EASTERN CHAMPS REPORT AND PHOTOS

The 2018 Eastern Champs are in the books! Thanks to Chad Atkins for making it happen and getting the regatta in before the year is out!

Great Pond in Belgrade, Maine was the place. It was, well, great. Nice ice, big plate, good launch area, nice hotel just up the road- can’t ask for more than that right? But we got more….

The turnout was good, a great mix of relatively new blood plus some seasoned DN vets, as well as some special guests from some far off lands…. Kent Baker and his wife Erica drove out with David Frost and his daughter Audrey from Ohio and Michigan, respectively. Kent and Dave sailed while Erica and Audrey ran races and kept score. VERY stoked that this group rolled east to join the fun and all of us NEIYA gang send a HUGE thank you to Erica and Audrey for taking on the gig. This goes especially for Audrey- she just finished her first semester at U. Michigan and no doubt would rather have been ANYWHERE besides the Maine boondocks!

Breeze was spotty early Saturday but four races were sailed (maybe only three counted, depends on who you ask….) once it filled in a bit. Matt Knowles is getting dialed in and took fifth, David Frost made his drive worthwhile with a fourth, Long Island’s Chris Miller is getting on the pace and edged out Chad Atkins for second, and Commodore T was able to take the top spot.

Sunday was a wash as far as racing was concerned (no breeze) but a good time had by all gabbing it up on the ice and watching the eagles fly by- Matti Bradley was out and took a TON of great photos (click here to see! https://idniyra2018greatpond.shutterfly.com/4 ).

The midwest gang loaded up and bolted and we are happy to report that Erica was dropped off at work Monday morning with a full 15 minutes to spare. Talk about cutting it close! Thanks again to everyone who competed and stay tuned for more! Think ICE….