The HBC Opti Regatta, recently renamed the Waldo Cup.
The rain held out all day for the Head of the Bay Opti Regatta this past Thursday the 16th. The 100 Opti sailors stormed the beach of HBC almost looking like an attack at Normandy. The whole regatta went off without a hitch allowing them to race 4 Triangle course races. The breeze stayed all day, never reaching above 8 knots keeping the sailors happily moving right along.
Opti sailors always make me smile with their small features but very large way of sailing the race course. The large number of attendants just makes you think wow we really have a bright future ahead in the JSA but also the sport of sailing. Watching the Optis also made me take a stroll down memory lane. An eight year-old I once knew was so scared of sailing her first regatta that she made her instructor switch her in for only a couple races at this very same place. Twelve years later that frightened lil' Opti was...me! Who knew I would fall in love with the sport! The HBC Opti Regatta was the very start for many JSA sailors and continues to be a positive track into the vast world of sailing.
The regatta also has sentimental value to those involved behind the scenes. The HBC Opti Regatta was
renamed three years ago the Waldo Cup, to honor and remember the late Lew Waldo. Lew was a member of the Bay Club and also an avid sailor who was involved in the Ensign class sailed out of Centerport Yacht Club. Lew was always identified for his corinthian spirit but also the way he shared his passion for the sport with his son David. David is now the director of the Oyster Bay Water Front Center in Oyster Bay, NY and continues to lend a helping hand to the RC for this special regatta.
This regatta hits home for a lot of sailors who grew up racing against Mr. Waldo and his son. The
tribute to Lew is more than fitting. I personally did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Waldo,
but I did have the pleasure of being coached by his son David for many years. In my opinion, I think I speak for a lot of JSA sailors when I say thank you to his Lew's family for lending his name and his spirit to this regatta.
Congrats to all who participated and hopefully you all carry on the Waldo dedication and come back next year! Check out the album and the JSA page for results.
Comments