Butler Wins Second Championship

This year's Seaspray North Americans at Big Lagoon, California was a success with 11 races sailed over three days.  The weather co-operated and provided a decent wind on Friday and lighter winds on Saturday and Sunday.

[caption id="attachment_842" align="alignnone" width="3264"]IMG_8124 L-R: Jay Gardner, Don Snell, Mike Butler[/caption]

Congratulations to winner Mike Butler from Fort Bragg, California.  Corrected race results had Don Snell in second place and Jay Gardner in third.  There were four competitors from United States and three competitors from Canada.  Thanks to Mike Butler for providing the Seaspray fleet prizes.  Thanks also to all the competitors who made the effort to attend this event.  CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS

Many thanks to the Humboldt Yacht Club for hosting the regatta and giving the Seaspray fleet an extra day of racing over the regular Redwood Regatta.  The overall attendance was in the mid 30's for competitors with Hobie 16's, Hobie 20, Snipe, Pelican, Laser and other fleets competing as well.  Competitors were allowed to camp for four nights maximum at this state owned property and it helped to be close to the venue.  A wonderful Saturday supper and hearty Sunday morning breakfast was provided as part of the event.
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Pictured above are most of the competitors and their spouses enjoying the weather.


If you are wondering why we didn't sail on the Pacific side of the big dune the picture below will help explain why. Water temperature in the low 50's Fahrenheit.



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One of the side benefits of traveling a long distance to an event is the opportunity to enjoy a few side excursions.  The Red Wood forest is extensive in this area and a drive through the "Avenue of the Giants" afforded an additional opportunity to do some hiking in the Redwoods.

While driving through Eureka, California we passed by the Carson Mansion pictured below. William Carson came from New Brunswick to the California gold rush and ended up making a fortune in the lumber business, shipping redwood to San Francisco and other parts of the globe.

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Ferndale, California was another worthy visit and had many interesting and surprising delights.



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