Light winds plague 8+8 rally

Sat, Jul 4, 2009

The Grand River Sailing Club held its annual 8+8 Cruising Rally on June 20, with a record number of boats participating.
While a lack of wind kept the multihull boats from racing, the monohull fleet was able cruise along due to rules that allow boats to use their engines for propulsion when the winds go light.

The 19 boats involved were the most in the 22-year history of the event.

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Myron Constantine and Jim Malek guided their boat, Stingray, to the top finish in the event.

Peggy Dash was second, followed by C.C. Rider, Wind Feather, Frank Lloyd Starboard, Far Niente, Surface Tension, Oxymandais, Dolphin Lady, Patti Two, Jezelle, Heart Throb and Monkey Wrench.

Three monohull boats — Avanti, Half Hitched and Island Bound — did not finish the cruise, and all thred multihull craft — Touch2Much, Double Dang and Magnum — were forced to abandon the rally because of light winds.

On Wednesday, the GRSC held its weekly race, kicking off the North Shore Marina Cup regatta.

Jack Kelley's C.C. Rider won the Jib and Main Fleet with a corrected imte of 39 minutes, 36 seconds. Stingray won the Spinnaker Fleet at 50:45.

Avanti and Far Niente rounded out the top three in the Jib and Main Fleet.

The Spinnaker Fleet saw Surface Tension take second, followed by Frank Lloyd Starobard, Heart Throb and Dolphin Lady.