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249--California: 2004 CHOC Regatta @ Site News     Nov 09 2004 - 11:55 PST cherie writes: To benefit the Children's Hospital of Orange County, local sailors raced in Newport Beach to raise $50,000. I was aboard "Scavenger" a 42 Reichel Pugh driven by Bill Taylor. The forecast predicted that Sunday CHOC racers would get drenched, so most sailors arrived in their fowl weather gear. Slowly the quiet sunlight peeked through the clouds and racers peeled off their gear. The sweet taste of autumn was in the air, and although there was no need for sunscreen, the rain never came. The CHOC Regatta was postponed a short while due to lack of breeze and sailors became restless. Each minute seemed an hour and sadly the wind never showed up. Another sailor stood up by the wind! At best the wind was 1-2 knots, gusting to 4. Just like a digital bathroom scale—the wind would give us a gift, and then take it back. The only wind was apparent. Regardless of the wind, the race started unleashed dozens of sailboats into a still and breathless sea. Still, spinnakers bloomed and sailors harnessed what wind they could. A few hours later yachts sleepily drifted back to the finish line in front of BYC. The last few boats crept over the finish line before the race was called at 5:30pm. Of the 23 yachts registered for the 2004 CHOC Regatta 6 didn’t finish. Some sailors mentioned the “2 Hour Rule” which is: “If your yacht sits in the same spot for 2 hours you should start the motor.” “I hate having to turn on the engine,” said Bill Taylor, the driver of “Scavenger”. Taylor was disappointed especially since last year “Scavenger” won the CHOC Regatta and also won the boat to raise the most money. First prize in each division was a canvass bag full of goodies, while 2nd and 3rd place prizes were liquid trophies. The bottles of wine given out to 2nd and 3rd place were much tastier than traditional trophies. Here are the photos I took of the 5th Annual CHOC Regatta hosted by Balboa Yacht Club. Click on each picture to see it full size. read comments (0) | write comment| views: 7061    | rated: 0.0    printer-friendly version   There were more women on Scavenger's crew than men! Here are 3 of the female stars: Emily, Megan and Missy. You should always get the biggest guy to jump the halyard. Jeffery (3) pulls with all his might. Hey, I thought it was supposed to rain today? Don't worry, It's OK! Tania and Bob. Ready to race? The calm before the storm. Belwether. It's Ok!, an ID 48. Gordon and John. Sail away, sail away, sail away. It's going to be a "Showdown." "Illusions", a Farr 395. This is the life. "Electre" skippered by Jim Douglas. Why do I have the feeling I should get used to seeing the back of this yacht? The best "seat" in the house is often standing. Bob gives a quick smile. Sled. And they're off. It's OK! Engage. Bob on the main. Sailing through Newport Beach Harbor. Bill Taylor (82) at the helm. Belwether. Bob's profile. Effortlessly gliding through the bay. Gordon. It's OK! The fleet. One more sail, eh? Forrest on jib trim. Tania. The chute's start to bloom. (It's OK!) Wes Selby's "TnT" from BCYC. "Amante" a Choate 48 owned by the Richley family. Drifting slowly out to sea. Missy, JOhn, Tania and Kerry. The fleet harnessing the wind. Bill driving. It's OK! Showdown, an IMX 38 skippered by Michael Luna. Showdown with her spinnaker up. Showdown heads for a 4th place finish in the PHRF A division. Megan coils up a line. Bob and Kerry. Great job organizing Megan! Bob, "Scavenger's" tactician with 77 years of sailing experience under his belt. Sailing. It's about determination. Jeffrey and Kerry fold the sail back on the dock.