Sailors Ready Their Boats

Yesterday was Regatta Day in Oysterville — the 23rd and last of the present-day series we all thought.  The Oysterville Regattas of the past — those of the 1880s and early 1900s — might have had a five- (or even a ten-) year run, but this modern set of races, begun by Chris Freshley, David Williams and Tucker Wachsmuth in 2001 has been unprecedented in numbers of years.

Tucker Sings His Regatta Song – Awards Banquet 2021

I’m not sure for how long Cap’n Wachsmuth has been the sole sponsor of the event —  far more than half, I think.  For a number of years there were eight or nine or even ten lasers entered.  Each year’s race has been preceded by a Skipper’s Meeting for the sailors, timekeepers, rescue personnel and anyone else directly concerned with the race, itself.  Then came the race (hopefully preceded by a ‘fair wind blowing’.) Finally, there was the  Regatta Awards Banquet held outdoors and to which the participants, their families, and the Oysterville community were all invited.  For years it has been the biggest event of summer in Oysterville.

Then came Covid.  The 2020 Regatta was cancelled.  This year, when only three sailors registered to participate, it seemed the momentum had been lost and, of course, the virus was surging again.  Tucker was pretty sure this would be the Last Ever Regatta.  In fact, he was already planning a totally different summertime event that I can only describe as being “grounded” onshore and involving the  Wachsmuth-invented game of Whiffle Golf.

I’m happy to report, however, that the new plan is out the window, at least for the present.  Yesterday’s race, even though it involved only three boats, was so pleasant and so enjoyable that Tucker’s thinking has done a one-eighty.  “It was one of the best races ever!” he said at the Awards Banquet.  And now, we are all looking forward to the 24th Annual in 2022!