The 2003 APS Laser Atlantic Coast Championship concluded last weekend in Annapolis, Maryland. This was the eighth time Severn Sailing Association has hosted the event.
It was a fantastic turnout, with 106 competitors coming from Canada and 15 U.S. states, including Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Michigan.
Conditions were less than ideal both days. Saturday was a chilly, grey day. After about a one-hour wait for the wind to fill and veer through 280 degrees, the first race was started. The race committee was using a mid-line boat in order to start the entire 106 boats at once. The velocity played tricks on the committee all day (as did a few anchors) and only two races were completed on Saturday.
On Sunday the fleet was postponed ashore for a couple of hours due to some thick fog. Once it appeared to begin to lift, the fleet was sent out to rendezvous at the mouth of the Severn River where they found solid breeze and some nice waves. After about 30 minutes, as the fleet assembled, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary took an interest in 106 boats dancing around in the once-again thickening fog. Turns out that there was a severe weather warning in effect. This official pressure nixed racing for the day, and the regatta.
What about the severe weather, you may ask. Well, by about 15:00 local time, you needed to lather up with some sunscreen - otherwise you were going to burn to a crisp. Oh, and the breeze kicked up to a solid 15-18 knots. But by then everybody was heading home.
Scott FERGUSON (Jamestown, RI) took home the top honours with a 1,2. He was also the top Apprentice Master (age 35-44). In second place was Dan NERI (Rhode Island) with a 5,5. Dan was the top Master (age 45-54). In third place overall was Great Grand Master (age 65+) Peter SEIDENBERG (Portsmouth, RI) who proved yet once again that age simply does not matter in this great sport. Peter scored consistently with two sixths.
Rounding out the top five was Alden SHATTUCK (Annapolis, MD) in fourth place. Alden was also the top Grand Master (age 55-64). 5th place went to Andrew CAMPBELL (San Diego, CA). Top female was Diane BURTON (Annapolis, MD) 49th overall. Top junior (age 18 and under) was Patrick CURRAN (Moorestown, NJ) 16th overall.
Full Results are available on the event website at the address below.