By Michael Millard
The Indian Harbor Yacht Club unfurled its sails for the 84th Winter Sailing Season, with the 10th annual All Souls Regatta marking the commencement of ‘Frostbiting’— a spirited winter sailing series.
On November 3, nineteen sailors embarked on the waters, navigating the traditional 9-foot Dyer sailing dinghies, buoyed by an unusually warm sun and a gentle 6 knots of breeze. The day was a testament to the sport’s growing popularity, as the number of participants heralded a robust season ahead.
Competitors contended across four meticulously timed races, each composed of three legs, challenging their tactical prowess and endurance.
The races, averaging 25 minutes each, were characterized by their intensity, with the lead oscillating among the sailors, underscoring the skill and nerve that define this frosty tradition.
Emerging victorious was Adam Zakka of the Indian Harbor YC, who exhibited remarkable consistency and skill with a mere 5-point total, clinching finishes of 2nd, 1st, 1st, and 1st in the respective races. Hot on his heels was Michael Calman of the Old Greenwich Yacht Club, a seasoned sailor who secured the second place with 13 points after the tiebreak calculation, besting Karen Lau of Indian Harbor YC, who also tallied 13 points but settled for third due to the final race’s results.
The Indian Harbor Yacht Club Winter Sailing Association, in its invitation to sailors across the region, has reaffirmed that one need not be a member of the yacht club to participate. This inclusive spirit pervades the season, which runs every Sunday from November 12 through the end of March, punctuated by special regattas on New Year’s Day and President’s Day weekend.
Those seeking to test the icy waters for the first time can avail themselves of several club owned boats. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the association via Cfoley@indianharboryc.com for more information. The standings for the November 3rd regatta are as follows, underscoring the competitive spirit and the close calls that characterized the day:
Lowest point total wins:
Results for November 3rd, 2023 – 4 races. Lowest point total wins
1 – Adam Zakka – 5 points, ( 2,1,1,1 )
2 – Michael Calman – 13 points ( 6,2,3,2) wins the tie-break
3 – Karen Lau – 13 points ( 1, 4,4,4 )
4 – Ben Millard – 21 points ( 3,3,8,7 )
5 – Jonathan Krumeich – 24 points ( 4,5,6,9 )
6 – Michael Millard – 25 points ( 9,9,2,5 )
7 – Dwight Harris – 29 points ( 11,6,9,3 )
8 – Roger van Loveren – 30 points ( 7,7,5,11 )
9 – Chris Tella – 34 points ( 5,11, 12, 6 )
10 – Liam Hegarty – 35 points ( 10, 10, 7, 8 )
11 – Karen Varbero – 39 points ( 8, 8, 3, 10 )
12 – Peter Coleman – 52 points ( 14, 15, 10, 13 )
13 – Francisco Seitun – 54 points ( 15, 13, 11, 15 )
14 – Irene Willisch – 60 points ( 12,12,18,18 )
15 – Dr. Chris Fay – 64 points ( 17, 16,15, 16 )
16- Mike Bronfman – 64 points ( 19, 14,17, 14 )
17 – Kyle Surette – 67 points ( 13, 19, 16, 19 )
18 – Christine D’Amico 70 points ( 16, 18, 19,17 )
19 – Did not complete the Regatta
