Fleet 8/BSC - Broad Creek Match Racing Challenge

[Black Jack]

2011 Broad Creek Match Racing Challenge
Raced in San Juan 21’s.

Wrap up:

On a picture perfect Fall day the first annual Broad Creek Match Racing Challenge was held at Blackbeard Sailing Club. The schedule was a double elimination series capped at eight teams with fourteen races being held to determine the champion.
A special thanks to the race committee for their efforts completing in all fourteen races in a little more than three hours thanks to a cooperative breeze and their well organized efforts. Joy Evans, Holly Bornarth, Katie Bornarth, Trevor Bornarth, Emily Bornarth, Ken Gurganus, and Ed Doughty did a great job keeping everything moving along.
Dan Bornarth and Eddy Parker served as the on water umpires for the event and overall had a pretty easy day with minimal protest flags flown.
The competitors ranged from newcomers to the San Juan 21 class along side national champions. Current North American Champion Hans Lassen sailing with San Juan 21 National Class Measurer Mike Chesser. Past National Champions Doug Longhini and crew John Pitcavage. Branin Thorn and his crew Bill Talbert. Past National Champions Gary Peterson, Jeff Thomas and Mike Evans joining to crew on Gary‘s boat. Dave Brown, current North American Champion as crew, sailing with crew Clare Brock and Michelle Moorman. Brian Sears sailing with Chris Moorman. Fleet 8 Commodore Larry Learn sailing with his crew. and Mark Brennesholtz sailing with his crew.
In the first round we saw a bunch of upsets with some surprising finishes as the fleet worked to build their confidence with match racing tactics. As the elimination series progressed we saw the experienced teams rise to the occasion.
In the end it was David Brown beating Branin Thorn for the right to take on Doug Longhini in the championships race. Doug Longhini and ace crew John Pitcavage showed their vast years of experience and past National Championship form beating Dave Brown to win the highly coveted first annual Broad Creek Match Racing Perpetual Trophy.
Doug Longhini and John Pitcavage were undefeated for the day making easy work of the winners bracket. Congratulations for a great performance on a beautiful Fall day sailing on Broad Creek.
I believe all involved had a great time and I think we can count on seeing another match racing event at San Juan 21 Fleet 8 and Blackbeard Sailing club in the future.

DB