(pictures by Bob Rude)

In a tightly contested series of 2 races on Saturday, July 12th, just outside of Bristol Harbor, Skip Mattos bested a fleet of 10 boats to with this year’s SS23 North Americans.

Skip Mattos and crew receiving their winning trophy from Carter

The wind gods were a huffin’. At noon, on a clear and sunny day, the winds were light, but increasing. At the start, however, whitecaps appeared. 15 minutes later, winds settled into 20 to 25 knots for the rest of the afternoon. We had a perfectly set W-L course set by Bill Stephens, the PRO for Bristol YC. Starts were close, as was the racing.  Skip went 1-2, George Cochran took second with 3-1, and Catani came in 3rd with a 2-4.  Rounding out the finishing were Brian Anderson in 4th, Bob Rude in 5th, and Ruth Souto in 6th. Lou Marino and Carter Hall tied for 7th. Halsey Herreshoff did not start the 2nd race, and Herb Brown withdrew from race 2 because of equipment failure.

Lou: “Man, does it feel good to be off the water!!”

We all retired to Bristol YC for our post-race cookout of hamburgers, hot dogs, and salmon burgers. And drinks!

Ruth and crew post-race celebrating

Everyone was pretty beat up, but feeling good. And already looking forward to next year.

Emelie Marino with Sue Hall, stalwart and strong crew for Lou and Carter

SEE EVERYONE NEXT YEAR!!!