2023 E Scow Nationals at Mendota Yacht Club - Day 1
by Deb Whitehorse 8 Sep 2023 04:15 BST
September 6-10, 2023
2023 E Scow Nationals, day 1 © Jeff Russell
"Today turned out better than we could have ever possibly imagined," said PRO Mark DeGuire about Race 1 and 2 of the 2023 E Scow Nationals 100-Year Celebration.
He was impressed with how the 126 competitors navigated a mile-long starting line and maneuvered through the heavy traffic during the mark roundings.
Overcast skies made it easy on the eyes. The air was perfect at 8 - 12 mph, with a puff coming through now and then.
The story of the day is Minnetonka Yacht Club's Tom Burton, who found his way through 126 boats twice today. His M9 is a number you often see around the top mark early in every race. Burton, who sails in the Masters Division, is a two-time National champion and led the entire first race and placed third in the second.
Proving that Masters know how to stay in the front of the pack, Robby Wilkins SC55 of the Carolina Yacht Club in Lexington, South Carolina, led the entire second race.
Two Youth Division skippers are in the top ten tonight. Jack Brown SS11 of Seaside Park Yacht Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is in second place with a 4th and 7th. Pewaukee Yacht Club's Jonathan Baily V39 (2, 20) is in 6th place.
There were numerous spectator and support boats present to witness the exciting event. Volunteers had a BBQ and beverages ready when competitors returned to Marshall Park.
Friday's breeze is forecasted to be lighter. The starting signal sounds at 11 AM CT.