2017 Beacon Group Viper 640
North American Championship
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n a single word, the Beacon Group Viper 640 North Americans was spectacular. The tem-
perature, the wind and the bay cooperated. The FWYC staff and horde of volunteers did
our club proud. The sailors had a blast.
As a participant and having been to my fair share of national, North American and interna-
tional events, I was impressed with us. As a sailor, I can attest to the flawless execution and
unflappable hospitality offered by our small club. As organizers, Craig and Deborah Wilusz
did a fabulous job. If you haven’t participated in a regatta that lasts nearly a week, you might
not appreciate what a relief it is to attend such a well run event, but I do. Thanks, guys.
Beginning with registration and measurement, volunteers must herd competitors through
various physical and mechanical processes. Paperwork must be completed, insurance forms
copied, boats inspected, sails measured and sailors kept happy. Vehicles and trailers must
be stored and
tons of questions must be answered. Eventually, boats must move to-
ward the water in a timely manner and with lolly gaggers and last
minute bottom polishers, this can be a feat.
Once afloat, a whole new group of volunteers is necessary. An event
of this magnitude requires a flotilla. There is the Race Committee
boat, a gate boat, a pin boat, a finish boat, a windward mark
boat, a mark change boat, a media boat and as many safety
boats as one can wrangle. All these boats need competent
volunteers to keep things running smooth-
ly and quickly on the race course. Our
membership was generous with boats,
time and equipment. Great job, guys. It
was a blessing to the sailors to have you out
there.
Racing went on for five long days. There
was one day of practice racing and then
fours days spent duking it out for the title of
North American Champion. The sail-
ing was fabulous but a Viper is
more of a boat that you ride
on rather than in. She cares
where you sit. For the first
time in quite a while, I found
myself not bemoaning a few
extra pounds as crew weight
along with skill helps to keep the whole affair
upright. All this kinetic effort
can wear a sailor out.
After lugging our sore selves ashore, the FWYC staff offered tired sailors food and drink with a
welcoming smile. The Taco and Pasta bars were a huge hit and the bartenders kept the drinks
flowing. Tommy Mattonie’s chickens were delicious. The Halloween Party proved delightful
for everyone. Apparently, they celebrate a little differently in the land down under and our
Australian visitors had a blast. The staff out did themselves all week long. Great job, guys.
As with all good things, there came an end. Saturday marked the last day of sailing and for
two races a benevolent breeze blew from the southeast. Before the Vipers made the docks, a
cold front blasted in and a mighty, cold wind swept in from north. Despite slightly adverse
hoisting conditions, FWYC volunteers rallied and every Viper made it safely back on to her
trailer.
Because Craig and Deborah worked with dedication, because a legion of members volun-
teered, because FWYC staff toiled with a smile, our club presented the internation-
al sailing community with a world class event. Great job, guys.
~ Jennifer Grant
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