Smooth sailing for 45th annual Summerset Regatta
With a perfect forecast for a weekend on the water, the 45th annual Summerset Regatta, hosted by the local CMCS (Caloosa Marching and Chowder Society) Sailing Club, set sail Saturday, Oct. 16, with 6 to 12-knot winds, sail-loving gusts and 75-degree weather.
“It was perfect weather for a regatta,” said Rick and Candace Thiele, CMCS members and captain and co-captain of their 40-foot Wings.
Thirty-six boats from all around South Florida and as far as Jupiter, Fla., participated in four buoy speed races Saturday, and a 17.2-mile distance race Sunday, all along the beautiful gulf waters of Fort Myers Beach.
The finish Sunday took place in the waters behind the Pink Shell Island Resort and Spa.
“The courses and wind conditions made it very challenging even for the more experienced sailors,” said Dan Dan Merriman, CMCS Rear Commodore of Racing.
First-place winners of each category included Aquilla, Midnite Rider, Bama SlammeR, FancyFree, Fairtrade, Jolly Mon and Journey On.
Organizers said proceeds from the 45th annual weekend race are going toward youth sailing programs around Southwest Florida through the Offshore Sailing School, based out of North Fort Myers.
For more information on the next Summerset Regatta, or basic information on the CMCS sailing group, visit CMCS-Sail.org.