JAZWIECKI WINS CLEVELAND RACE WEEK

Lake Erie is known to be a tough place to sail. It can present conditions ranging from flat calm and then just a few minutes later be raging with a 6 foot swell and chop. In Cleveland, the lake did her best to challenge the competitors, providing conditions ranging from 20 knots to 4 knots. Although just 5 boats registered, the competing teams had a blast.

The yacht club provided great facilities with multiple lifts and plenty of parking. It was also a nice short sail out of the harbor, yet another place you don't have to use the engine. They were very excited to have our class as part of the regatta, and hope to host more Melges 24 teams and events in the future.

The three day regatta kicked off on Friday at Noon with a gnarly forecast. The racers were met with Miami like conditions, including a building northeast swell and big air. Curtis Jazwiecki's Gnarly Ruca team was up for the task. Taking three bullets in three races of the day. Nate Duer's Evil Duer and Kent Picknel's Apex teams battled closely for second.

Saturday's forecast was for almost no wind. The boats went out and floated for a bit. The Melges 24s ended up rafting together and having a great time. The day ended with a 5 knot outboard race to the bar. Speaking of the regatta party, Edgewater Yacht Club came through in this department, bringing in some of Cleveland's best food trucks, some excellent bands, and a seemingly never ending free pour of beer and Mt. Gay rum. Needless to say, the teams had a great time despite no racing for the day.

Another sunny and warm day greeted the sailors on Sunday morning. The light air was here to stay, but the race committee managed to get in two races. After a close gybing battle, Apex took the win in the first race. In race two Evil Duer found the best breeze and shot out to a big lead, which they held through the finish. The RC tried to get in one more race, however the convergence of the gradient and the sea-breeze started to shut things down and make it too shifty.

TOP THREE RESULTS (FINAL - After Five Results)
1.) Curtis Jazwiecki, Gnarly Ruca; 1-1-1-3-2= 8 pts.
2.) Nate Duer, Evil Duer; 2-3-3-2-1= 11 pts. 
3.) Kent Picknell, Apex; 3-2-2-1-3= 11 pts.
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