HARKEN BUOY SERIES
With the conclusion of the Carlisle Classic Regatta last week in Clearwater, Florida, the inaugural year of the Harken Buoy Series is now complete. A total of 83 different boats competed in the series regattas and awards were presented in four different one-design classes. Thanks to everyone that attended, we look forward to seeing you next year beginning at the Key Largo Tradewinds Regatta in January!
The largest class was the Hobie 16 class, and the results were:
1. Chuck Pickering
2. Robert Murph
3. Vicki Cope
The Inter 20 class was the second biggest for the year:
1. Mark Smith
2. John Casey
3. Brian Karr
The quickly growing Formula 18 class was the third largest:
1. Alex Shafer
2. Kirk Newkirk
3. Olli Jason
And the forth class awarded trophies was the A-Cat class, which is also growing in size:
1. Rush Bird
2. Dave Carlson
3. Woody Cope
Other fleets that had a class at only one regatta were the Hobie 18/18M, Formula 16, and Hobie Wave. Hopefully those fleets will make more events in 06.
HARKEN DISTANCE SERIES
With only one event left for the year, the Steeplechase in December, bragging rights for the year are on the line.
Matt McDonald currently leads, sailing on the Blade F16 manufactured by his company Vector Marine. Two-time Tybee 500 and current I20 North American Champion John Casey is in a close second place sailing an I20. Craig VanEaton, normally sailing a Supercat but having changed to an ARC due to hurricane damage is in third.
Blade vs. I20 vs. Supercat/ARC for the distance king!
Full details and results on www.1design.net
Is JC sailing the general? If so.... "that thing got a hemi?"
JC sailed "The General" last week at the North Americans, and by the way he sailed your answer is, yes, its got a hemi. JC and Kenny kicked butt.
Steeplechase should be interesting to see how the general and the Blade end up.
You taking the 18, BK? Or will "Tommy" not be delivered to St. Louis until AFTER steeplechase?
Tommy has left the building. 
He is trying to acclimate to the colder weather. Last I saw him he still looked cold.
So it's 110 miles on an 18 for BK?
I am boatless until I get the F18 in a few weeks. Tradewinds is my next event. The yellow boat went north after the NAs.
Now Ive got to go get some white electrical tape.
"White, its the new Yellow"
Big Thanks to Eric Arbogast for loaning us his ARC 21 for the Hirams Haul that was four days after the hurricane destroyed my boat. It was the first time I have been on a 8 foot wide boat in about 6 years. The wind was 20 to 30 and it has the same stick as a SC 20 that has a 12 foot beam. It was also the first time I ran a spinnaker. We usually run a screecher on the SC 20. Steep learning curve and a lot of fun.
Eric and I will be teaming up on his ARC 21 for the Steeplechase in two weeks. Can't wait!!!