Canadian Radio Yachting Association

2000 US One Meter Canadian Championship

By Bruce C. Lancaster

The U.S. One Meter Championships were hosted by the Windsor Model Yacht Club held this past July 22 & 23, 2000. A substantial amount of sunshine prevailed both days, but winds were light for the entire duration of the event. Fridays early arrivals included a Toronto contingent, anxious to scope the site at Blue Heron pond, where the club races weekly. I understand the wives had a hankering to visit that money pit at the river that Windsor is so famous for. I'm even happier one of the ladies came away a winner!

Saturday morning most entrants appeared early enough to chow down on coffee and donuts, register, and practice a little. There were fifteen sailors, of which eight were from Windsor, four traveled from Toronto, and two jumped over the border from Detroit. We also enjoyed the company of one sailor from Sarnia.

Racing didn't get started until 11:00a.m., and six races took place until lunch was called at 12:45p.m.. Racing resumed at 2:00p.m. and lasted until 4:15p.m.. At this point, Dave Bowes, Dennis Hendel, and Dick Hein filled out the top three spots. Maps were handed out for the location of that evenings party spot.

Evening events got underway at the host location, home to our secretary-treasurer, John and his lovely wife, Marilyn Helmer, who provided a classy buffet for all. One of the more pleasant tasks the Commodore can do is to supply happy news. After dinner, I was allowed to announce the forthcoming nuptials of two of our current members and their fiances, Kelly and Doug Diet, and Edith and Tony Heavens. At last report, all concerned are enjoying wedded bliss. An added bonus was the passing around of candid photos, taken during the intense racing session earlier that day. Bet you guys never thought you looked that goofy!

Sunday mornings weather was calm, but bright, and after the mandatory ritual of coffee and donuts again, racing started at 10:30a.m. At this point, several sailors had announced prior commitments, and had to drop out. Popular consensus had racing proceed until ten races were run and a break was made at 12:30p.m. Barbequed shish-ka-bobs were served until gone. Some of our observant competitors recognized the three Harvards flying in formation overhead. I mentioned at that time there was nothing our club wouldn't do to provide first-class entertainment for our guests. Why would you ever doubt me?

Sundays racing got underway at approximately 2:00p.m. and ran for six more races until 3:00p.m. A total of thirty-two races were finished, and three throw-outs were figured into the scoring formula. Diligent score keeping was the total responsibility of our own Marj Delaney, and she hurriedly tabulated, checked and re-checked numbers.

As evidenced by the previous days number crunching, Dave Bowes emerged victorious, followed closely by Dennis Hendel, and rounding off the top three was Dick Hein. Gentlemen racers all!

Now, we all know these events don't get done by themselves. There's a large contingent of volunteers responsible for producing this event, and they deserve to be recognized. In no particular order, John Helmer handled pre- registration, and Brian Lawson took care of site entrants. I previously mentioned score-keeper Marj Delaney, and this was her first large event handled. Brian Postill was a mark judge, as was Don Cooper, Ken Miller, Tony Heavens, Connie Buliga, Terry Desjardins, Dave Cadieux, and Alana.

Brian also gets credit for cookin' those crispy critters at lunch on Sunday. We made an attempt to secure a protest committee before the event started, but lack of appropriate volunteers and the gentlemanly conduct of all competitors made the position unnecessary. The wives of our members get credit for their assistance at dinner time. Food must have been good, 'cause it was ALL gone. I'll even take credit for the placement of the port-a-potty. So sorry. Next time it'll be a little closer.

The committee that did the basic organizing realized a first-class event needed first-class awards. They turned to Dick Reder and crew from Dix Plastix for their talented help. Plexiglass trophies resembling the outline of a sloop were mounted on bases, and these trophies represented 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places respectfully, with corresponding sizes to fit. They could be made available to other clubs, and Dick can be approached for information.

Since the club has been in existence, we have always tried to provide a fun atmosphere for the racers and members alike. I think we maintained status quo at this event, and I'll bet we could
do it again.

Copyright © 2002  - 2005 Canadian Radio Yachting Association
Last modified: November 24, 2005