Thursday October 8, 2026 dawned and the Weta East Coast Championships / 52nd Indian Summer Regatta was in danger of being blown out.  The forecast for Saturday and Sunday was pushing the envelope for safe Weta racing.  There were also prospects of some storms in the back draft of Hurricane Isiaias.  I was on my way down from the North Carolina Mountains and pulled over for some weather studying and communications with Waccamaw race officials and out of town Weta sailors also planning to head towards Waccamaw.  After much deliberation we believed Friday’s weather would be great for the planned on water coaching clinic to be led by Gareth Ferguson.  The racing forecast was borderline.  The best summary of the decision came from Baxter Gordon who said, “It’s worth the trip for me if we just get to do the clinic.”  So we pressed on.

I arrived at Waccamaw Thursday afternoon.  No wind.  So I rigged my boat, tested my newly repaired main luff track, set some Weta feather flags and hung out at one of my favorite shoreside porches.  Others began arriving and we helped each other unload boats.  That evening we went to dinner and nestled down for a great night’s rest.

On Friday, more Wetas began to arrive.  Included in that mix was new Weta owner, Reggie Poplin.  Reggie had recently purchased Waldo’s green Weta. Reggie has quite a bit of sailing experience.  We should all keep looking over our shoulder as he starts to get accustomed to his Weta.

By Friday afternoon eight Wetas were participating in the much anticipated Coach Gareth clinic. It was a little lighter than forecast, but still enough to get 3 hours of good coaching in. Gareth would motor up behind a Weta, provide some guidance, whistle them to tack or jibe, and make a recording with commentary.  Afterwards, the recordings were shared with all the paying participants.  Wow!  It was a very insightful experience.  I have watched and re-watched those recordings dozens of times already.

Friday evening the club had catered in Italian food.  There are so many people at Waccamaw that make these events happen, so it’s risky to name them.  But a couple of shout outs, nonetheless.  DeeDee Laurent, who just makes things happen.  Quietly (sometimes) filling the gaps and smoothing the edges.  Carrie Bergstrom confidently directing all things food preparation.   

Saturday brought rain and wind.  We had some gusts pushing 30 kts with forecast of a possible slight weakening.  The PRO delayed on shore for a bit to see how things developed.  There was a very slight weakening, but not enough to create the desired margin of safety.  Three Wetas went out in the “lull” to get some time in bigger winds.  It was gusty, but manageable.  But it started to build and Keith MacDonald, Alex Leanos, and myself sailed back to the club to fight again another day.

Saturday evening Commodore Bill and our own Alex Leanos manned the grill for burgers and dogs.  We headed back to bed down with knowledge that the forecast for Sunday had improved.

Sunday came with 8-15 kts of wind.  With 10 Wetas on the line, we got three races in before a storm cell chased us in.  That cell, was expertly monitored by the PRO, Paul Leonard.  He got us back to the club in plenty of time to de-rig before it rolled through.

Awards ceremony came and in 4th place, earning the East Coast Championship Perpetual Award (aka "Roger"), was Baxter Gordon.  Roger is the "Almost Award" for the sailor that almost made the podium. I have had him for the last 2 seasons.

Below is a link to the full results

https://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_regatta_results.php?regatta_id=31795

Thanks to Waccamaw Sailing Club for another great Regatta! Great food, great sailing, great people, and great porches!