On Friday May 16th, I set out for my first trip to the Rappahannock Rivah Regatta. It was unlike any regatta I’d attended before—this one was held in someone’s backyard! After turning off Route 3 onto a narrow country lane, I was immediately stopped by a flagman due to a one-lane paving operation. While waiting, my GPS lost connection, and I ended up trying several roads in search of the home of Scott Duff III the host, regatta organizer, and race committee. Eventually, I spotted a driveway marked by two old Hobie 16 hulls flanking the entrance. Driving through a cornfield, I arrived at two beautiful homes with lush, manicured lawns nestled along the shores of the Rappahannock River.As the name suggests, the regatta exuded Southern hospitality and informality, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable regatta weekend. The Hosts were very cordial and made you feel at home immediately. All the participants camped on site for the weekend.

Saturday:

Six Wetas arose Saturday morning and prepared to race. We were greeted with howling winds. A few brave Weta sailors ventured out, only to return saying, “This is a fun regatta, but fighting these conditions would be more work than fun.” The other multihulls did not even launch. The day was spent socializing with everyone.That evening, during an excellent barbecue dinner, a vote was taken, and it was agreed to move Sunday’s start time up to 9:00 AM to try and get more races in.

Sunday:

By 9:00 AM Sunday, the Wetas were ready, but the other fleets were not. The RC started the Weta fleet in light air. As the wind continued to fade, and the river’s current became a major factor—especially for those who did not round the first mark before the breeze died. What had been a 100-yard lead quickly turned into a two-leg advantage for the lead boats. For us trailing far behind this was not a fun race.

There was talk of abandoning racing for lack of wind when a fresh breeze filled in—quickly building into the teens, with gusts in the twenties. The RC capitalized on the conditions and ran five short races, bringing the total to six for the regatta.

Your reporter’s regatta ended in the third race when a pin holding the mast gave way, bringing his rig down. At that point, I lost track (and interest) in how the remaining races played out. I was rescued by the party/rescue boat and its large crew of “young adults” to whom I am very grateful for their excellent help. I was later told that there was fun and exciting racing going on for the rest.