Today was the 2010 Riverside City Council Regatta and BBQ. This year the Riverside Community Sailing Program was responsible for more of the event. The event went well. More information on the regatta can be found here. It was also a great fundraiser for the City Councilmemeber’s favorite charity as well as the Riverside Community Sailing Program. We got started early on the set up for the event.
Boats on the water - Lifeguard in the rescue boat (upper left) and me on the dock with the microphone
I was happy to not be in charge of the kitchen. However, I was going to be the MC for the event. O how I look forward to talking into a microphone. (I really do not like talking into microphones or being on stage) As the day progressed it was amazing how well things flowed and we kept close to the schedule. Eric was tasked with driving the rescue boat again this year.
The councilmember’s set sail and waited for the countdown sequence. The stay behind the start line for 6 minutes sailing around, gauging their run and trying to not cross the start line before the final blow of the horn.
The boats crossed the start line after the blast of the horn. And Melendrez sailed straight across the lake to the south like he did in practice the day before. He then tacked back sailing north west and passed in front of everyone else that was trying to sail straight up wind. He reached the north side of the lake, tuned around and headed to buoy number one with the others still trying to sail up wind.
Regatta in progress as seen from the rescue boat
Soon the rest of the council members started to tack back and forth to make it to the first buoy and then head down wind. However, Andy was never going to be caught.
The day finished well. We had great help from a good bunch of youth. The United States Naval Sea Cadets Corps and Jacob did great.
U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps and Jacob
Of course, as soon as things were picked up, Jacob headed for the dock and grabbed a sail boat. He was out for play time after working so hard at the Regatta. Several to the Sea Cadets went out as will. For some, it was their first time on the water in a sail boat. It was fun watching the youth learn.
I am honored to be on your blogroll sir. The photos of the kids and their achievements makes us all feel good. I’ve not done anything like that, but have worked with the Civil Air Patrol back when I flew more as a hobby. Watching the young generation take on such tasks and challenges is very rewarding.