Here is my first attempt to post on this new website. It was Denise Karbarz last year who suggested that I have a captain's blog (get it? captain's log?) as the Flying Scot Fleet Captain.  Since Ben and I have been traveling to a lot of regattas this spring and sometimes people ask us about our trips, I've decided to give this a try as a way to keep everyone (who is interested) informed.
Okay, so I'll start with the most recent first. Last weekend, June 20-21, we went to Berlin Yacht Club in eastern Ohio where there is an annual regatta for not just Flying Scots but also Highlanders (bigger, longer Flying Scots) and Thistles (hear that Gerry and Craig?!). This year there were 14 Flying Scots and lots and lots of wind on Saturday. I am guessing (with help from my skipper) that winds were steady 18 or 20 with gusts to 25. Lots of Thistles capsized, two Flying Scots (though neither turtled) and even a Highlander went over.
We were sailing our brand new Flying Scot, Sophie, #5897 for the very first time, but once we were on the water we didn't worry at all about dinging her up, etc. We had four races on Saturday and in some ways that was a test of stamina; by the last race I think there were only six Scots on the line. We did well, placing 3rd, 2nd, 2nd and 4th in the races. Sunday we had just one race and the wind died so bad that on the very last upwind leg, which was only about 20 boat lengths we were afraid we were going to lose four boats! But we didn't; we placed third behind  Rick Banning and Frank Gerry. Whew!!
And, so, in the end we got the 2nd place trophy behind Frank Gerry, who had a very very good regatta with three first-place and two second-place finishes. Way to go, Frank and Marianne!
Speaking of which, please remember that July 10 and 11 are the Flying Scot Districts, which Lake Delavan (Frank's lake) is hosting. Please, please support this regatta if you possibly can. Lake Delavan has been very good about attending the Glow in the last two years and we'd like to return the favor.
The only goofy thing that happened is that we managed to miss the awards ceremony AND get our van stuck in mud up to the hubcap! The nice thing was that about a dozen Berlin Yacht Club sailors came, including one with a four-wheel drive, and helped us out.