Jacksonville Regatta
Chuck Millican wins Jax, Jon Luscomb takes home the Florida Championship
by Joe Walter

Perfect weather greeted the skippers at the fully remodeled hotel venue. Nice winds in plenty of different speeds but challenging directions was on tap. Jim Pardee and I were tasked with setting courses. We made a couple of pour choices but only because Mother Nature was F@&?ing with us. Brenda Pardee is a new rising star of Race Directors. She got the regatta started like the teacher she is... "eyes on me class!"

John Bottensek came out of retirement to win the first race. But, Jon Luscomb was right there with him and then took the lead with just 9 points in the first 5 races. Other skippers were making their mark on the regatta as well. Chuck Millican, Robert Greer, Ricky Gerry and Jim Kaighin all had bullets on the day.

The top five on Saturday with 2 temporary throw outs were; Jon Luscomb 40, Chuck Millican 43, Robert Greer 63, John Bottensek 65, and Jim Kaighin 66.

Right about now you are wondering where Alan Perkins is. Well unfortunately Alan was having chest pains Saturday morning and Doc Greer said go to the ER now. He and Liz did and they ended up spending the weekend in the hospital for observation and a bunch of tests. Alan did not have a heart attach. He and Liz are back home and he is doing fine. He will be back sailing with us in no time.

Sunday was more Chamber of Commerce weather, but the worst wind we could have at this lake. It came mostly from behind the hotel, which meant it was swirling around from all directions as it came down from six stories. The best we could do was set a course along the West side of the lake and just have to deal with the multitudes of 180 degree wind shifts. Also it was either drifting or blowing 5 kts, and many times it was doing that at the same time in different parts of the course. It would have been a dream course for Alan Perkins.

Jim Pardee again set great courses, given the difficulty of the wind, and Baron and I moved marks and chased boats. Bill Wells also chased boats when he wasn't busy on the finish line helping Brenda with scoring. Baron used a cool app called Afleet on his tablet to keep score. I want to get it for my iPad. But my daughters have it and I don't think I will ever see it again. Frank Ligon was the trophy guy this year and they sure were nice.

The battle for top spot was very close on Saturday, but Chuck Millican found a new gear and just stole the show on Sunday. However, it was Martin Gray who scored the most bullets (3) on Sunday to move up to 6th place in a borrowed boat. It was a beautiful day on the lake with really great people who all behaved wonderfully.

Final Results
1. Chuck Millican 59
2. Jon Luscomb 78
3. Ricky Gerry 96
4. Robert Greer 102
5. Jim Kaighin 111
6. Martin Gray 125.6
7. John Goldsworthy135
8. George Balaschak 152
9. John Bottensek 170 Did not sail on Sunday
10. Calvin Obara 170 Lots of radio issues
11. Dennis Headberg 188
12. Jim Rutherford 193
13. Frank Ligon 239
14. Doug McLellan 274
15. Brian Ladouceur 299 Did not sail on Sunday

Jon Luscomb took home the Florida Championship trophy, Chuck Millican was second, Joe (me) Walter dropped to 3rd and I knew it was going to happen, Robert Greer was 4th and Alan Perkins got 5th place.

Thanks to all the JMYC members who supported the event. A huge thanks to Brenda for doing a great job as RD. She doesn't know it yet, but she may get the job permanently.

RD Brenda Pardee presents the First Place trophy to Chuck Millican.

Jon Luscomb gets the Florida Championship Plaque from Chairman, George Balaschak and RD Brenda Pardee..