|
|
District 20 Regatta Report | Sat Jan 24th, 2009 through Sun Jan 25th, 2009 |
Peter O Leary and Tim Goodbody with Thea Walker |
| |
Two races were completed on Saturday in Miami, but there was no wind on Sunday. The event is renamed the Walker Cup for Harry Walker, Star Class Rear Commodore, who passed away last fall.
Harry Walker Sails on with Walker Cup In 1983, Harry won the South American Championship with crew Dave Perry in Puerto Azul, Venezuela. He earned his Silver Star and took home a keeper trophy, a spectacular silver globe with the continents etched on the surface. The globe is mounted on an ornate silver Dolphin on top of a wooden base. Of all the trophies won in a lifetime of yacht racing, this was Harry’s favorite. For the Walker Cup, Harry's widow, Thea Walker, donated the beloved trophy to Star District 20 and Coral Reef Yacht Club where it will reside in the trophy case. Thirty two Star boats competed in the first Walker Cup Regatta on January 24 and 25. The sailing on Saturday was “Miami perfect” with lots of sun, a bright blue sky and winds varying from 10 to 12 knots. On Sunday, Regatta PRO Rich Raymond wisely kept the Stars onshore as he explored Biscayne Bay searching for wind. That allowed the celebration of the new Walker Cup to begin a bit earlier than usual. The top winners were Peter O’Leary and Tim Goodbody from Cork, Ireland. California’s Jim Buckingham and Eric Lidecis from the Newport Harbor Fleet took 2nd with Rick Merriman from Lake Hopatcong Fleet, New Jersey and Phil Trinter from Southern Lake Erie Fleet, Ohio in 3rd. The top Master team was from Canada with Brian Cramer as skipper and Taylor Bjorn as crew. The trophy ceremony was very special. Dave Perry, now a nationally renowned sailing rules expert, gave a great speech about the day Harry won the trophy and his Silver Star in Venezuela. After describing Harry’s love for Coral Reef Yacht Club and the Star sailors, Thea Walker presented the beautiful new Walker Cup to the winning team of O’Leary and Goodbody. Then, Louan Zagarino, Thea, and Harry and Thea’s sons, Gil and Web and grandson Henry Walker presented the awards to the runners-up. When the Star sailors were asked how many had sailed with Harry, the majority raised their hands. Winning the Silver Star was one of the many highlights of Harry’s life. It is wonderful to know that with this Walker Cup, Harry will sail on forever… |
|
|
ISCYRA Central
Office 2812 Canon Street San Diego, California 92106 USA Phone: +1 619 222 0252 Fax: +1 619 222 0528 SKYPE: star.class.office office@starchampionships.org |
Results
- Calendar
- Classified
Ads - History |
Sign up for eStarlights... |