Given the COVID-19 constraints in 2020 and the impact of too much wind and/or water on sailing in 2022, the Class Association fearlessly scheduled more sanctioned events for 2023. However, the turnout was somewhat diminished due to unexpected breakdowns of equipment, illness and/or injuries to skippers, as well as “Spirit” having been returned to her birthplace in Montreal. NB
Recapping the regattas included in the 2023 SAYRA Cup NOR:
The North Carolina Championship was held in conjunction with the Mayor’s Cup Regatta at Lake Townsend, Greensboro, NC. Pete Thorn and crew Jeanne Alamby were victorious, followed by Joleen Rasmussen and crew Sid Hale, Dale Strickland and crew Kim Jones, and Dave Gilbert with grand daughter Mary Margaret Gilbert serving as crew.
The Mid-Atlantic District Championship was held ICW the Blackbeard Sailing Club’s Spring Solstice One-Design Regatta on the Neuse River at New Bern, NC. Pete Thorn and Ann Brice ran the table, followed by Barry Weed, Dave Gilbert, and Arch Altman in second, third, and fourth place, respectively.
The 2023 54th Annual National Championship Regatta was held ICW the Blackbeard Sailing Club’s Gurganus One-Design Regatta on the Neuse River at New Bern, NC. It was won by Pete Thorn and crew Jill Fidgeon. Barry Weed was second. Arch Altman and Dave Gilbert were registered but failed to start.
The 2023 SAYRA Tanzer 16 Season Champion was Pete Thorn, capably assisted by Ann Brice. Notably, this is the second time Pete has accomplished the Grand Slam, winning all three of the Tanzer 16 Class Association-Sanctioned events in a calendar year. The SAYRA Cup Trophy was awarded at the Winter Social.
*Nota bene: It is with a bittersweet mixture of gratitude and sadness that I end my 42+ years as a Tanzer 16 owner and Class Association Officer. I have only the best memories of Tanzer 16-related activities and the wonderful people who have been a cornerstone of my life.
Ken Whitt
Past Commodore,
Tanzer 16 Class Association