2003 Lake Piru Regatta
May 3&4, 2003
Shortly after the start of the first race on Saturday the wind shifted right and a squall came over the mountains to bring rain and gusts to 34 knots to the sailors on Lake Piru. Halfway down the run to mark C Rich Osborne blew off his sheets to reduce pressure on the rig as the deck beam collapsed while on a screaming run. Carroll and Naff continued to the bottom mark while leading Ken Silver in classic Lido #52 which capsized and ripped out the vang fitting while trying to round the mark shortly afterward. Pat Rygh had elected to do a DNS due to back problems, and thus ended the competition at the lake. Rescue work continued for the next hour or so, righting inverted Daysailors and collecting wreckage of the Lido fleet.
The Cinco de Mayo party started at 5:00 with Jimmy Buffet’s (an event sponsor) margaritas from Margaritaville (thanks to Linda Lou Bouch) flowing freely and a potluck hors deuveres and side dish feast spread under a portable rain shelter carefully placed in the center of the campsite.
Sunday racing began uneventfully with sun and light winds. Carroll and Naff went out and cruised (uncontested) around the course to finish the regatta. Next year San Fernando Yacht Club is hoping to have an even bigger party with a bit less wind and rain.
Story and pictures provided by Dave Carroll.