Sixteen Mercs entered the 2017 Homecoming Regatta conducted by the Sausalito YC. The idea of the regatta came from the club last year when they contacted Hal McCormack. The club was celebrating their 75th anniversary and the Mercs were the last of the small boats who were still active after the 75 years.

The class suggested to use the Homecoming Trophy, as SYC was were it originated. Hal let SYC know what the Mercs needed to be able to race in the area, hoist, parking and the type of couses the Mercs like.

SYC did the job in spades. They arranged for the hoist, helpers to park the empty trailers, towboats to get you to and from the racing area and parking at the clubsite for car and trailer for the dinner and trophy presentation I mention this because every item came off perfectly , including the racing.

Fifteen Mercs completed the five races on a perfect day. The wind was light on the first race and then it was a little over 6 for the rest of the day. The course was a twice around sausage, finishing downwind for the first rsce. Sailing up and down Richardson Bay was new to most and a memory for the experienced. Some went to the Belvedere shore others to the Sausalito side. Tides in this bay are a small factor. Jim and Kathy Bradley managed to lead the first group to get the win. Bill and Katie Worden were second in a close one with Randy Smith and Theresa Peet. Dave West and Bill Pearson were fourth followed by John Hansen and Tony Basso in fifth place.

Race two was the same course. The fleet was compressing and the downwind legs had many position changes. The hope that when a shift would come, sails would be adjusted properly. Hansen and Pax Davis with Park Densmore Jr  had some close racing with Hansen winning by a few seconds. West was in the hunt and placed third. Bradley was fourth and Smith was fifth.

Race three was a single sausage, finishing downind. Bill Buckinham and Blair Peterson got it all together with a good start. The group was finding more breeze and favorable lifts on the Sausalito side. Buckingham won, followed by West. Smith continued being very steady was third followed by Bradley in fourth place, and Lyn and Odile Hines, sailing their best race to get fifth.

Race four was also one lap. Hansen got a very good start and won the race. Worden also got off  fast to place second. Buckingham was moving fast again to place third, followed by the very steady Smith lacing fourth. Bradley placed fifth, but as pointed out on the score sheet, he was penalized for being over early when the “Z” flag is displayed.

Race five was twice around and it was all Hal and Anne McCormack. The got off fast and kept the boat moving. They did favor the Belvedere side, but you can’t top boat speed.Bradley sailed the last run by broad reaching, then jibing for the broad reach to finish second. Chris an Robert Lanzafame sailed their best race to place third. Fourth place went to Hansen followed by Buckingham.

Congratulations to JohnHansen and Tony Basso winning the Homecoming Regatta and the trophy which was presented at the trophy ceremony.

The get together after the race and the dinner brought out a few past Merc sailors.
Park Densmore, one of seven founders of SYC, Tim Condon, Dick Clark, Steve Mason and Dave Smith. It was very nice event.