AND THE REST OF THE FLEET
By Joe Berkeley
Scott Pakenham works outside every damn day of the year so he wasn’t about to let a frigid forecast put the damper on frostbiting. As a group of diehards stood around the boat paddock staring at the harbor, Pakenham said, “We’re going.”
With the assistance of Christine Neville and Jack McVicker, Pakenham hosted a five-race day when other fleets cancelled. Nineteen Laser sailors enjoyed the competition and the camaraderie.
Temperatures started out in the mid-twenties and it was a day that tested the mettle of the sailors and the integrity of boat covers. The nasty weather over the previous two weeks had permeated lesser covers and some sad sailors were chipping ice out of their Lasers.
The breeze was variable. Steve Kirkpatrick’s performance was steady. He won the day with a 3-3-1-2-6. Kirkpatrick has rebuilt his vascular system by lifting weights. Kirkpatrick credits his wrist curls to improving circulation in his hands, which used to turn interesting shades of purple.
In second overall, Brown graduate Pearson Potts, Jr. sailing boat number 77. He came out hot with a 1-1-2-3. His 9 in the last race of the day enabled old age and treachery to overcome youth and enthusiasm.
The President of Sail Newport, Will Donaldson, finished the day in third overall. Sail Newport has posted their 2022 racing schedule and President Donaldson and his board have plenty to keep them busy.
In fourth overall, Ted Hood. Recently I wrote a story about some notable folks in Marblehead for Sailing World, the bible of the sport. All of the faithful should subscribe. Ted Hood noted that he used to crew for Jud Smith’s dad when he was a wee lad.
I was fifth for the day and won a race. Dan Neri, who knows a thing or two about what fabric makes the best boat cover, was sixth.
In seventh overall, Scott Vogel. Before sailing, he noted that back when he crewed on America’s Cup in the early eighties he made the big bucks. About $50 per week. After he received his pay he and his co-workers would prime the pump of the local economy at the IYAC and other establishments.
CJ Congrove took eighth overall. Ninth, Jake Demos of Prout. Coach Cooper is getting youth on the line for the fleet and it is greatly appreciated. Dave Moffett rounded out the top ten.
Thanks to Christine Neville for doing the scores. As always, they were perfect. The fleet offers sincere condolences to Christine and Peter who had to say goodbye to Annie the dog yesterday. Like all great dogs, Annie was a guide who was with Christine on so many great adventures. Annie also spent a lot of time with Peter and her presence is sorely missed by both of them, who were outstanding dog parents. One of Annie's favorite activities was to prowl the boat paddock searching for energy bars. Many of the Shope family lifejackets are missing the front pocket because Annie smelled energy bar and chewed her way through the pocket to get at it. The dogs of Fleet 413 are great friends and when they pass the sense of loss is profound and felt by all who love sailing and dogs.
The house across the water from the launch beach known as Beacon Rock recently sold for $23 million. As waterfront access becomes more expensive and rarer the sale gives one an appreciation for the public access to sailing that Sail Newport provides. Thank you, Dr. Wallace for your vision. The loss of the America's Cup was a great gain for the public.
Fleet Co-Captains Scott Pakenham and Jack McVicker encourage you to sign up for RC, pay your dues if you haven’t, come sailing, and visit the IYAC afterward.
Joe Berkeley writes fleet news to make a difference. He writes, shoots, directs, and edits for clients to make a living. His work is at joeberkeley.com
