After having postponed and ultimately cancelled all 2020 Tanzer 16 Class Association-sanctioned events due to COVID 19 constraints, we completed four qualifying regattas for the 2021 SAYRA Cup season.
Here's a recap of all the regattas included in the 2021 SARYA Cup NOR:
The Mayor’s Cup at Lake Townsend scheduled for early June was postponed due to COVID.
The CSC Governor’s Cup was held in mid-June at Kerr Lake. Three Tanzer 16s competed, with David Mobley claiming victory over Dave Gilbert.
The Miller Time Regatta was cancelled.
The Mid-Atlantic District Championship was held in conjunction with the mid-August Blackbeard One Design Regatta at Blackbeard Sailing Club in New Bern, NC---The winds were brisk but managed well by victor Arch Altman, who finished ahead of Dave Gilbert in second place.
The 2021 52nd Annual National Championship Regatta was held in conjunction with the CSC Championship Series at Jordan Lake, NC. Saturday racing was ultimately abandoned due to very light winds. Light Sunday breezes were challenging as well, but allowed completion of the requisite three races. Ken Whitt and Des Runyan ghosted to 1-2-1 finishes, closely followed by Pete Thorn's 2-1-2 scores. Dave Gilbert and grandson Eli were third, with David Mobley, Chris Weed, Dale Strickland, and Arch Altman rounding out the field.
Finally, the N.C. Championship Regatta, held in conjunction with the Indian Summer Regatta at Lake Waccamaw, was won by Butch Blanchard and Debra Walters, again with Saturday races being abandoned but sufficient wind on Sunday for them to score all bullets. Dave Gilbert, Dale Strickland, and Bill Frasier, respectively, completing the event scoring.
Once the throwout was figured in, this year's 2021 SAYRA Tanzer 16 Season Champion was Dave Gilbert. With the capable assistance of his grandchildren, Rachel and Eli, Dave captured first with 15 points. David Mobley, our 2019 Champion, was second with 10 points. The SAYRA Cup trophy will be awarded at the Winter Social.
Congrats to all who participated in what looks to be a Tanzer 16 post-COVID rebound. With several new skippers in the mix, next year can't arrive soon enough!
Ken Whitt
President, Tanzer 16 Class Association