Concurrently to the TSCF the SSS was hosting a youth regatta with over 200 optis and lasers launching simultaneously. That was an impressive sight and added a buzz of activity to the whole weekend.
Just a small sample of the optis launching into a stiff 15-20kn breeze.
George Luzier built Baby Doll on the left. She is 41 years old, strip planked and looks like new.
Dennis Bradley's Egret
Clayton Seelgen's brand spanking new Caledonia Yawl. http://sailingseelgens.blogspot.com/
Hugh Horton and I jumped in Goat and chased Meade Gougeon around. Here Hugh and Meade are swapping boats. Goat could just barely keep up with WoodWind in less than 10kn.
Dennis Bradley's recently restored Chapelle Sharpie was out playing with us
Watching Hugh take off in WoodWind
Hugh in WoodWind
Pacing Hugh
Back at the SSS docks
Great looking ply powerboat
Ospreys built a low nest on top of what remains of a recently cut down tree. They were not very pleased about the hundreds of kids running around.
Sunday morning renowned Sarasota boat builder George Luzier came by Baby Doll for a chat. George is in his late eighties and still building boats! Here George and Meade talk shop. George has been using West System for decades.
George Luzier and David Jennings checking out Goat
Solving the world's problems at an impromptu lunch aboard Egret
I am a Sarasota man. George Luzier built my first pram I think. He is only 10 or 12 years older. I sailed at 8yrs old in the pram fleet at the City Pier. Sailed in many of the Labor Day Regatta's from the Sailing Squadron in most of the class boats of the day. Now in Tallahassee with a 50 year old, 16' cuddy sloop, built in NS by George McVay.
ReplyDeleteHi Joseph, thanks for stopping by. George Luzier certainly has created an impressive legacy.
DeleteWe lived in Bradenton from 1962-1964. My father was an avid sailor and we belonged to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. I was 8 when I first sailing prams in the bay. My dad was Phil Sturges Jr. and I am Philip Sturges III. I just remember so many good times at the Squadron, though I have to say I was somewhat terrified when I began sailing prams solo in Tampa Bay when I was 8 - especially with the sudden storms that would pop up in the bay at a moment's notice. I was a reluctant sailor then!
ReplyDeleteGeorge Luzier is the "real deal." An old-school boatbuilder, of honest boats.
ReplyDeleteBut he shouldn't be mentioned in the same paragraph with epoxy. His boats were (beautifully) built of resorcinol glue and juniper.