Grey skies and scattered raindrops greeted sailors for the final day of the North American 5.5M Regatta, writes Jennifer Harker

It was a refreshing break from Saturday’s relentless sun and toasty temperatures registering in the mid-30s Celsius.

Winds were expected to build as the day went on but as boats pushed off the dock it seemed they’d never even make it out to the race course. However, the always creative race committee had found some breezes in the bay and the fleet got in two races to make the standings interesting.

In Race 1 Firestorm USA 87 was hot to trot and flew out of the start with Pride USA 31 hot on her heels. Most of the fleet took the south side but Firestorm and Pride’s path proved to be the right choice and Pride was first to the mark.

The downwind leg has consistently been Firestorm’s one to take, and with another speedy spinnaker run she accelerated to catch Pride just before the second mark.

Positional changes in the rest of the fleet kept it intriguing to watch on the second and third legs.

By the fourth mark Firestorm had locked up first place and Pride and Nantoria CAN 22 were making it a photo finish for second place

Nantoria’s veteran skipper John Lister nosed in ahead with a mere split second to spare. Following the races he reminded everyone that after crewing for several years Joe Strelow bought Pride without a lot of sailing experience. “He’s learning to skipper on a 5.5 and they’re hard to drive.”

Purple Haze USA 51 skipper Dan Rossi also commented on the level of racing at this year’s regatta. “The competition is getting stiff and it’s good to see everyone’s improving.”

After a quick course reset boats were ready to run for the line one more time.

Race 2 got underway with a lot of traffic and confusion at the pin end necessitating some 360s completed for interference, leaving Summer CAN 80 with a clear line to sail away to be first to the mark.

Firestorm continue her spinnaker dominance, moving into first while Purple Haze USA 51 was picking up speed quickly on O’Kelly CAN 79 pushing into third, and she wasn’t done moving up yet.

Firestorm USA 87 used her spinnaker runs to full advantage to put distance between her and the rest of the fleet and never relinquished her lead, ending her first North American 5.5M Regatta with two strong first place finishes.

Purple Haze USA 51 would move into second place to finish her regatta on a high note.

All the boats had moments of brilliance and it was an excellent day of 5.5 racing.

Canadian Phil Stoesser crewed aboard Firestorm and found the racing exceptional. “I love the camaraderie. Nothing beats class racing. In a fleet, seeing everybody together and the even competition, it’s not a runaway. Joe was in it, then Dean, it wasn’t a runaway, everybody’s skill level improves.”

Aside from the racing Stoessor said the friendships formed through the years and the outstanding camaraderie is the best. “It’s like a family, it really is pretty special.”

Lister agreed. “I love the spirit of it. We’re serious on the race course, we’re trying to make the boats go but when there’s a foul we have a conversation, do our 360 and move on.”

Support is vital to the success of the fleet in North America and seasoned sailors notice. Chris Hatton was onboard O’Kelly and he commented, “It’s been really enjoyable and all really good people. I don’t think you’ll find many races where one boat will say to another, ‘we’ll stay out of your way around the mark’.”

Dan Rossi also chimed in that protecting people and boats is essential as new boats join the fleet, crew move up to try their hand at skippering and inexperienced crew step in at the last minute to ensure all boats get out on the course. “It’s about keeping it fun and staying true to the roots of our camaraderie. Protecting people and boats is a big component to why we’re able to continue to grow.”

He noted there are several 5.5s available for sale for any enthusiasts who would like to become part of the fleet as owners. Contact him at danielrossi@earthlink.net for more information.

The points were close but in the end Nantoria CAN 22 was the overall winner with Firestorm USA 87 close behind and O’Kelly CAN 79 in third followed by Purple Haze USA 51, Summer CAN 80 and Pride USA 31.

William Turner and Tal Hutcheson made the 31-hour drive from Texas towing Firestorm to be part of the North American Regatta. The long drive was worth it and Turner said of the experience, “It was fantastic racing. It was very challenging and every day was a little bit different with everyone getting a little bit better. It is nice to see Joe [Pride USA 31] getting ahead in the light stuff. That’s what it’s all about, making everyone better. Hopefully it grows a bit with more each year and gets better each time.”

Preparations are already underway for the next regatta, planned for August 22-26, 2022 in Midland.

Organizer John Lister said, “There has already been lots of good conversation about the upcoming regatta, with crew configuration discussions and plans for boat enhancements.” Contact him at listersjohn@gmail.com

Dan Rossi and crew Larry Donaldson and Cheryl Keith had Purple Haze USA 51 moving well to end her regatta on a high note, finishing second in the final race.

In the final races the fleet was more tightly packed than ever, which bodes well for the future of 5.5M racing in North America.

Summer CAN 80 had a good day, finishing the final race with a third place just behind the speedy Firestorm and Purple Haze.

Nosed out right at the line by Nantoria CAN 22, Michael Bloor and Matt Thurley of Pride USA were still smiling afterwards. 

It was worth the long drive from Texas for Firestorm USA 87 that finished the regatta in second place overall. (left to right Tal Hutcheson, Phil Stoesser and William Turner)

Nantoria CAN 22 was consistently fast throughout the four days of racing to finish atop the standings.