing Association
2nd Great Grand Master – Bruce Empey – Severn Sailing Association
1st Grand Master – Scott Adam
2nd Grand Master – Gavin O’Hare – OBYC
1st Master – Luke Shingledecker – Severn Sailing Association
2nd Master – Scott Williamson – Severn Sailing Association
1st Apprentice Master – David Waiting – Severn Sailing Association
2nd Apprentice Master – Jon Deutsch – Fishing Bay Yacht Club
Pictures by Paul Almany, Peter Dutnell and Jon Deutsch