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PINK RIBBON REGATTA BLOWS ‘EM AWAY
Thank you for all the Donations
Have you ever heard of a successful regatta where no races were completed
and everyone still had a great time? Well, that’s exactly what happened
at the 2nd annual Pink Ribbon Regatta, sponsored by the Lake Pontchartrain
Women’s Sailing Association, where Mother Nature was almost the center of
attraction. Winds of 25+ knots forced the abandonment of the only race.
That’s not to say that there wasn’t any action, as there was plenty of that.
The morning began with the purchase of ratings, the only regatta of its kind on
the South Shore, where one can purchase the rating they’ve always wanted, or pay
money to give someone a rating they don’t want. The bidding gets hot and heavy as
the ratings are adjusted and posted for all to see. Once the fleet left the harbor
the real fun began. One Finn capsized and was towed to the harbor with a broken mast.
Another boat was slammed into the point when the engine couldn’t overcome the strong
easterlies and one crew member was sent to the hospital with a dislocated hip.
And our fabulous spectator boat, Pat Booker’s Blue Tempest, was boarded and inspected
by the Coast Guard.
However, none of these could overcome the spirit and enthusiasm of those gathered at
New Orleans Yacht Club for the post race party. Dr. Jazz again contributed their
talents and provided great music for dancing and second-lining. Food was provided
by a number of area restaurants. A silent auction, followed by a live auction with
auctioneer extraordinaire Guy Brierre, capped off the evening. When the party was
over we had raised approximately $10,000 for the Louisiana Breast Cancer Task Force,
an organization which provides education and support for breast cancer patients and
the money stays in Louisiana.
Despite having 2/3 fewer boats than in 2004, we were pleasantly surprised by the
participation of so many members of the sailing community for this worthy cause.
The 2007 Pink Ribbon Regatta promises to be even bigger and better.
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