Jeremy Gicker and Kent Bennett (#183) leading Jerry and Cameron Lewis and Rick Paulson (#155)
In years past, the annual Gold Country Regatta races were dominated by sailors from far and wide, but rarely of local residence.
However, the 21st edition of the race, held last weekend in windy conditions at Scotts Flat Lake, featured strong performances by competitors connected to the host Gold Country Yacht Club.
"Typically, there are one or two local racers that finish in the top three," said Jerry Lewis, Gold Country Yacht Club's race chairman. "But this year, we had four or five that did so, due in part to the local racers' knowledge of the lake."
Eight different class winners were crowned among the 51 boats raced during the two-day event, which once again drew competitors from Northern California and Nevada. Winners were decided by combining the place finishes of five races run and throwing out one result for each classification.
Nevada City residents Jeremy Gicker and Kent Bennett combined to win the Capri 22 category. Gicker, who estimated he has participated in the Gold Country Regatta 12 times, captained the boat to four first-place finishes and one second place during the two-day competition.
"It was unusually windy," Gicker said. "And in those conditions, it is often the crew that can control the boat the best is the one to win. We had a lot of fun. It was good competition, and a lot of enthusiastic sailors out there."
Joe Weathers of Grass Valley took second in the Capri category, with Nevada City resident Mike Bringolf placing third.
Grass Valley residents Lynn Buchanan and Gordon Fellows took
second and third, respectively, in the Catalina 22 competition.
Cory Owens and brothers Tim and Tony Green of Grass Valley teamed
up to place second in the Open Keel races, which was won by new
Gold Club Yacht member John Andrew.