2008 Lightning Manahawkin Bay Cup - Surf City Yacht Club

The 2008 Lightning Manahawkin Bay Cup was held September 20 at the Surf City Yacht Club on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Jim Carson with Jim Roe and Don Schon proved too quick for the competition and came away with the victory after a five race series. Bob Sengstacken from Nyack Boat Club with Daniel Zitin and Mino Tsutsui as crew was second, and one point back of them was Rich Warren with teammates Randy Swartley and Sue Warren.

I was fortunate to receive an offer to sail from Dick and Helen Moyer. While we didn't finish all that well, we had a great time and really enjoyed the venue. Our day started early with a drive from Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore followed by a quick rig and launch. The ten competing boats were greeted with lots of breeze, cool temps, and clouds in the morning. Everyone bundled up in foul weather gear and had a quick sail out to the course. The RC ran five two lap races during the day. The short legs allowed the fleet to remain very compact, and it was extremely tight racing all around the course. The wind stayed out of a Northerly direction for the day and stayed between 10-15 for the day, great winds for a Lightning. With short courses, those who got a good start and hit the first shift often led at the weather mark. The races certainly weren't over till the very end though, as the shifty wind provided lots of passing lanes throughout the day. As stated above, Jim Carson won the regatta by 6 points, though I'm sure that they never felt that far ahead while the regatta was being sailed.

After racing we packed up all of the boats in bright sunshine and warmer temperatures. If only the sun would have come out a few hours earlier, it truly would have been a perfect day on the water. The local fleet put on a cookout for the competitors and we then hopped back on the road towards Philly. All in all, this was a great way to spend a Saturday and if you live anywhere near the Jersey Shore, you should mark this regatta onto your calendar for next year.

Here's the results from the day: