Skinner Lake is new to most Lido 14 sailors and thus deserves a bit of background. Skinner Lake is a reservoir that is part of the water system for So. California. It is located just east of Temecula California (just under 2 hours driving from Newport Beach) within a pocket of rolling desert hills. The Lake is probably best know for its fishing but as we (re?)discovered, it is an excellent small boat sailing venue.

As you drive up through the valley from Temecula, you pass by a non-stop series of small wineries and then crest on a small plateau covered by desert scrub brush. To the unaware, you'd think you were lost in the desert. Then out of nowhere appears a virtual oasis - a sparkling lake with wonderful day picnic, camping, and boating, facilities. I can't speak for everyone, but it seemed that everyone was very excited about coming back to Skinner to sail.

As for the sailing, the wind was typically medium in strength with a light spot or two thrown in for good measure. Of course, being a lake, the wind was shifty. However, it didn't take long to determine that there was a persistent left shift buried in the wind oscillations and those that went left in the first half of the windward legs seemed to get the best rewards. The courses consisted of Windward/Leeward, Triangle, and Triangle/Windward/Leeward with occasional use of "twice arounds". Despite Stu Robertson's impressive final score, the racing was actually much closer than one would expect. In fact, Stu came from behind in most of his races, to overcome a boat that had (seemingly) "launched" from the fleet. His workmanship especially showed in the offwind and downwind legs.

There were a total of 18 boats that sailed together however the A's & B's were scored separately. Trophies were awarded to the top two teams in the A's and B's as well as the top two in a unique "handicap" competition.. The handicapping system, used to reward the "most improved" teams, was created by seeding all competitors (by a secret panel of judges) and comparing the predicted (seeded) results against the competitor's final scores. For example, John Papadopoulos was seeded 3^rd overall so his handicap was 3x5 = 15. His actual score was 14 so his "improvement" was 1 point. This treatment was applied to all skippers and the best improvement was by Terry Smith & Co. 2^nd place in the handicapping was Mark Paulson & crew.

A special round of thanks to the regatta's sponsor, W.D. Schock Corp (i.e. Tom Schock, et. al) and those that worked to put on the event, namely: Roger Patterson (Chairman), Marily Patterson (Scoring, etc.), John Papadopoulos (Food), Steve Schupak (Whaler support & 'Barby' Chef), Fred Marks (Whaler Support), , and a few others whose names escape me.

Story filed by John Papadopoulos