By Beth David, Editor
One thing about a Sunfish and other small sailboats: They are colorful. And 22 colorful sails converged upon Hoppy’s Landing for the fourth annual West Island Regatta on Saturday, 7/20/19, including 18 Sunfish and four Hobie Cats.
Despite oppressive heat and humidity making it feel close to 100 degrees, participants and onlookers alike enjoyed the brisk pace of the little boats as they darted around the cove getting ready for the race.
The leaders fished the three-mile course in just under an hour, with Bruce Penn taking first place for the second year in a row.
The race went off without a hitch, and was escorted by a boat captained by organizer Paul Casey, the Fairhaven Harbormaster, and the Chloe Rose captained by Robert Joseph. The marine unit of the Fairhaven Fire Dep;artment was also on site in case of mishap.
Mr. Casey reported that all went well with the race, no mishaps, capsizes, or collisions to report.
After the race the group gathered at the West Island Improvement Association Community Hall for a cookout.
In an email to participants, Mr. Casey thanked the volunteers, town officials and the participants.
“Next, the race participants. Without you guys it would have been just another Saturday on the island but instead we all got a chance to socialize and meet new friends from the island and surrounding area
To learn more about this event visit http://westislandregatta.com or http://www.westislandsunfish.com. To see drone footage visit youtube.com and search for “West Island Regatta” to see three separate videos of the race from different vantage points.
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- Colorful Sunfish sailboats and Hobie Cats are escorted out of the cove at Hoppy’s Landing by the Chloe Rose for the fourth annual West Island Regatta on Saturday, 7/20/19. Photo by Beth David.
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- One participant takes a spin around the cove with the kids after the fourth annual West Island Regatta on Saturday, 7/20/19, at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
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- The leaders approach the finish line at the fourth annual West Island Regatta on Saturday, 7/20/19, at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
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- The sailboats start to arrive and line up at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven on Saturday, 7/20/19, for the fourth annual West Island Regatta. Photo by Beth David.
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- Colorful sails line up on the beach next to the boat ramp at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven before the fourth annual West Island Regatta on Saturday, 7/20/19. Photo by Beth David.
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