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ARGYLE CAMPBELL WINS 2006 M24 ANNAPOLIS FALL FLAIL; SIMON STRAUSS WINS CHESAPEAKE CUP AND NE DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

18 OCTOBER 2006 • The 2006 Melges 24 Annapolis Fall Flail hosted by Eastport YC was the last regatta in a five-event Northeast District championship series and provided some of the most challenging conditions and competitive racing in the region this year. Argyle Campbell and his crew aboard RocknRoll came all the way from the west coast and gave a lesson in how to succeed given some very tactically challenging conditions.

The weekend’s festivities began with an on-water coaching and tuning session and practice races led by Coach Ted Kaczmarski (www.ksailing.com) followed by a video debrief and Q&A session while the crews mingled over beers at EYC. Saturday morning brought unseasonable temperatures in the 40’s and light westerly breezes forecasted to shift to a southerly. The frontal system-driven westerlies, combined with cool nights and warmer days combined for some very challenging on-water wind conditions, yet also provided the 12 competitors with some exciting downwind rides as the winds developed into great planning conditions.

As the competitors made it out to the race area on Sunday, there was only one point separating 1st and 2nd places. Given the tactical focus needed given the shifty and puffy wind conditions that were prevalent all weekend, the regatta was wide open as to who would take home the prize. In all, seven races were sailed with one throw out given and no protests being file. Campbell took 1st with Geoff Pierini and his Gazoo crew taking 2nd. Sean Scarborough and his Rhino team taking 3rd in the regatta as well as the 1st place Corinthian trophy. View Full Results.

Not only was the Fall Flail the fifth and final regatta of the NE District Championship Series (combined scores from the Annapolis NOOD, Newport Regatta, Larchmont NOOD, U.S. Gold Cup and Annapolis Fall Flail), but it was also the conclusion of the year’s Cheapeake Cup trophy (Annapolis NOOD and Annapolis Fall Flail regattas). Kudo’s to Simon Straus and his Team Gill for winning both the Chesapeake Cup and the NE District Championship Series!

Chesapeake Cup top three finishers:
1st – Simon Strauss, Team Gill
2nd – Jim Golden, Chillout
3rd – Bill Carleton, Tiburon

NE District Championship Series top three finishers:
1st – Simon Strauss, Team Gill
2nd – Gary Schneidman, Tango
3rd – David Ford Lightwave Nano

View FULL RESULTS

All would agree that the 2006 Fall Flail was a resounding success with its exciting on-the-water racing action and “Lots of fun beer drinking at EYC!” One thing’s for sure… the Melges crowd sure knows how to sail and party to the extreme. Just one of many reasons that is helping to drive greater class participation and growth within Annapolis and the Northeast. Be sure to keep on top of next year’s NE District planning activities by joining the Melges 24 NE District Google group.

** Special thanks to Scott Nixon with Quantum Sails and Coach Ted for their support and contributions, and to the EYC Race Committee who did an excellent job of keeping the course as square and fair as possible given the persistently shifty conditions. **