As a long-standing tradition at Platinum Point Yacht Club, we are pleased to share this firsthand report from Golden Conch Regatta Chairman, Vince Core.
But first, you might ask “What’s a Regatta?” It is defined as: A “contention for mastery” on the water. Of Italian origin since 1680, the first Regatta was held in Venice, Italy. It is derived from the Venetian dialect word regatare, meaning to compete, huddle or contend. This contest eventually went worldwide. Simply, it is an organized series of boat races ─ in our case sailboats!
Picture perfect morning, a slight breeze on Charlotte Harbor, 29 crewed sailboats, and a cast of experienced support, in various watercraft – waiting for the action to begin!
From Vince:
Platinum Point Yacht Club celebrated its 42nd Annual Golden Conch Regatta (GCR) on January 17 and 18. It was the largest regatta hosted by PPYC since 2019, prior to COVID, and the series of damaging hurricanes to the Burnt Store Marina.
There were 29 sailboats registered for the regatta, with 14 Harbor 20s that raced in Upper Charlotte Harbor with Jean Mastrangelo from Isles Yacht Club (IYC) as PRO, and 15 PHRF boats that raced outside the entrance to BSM with Tom Fleming from PPYC as PRO.
A dinner banquet was held on Saturday evening with over 120 attendees with an awards ceremony for the Harbor 20s. Winning the Harbor 20 fleet in first place was Jeff Scholtz on Yellow Jacket from West Palm Beach, followed by Rob Sisk on Aude, Man and the Sea and in third, Jay Nadelson on All Clear, both from Punta Gorda. Representing PPYC was Graham Segger and crew Mark Gabel on Spirit, pictured below.
The 15 boats competing in the PHRF fleet consisted of three divisions, Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker and True Cruising. An awards luncheon was held on Sunday following the completion of racing for the winners of the 3 divisions.
In first place in the Spinnaker Division was James Balassari on Wildcard, followed by Alan Hails on Scotch Bonnet and in third place Roy Kuipers on Three Sheets to the Wind, all representing the Punta Gorda Sailing Club (PGSC).
In the Non-Spinnaker Division, first place went to PPYC’s own George Darrell on Bonnie Lass, followed by Scott Milligan on Pepper and in third place was Tom Horner on Eroica, both from CMCS in Cape Coral. George and crew pictured below.
In the True Cruising Division, first place went to Mitch Briggs on Day Dreamer, followed by David Green on Wind Dancer, both from the PGSC. Finishing third was Lawrie Yearsley on Thomasina from PPYC, pictured below.
In addition to the competitors and their crew, more than 30 volunteers from PPYC and other yacht clubs provided support by serving on the race committee, making their power boats available, or hosting the dinner and luncheon, all under the guidance and direction of Commodore Drew Myers, the flag officers and club administrator of PPYC.
Also on the water, overnight cruising took members to Boca Grande Marina and Captiva’s, Tween Waters Resort, and February’s Lunch Cruise visited Riviera Bar and Grill. PPYC kayaking enthusiasts enjoyed the tranquil waters of Matlacha in January, and Osprey, Florida’s South Creek at Shoreland Park in February.
January festivities included a 1920s Jazz Club Party, the annual, ever-popular Progressive Dinner, Sunset Socials with Trop Rock’s Sunny Jim and John Patti, Education programs featuring a Trip to the Military Heritage Museum and The Origin of Life and Humanity: Creation vs. Spontaneous Generation, Cinema Nights featuring The American and The Upside. A new Bird/Wildlife Photography Group led by PPYC member, Rick Read, was launched and will continue through the winter season.
A Come Get to Know PPYC Open House was well-attended by many seeking information about membership opportunities.
February featured a Superbowl Party, a delicious Fish Fry, a Golf Cart Poker Run, and an outing to Broadway Palm Dinner Theater for a night of Fiddler on the Roof.
Last, but not least, PPYC hosted its annual Valentine’s Day Race and welcomed the BSM Community to its much-enjoyed annual Valentine’s Day Community Pancake Breakfast.
Beyond these special events, the club hosted a full schedule of get togethers for bridge, Mah Jongg, happy hours, sunset socials, grill nights, golf scrambles, ladies bunco, stretch and balance, computer tech and art classes.
What’s ahead?
March at PPYC offers a wide variety of activities. Be sure to check out Fleet Weekon our website http://www.ppycbsm.org for details of how you can be part of this annual tradition.
