By VanFalk

We think most of you enjoy reading regatta reports, I know we do. And after all, isn't that what really matters? - Ed.

The Coral Reef Yacht Club kicked off the Star winter circuit this past weekend with the 2003 Schoonmaker Cup. Typically this event is not well attended because of the proximity to the Thanksgiving holiday, however with the Olympics less than a year away, it has taken on greater significance. Indicative of this is that 34 teams from eight nations showed up for this weekend regatta that typically has 15 entries.

The Star winter circuit is a series of seven events that start in November and conclude with the Bacardi Cup in March, although this season will include an additional event for US sailors, the USA Olympic Trials. Many international teams compete on the circuit to take advantage of the warm climate and tropical breeze for practice and to race against the top American/Canadian teams who all make the annual pilgrimage to Miami.

Among the international teams were Marc Pickel/Tony Kolb from Germany, Peter Bromby/Lee White from Bermuda, and Marko Neelman from the Netherlands; all are likely to be racing in Athens next year. Of the top American teams, Paul Cayard/Phil Trinter, Howie Shiebler/Will Stout, and the Schofield brothers Bob and Doug were present. Mark Reynolds was also in attendance, but has decided to shake up his program and was sailing with Steve Erickson rather than regular crew Magnus Lilljedahl. Missing among the top US teams were Rick Merriman/Bill Bennett, John McCausland and George Szabo who are expected to attend the next event in three weeks. John Kostecki was absent from another important event and the word is that his program is now officially shutdown.

The long range forecast predicted a blow out with winds that were to exceed 30 knots for the entire weekend. Those teams who showed up early for practice found conditions to be on the extreme with winds from 25-30 knots every day. All of the teams were relieved to find that conditions had moderated by the time we launched Saturday to a much more reasonable 12 knots. The RC got three races off Saturday. The winds were generally from the east but shifted through a 30-degree cycle. Many of the top teams found themselves going from heroes to zeros after large shifts closed the door on them. After the first day, Peter Bromby and Howie Shibler seemed to be going best.

Day two was slightly breezier with the winds around 15-18 knots. The wind was again from the East with large shifts. The swells created some challenging conditions downwind where the crews had to be vigilant not to let the pole strike the water for risk of losing the mast. The RC showed its impatience with the numerous general recalls, set the black flag in race five, and several teams had their regattas conclude prematurely.

Peter Bromby was the regatta winner with Howie Shiebler in second. Shiebler/Stout seemed to be the best team on the water, but paid dearly for a poor race on Saturday. Pickel/Kolb were third, Neelman fourth, Cayard/Trinter fifth, and Reynolds/Erickson sixth.