Bruce Penn (foreground left) turns his Sunfish around after he crosses the finish line to greet the other participants in the third annual West Island Regatta on Sunday, 7/29/18, at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
Although rescheduled to Sunday, 7/29/18, from Saturday because of the forecast, the third annual West Island Regatta, still mustered up 14 small boats to sail a 3.5 mile course starting and ending at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven. Thirteen of the 14 boats were Sunfish boats.
The rest of the pack battles for second and third place at the third annual West Island Regatta at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven on Sunday, 7/29/18. Photo by Beth David.
An “informal, friendly sailing competition designed to present a sporting challenge to experienced and novice sailors,” according to the website, the race brought sailors and their helpers, and a healthy number of spectators along the shores at Hoppy’s Landing. The wait was a bit longer than anticipated, with practically no wind to push the boats along.
After more than an hour, Bruce Penn, 66, crossed the finish line, with a healthy, but shortening lead, as the rest of the pack suddenly benefited from the wind that kicked up just as they rounded the point at Hoppy’s.
The hot and muggy day was brutal for spectators, but participants did not complain.
Winner Bruce Penn before the race at the third annual West Island Regatta at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven on Sunday, 7/29/18. Photo by Beth David.
“I had a blast,” said Mr. Penn. “Too bad the wind picked up after the race.”
Mr. Penn said he and his neighbors on Sconticut Neck take out their little boats every weekend, and race around on their own.
Last year he could not race because he had broken his collar bone. This year, he made up for it.
To learn more about the regatta, visit www.westislandregatta.com
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Boats head into shore after the race, at the third annual West Island Regatta at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven on Sunday, 7/29/18. Photo by Beth David.
Boats push off from shore to go to the start line at the third annual West Island Regatta at Hoppy’s Landing in Fairhaven on Sunday, 7/29/18. Photo by Beth David.
