The inaugural National Regatta for the Typhoon class will always be remembered as a three day battle with Mother Nature and, even more, for exceptional event planning and shoreside activities.
First, the weather - it was brutal on the Rappahannock River this past weekend. Mom Nature threw delightfully tantalizing moderate breezes at the racers each morning. . . between 8 and 9 while they were eating the regatta breakfast and readying their boats. But, by race time, the breeze did a disappearing act and stayed gone until dinner time when the class was gathering again for socials and cook-outs, etc. Then, each evening came the lightning, thunder, and torrents of rain.
The host Rappahannock River Yacht Club members and volunteers were the epitome of determination. The parties just got better, the food just got more plentiful and the hospitality became even more intense. And, finally on Sunday morning, the Typhoons pulled one on Mother Nature. They slipped out early, ahead of the original schedule, and squeezed in a race that made for the championship. It is especially fitting that the event coordinator, Ron Mihills won the championship fleet and is therefore the 2011 Typhoon National Champion. A total of 32 Typhoons were at the nationals, 19 in the Championship fleet and 13 in the Corinthian fleet. Placing second and third respectively in the Championship fleet were Gary Hooper and Norm Smith. In the Corinthian fleet, John Friday took first place, followed by Bill Turenne and Lance Franke in that order. Event Chairman, Ron Mihills. Principal Race Officer: John McCarthy
