Bluster Regatta Recap

Last weekend, ten Wetas participated in the Bluster on the Bay Regatta—a record turnout for the event. We enjoyed perfect sailing conditions with temperatures in the 70s on Saturday and the mid-80s on Sunday.

Congratulations to Pete Merrifield for a stellar performance, finishing first in all six races. Bill Swanson followed with an impressively consistent five second-place finishes. The middle of the pack was highly competitive, with frequent position changes throughout each race. It was also great to welcome back former Weta owner Norm Hanson, as well as Gina Hopen and Terry Wheeler competing as a double-handed crew.

Hello Weta Sailors, I know this Event Report is late. The Gator Bowl was December 6 - 7, 2025. Just Devin Van Zandt and myself. Keith MacDonald was registered but could not make it. The 3 of us also sailed in this regatta in 2024. Camping was allowed. The wind started light on Saturday and improved as the day continued. The current was from the North sucking you in the direction of the Buckman Bridge South of the Rudder Club and race area. Saturday evening it started raining and the rain continued on and off through Sunday. The biggest problem on Sunday was the total lack of Wind. So no racing on Sunday. Jon and Donna Hamilton and the Race Pro, Tom Davis, did a great job, putting on the regatta. Jon and Donna had nice welcome party, with lots of delicious food and drink, Friday evening at…

3 Wetas stormed on to Choctawhatchee Bay for some light wind fun and practice. The breeze came up nicely and ended up around 8-10 allowing the boats to buzz around the bay! It was my first time sailing the self tacking jib on my new to me boat. We had fun!! The sailors were Terry Richardson, John Cramer and myself.

Nestled on the gentle shores of Lake Waccamaw—about forty miles west of Wilmington, North Carolina—the Waccamaw Sailing Club offered a perfect blend of comfort, charm, and Southern hospitality. It was the kind of place where time slowed down just enough to savor a cup of coffee on the clubhouse deck or share stories long after sunset.

The annual Indian Summer Regatta kicked off the week with an informal practice day on Friday 3 October, followed by four competitive races on Saturday, and  three on Sunday.  The full Indian Summer recap is available here. But this year, the story didn’t end with Sunday’s final horn. Many sailors decided to stay—stretching the weekend into ten glorious days of sailing, socializing, and good-natured chaos. You see, the Weta North American Championships were coming to Lake Waccamaw the next weekend.

Monday began with the smell of pancakes courtesy of Bill Croughwell. Spirits were high as Bill’s drone took flight…