The WaterFront Center (WFC) hosted its second annual Corporate Benefit Regatta on Sunday Oct. 3. Companies who supported and sponsored the regatta include: Farrell Fritz, Laffey Associates, Global Petroleum, Oyster Bay Marine Center, Renaissance Property Associates, and Sabharwall Properties. “The WFC truly appreciates Walter Imperatore of Renaissance Property Associates for organizing the event and the companies that participated by supporting our mission to raise awareness about the marine environment and provide opportunities to people of all ages to learn about and enjoy beautiful Oyster Bay,” said Dave Waldo, WFC executive director.
Competitors gathered early at the WFC on Sunday morning for one-design racing on the WFC fleet of Sonars. Four races were scheduled and after a brief morning meeting to review the sailing instructions, sailors were dropped off on their boats.
Sailing off their moorings competitors made their way towards the racing area under partly sunny skies and 12 to 18mph winds out of the Northeast. Sailors had their hands full with the strong gusty breeze. They were up for the challenge, skillfully racing the boats around the marks, making for very exciting and fun racing with sailors hiked out and on the rail as waves broke over the bow.
After the first two races, two boats separated themselves from the rest of the fleet. One boat skippered by John McGrane representing Oyster Bay Marine Center and Renaissance Properties and the other, skippered by Willets Meyer representing Farrell Fritz.
The two boats battled throughout the morning and after three races, McGrane had his boat one point ahead of Meyers’ with two first place finishes and a second. The final race wound up being exceptionally tight with McGrane and Meyers’ boats neck and neck around the entire course, coming together at mark roundings and then separating to try and gain an edge.
In the end Meyer’s boat was able to win the final race by three seconds, forcing a tie for first for the regatta! All competitors sailed with tremendous poise throughout the day with Sabharwall Properties finishing a close third with three third place finishes.
There is no better time to sail on Long Island Sound than in the fall, and this day was certainly no exception. WFC would like to again thank all of our corporate supporters for making the event a success!
