NORTHUMBERLAND—The Northern Neck Nutshell racers recently gathered for their annual pre-season pot luck and presentation of trophies for the 2021 racing season.
Members are busy planning for the upcoming racing calendar, reported Bill England.
Last summer 12 different boats competed in one or more regattas, a significant increase over recent years, and prospects are good for more this season, said England.
Seasoned racers best watch out for the newest members, he said. Tom Stefanic improved from last place in the first regatta to first place in the final one, and Mike Saunders has already been seen practicing on the river.
Other new members include Ellen Sagan and Matt Ewoldt along with veterans Egbert Dees and Jeff Knight. Adam Mullins, who lives in Houston, is planning to take part in two of this year’s regattas. Many thanks to race committee members Don Imbur, Jeff Wainscott, Bob and Julie Norman, said England.
The group nailed down regatta dates for the 2022 season: Saturdays, May 28, July 2, July 23, August 27 and September 24.
At the May 28 event, Art Gilbert and England plan to show off the fruits of their winter work—Cocktail Class Racers, trading off the slow and quiet of Nutshells for the fast and loud of motorboats, he said.
Rain dates for the Nutshell regattas are Sunday, the next day. Racing starts at 2 p.m. on the Great Wicomico River near the Route 200 bridge and continues for about two hours, ending with a beverage and some laughs on shore.
New participants are welcome, whether they purchase a boat or build their own, as many of the current sailors have done. Interested parties should contact England, williamengland50@icloud.com.
