Posts for Lasers
Sunday Laser Clinic
Jon Deutsch on Tuesday May 1, 2012 07:57PM
On Sunday the Laser Fleet hosted a Laser clinic for a dozen sailors on a cool windless day. Mike Toms and Jon Deutsch took the sailors through the various simple, intermediate and advanced ways to rig a Laser and covered topics on the methods of dress and techniques for the various maneuvers. After a break for Lunch Jon demonstrated various aspects of boat handling while Mike narrated from the dock. After that the boats rigged and everyone got a chance to try out a boat while drifting Fishing Bay. While it wasn't the best sailing day, it was a great day for sharing and learning knowledge about the Laser.
Laser Clinic and Practice Day April 29
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday April 18, 2012 10:54PM
Sunday, April 29 is an empty day at the club so the Laser Fleet will be holding a clinic and practice day. There is no cost and it's open to anyone interested in learning the laser and any current Laser Sailors. Mike Toms and Jon Deutsch will give a talk from 9am until 11am on rigging, tuning and other go-fast Laser tips. We'll break into separate groups to suit the experience and familiarity with the Laser if necessary. At 11 we'll take the boats out for some skills practice and short races.
If you've got a boat, bring it. If you don't have a boat, one isn't necessary, we'll share the club boats and any others that are available. You're also welcome to come just for the off-the-water potion. For any questions and to let us know you are coming send an email to Jon at jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com.
Laser Masters Photo on Cover of The Laser Sailor
Jon Deutsch on Thursday February 16, 2012 10:13PM
The Winter 2012 edition of The Laser Sailor, the North American Laser Class Association's quarterly magazine, features a photo from FBYC's Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters championship regatta last fall.
The photo features David Schoene and Keith Davids in a close finish during the 1st race on Saturday.
Laser Frostbite Regatta Results
Jon Deutsch on Sunday November 6, 2011 09:35PM
The final sailing event of the 2011 season at Fishing Bay Yacht Club was the Laser Frostbite regatta on Sunday. 7 Lasers came out for some short-course racing in North East winds in Fishing Bay. Under mostly clear skies with water temperatures in the 50's and air temperatures in the 60's our PRO Mike Karn got us 7 races.
Ron Thompson was the most consistent with only one race out of the top 3 to win the day. Michael Moore, also with all but one top 3 finishes edged out Jon Deutsch for 3rd.
Thanks to the Hampton Roads sailors who came up and joined us and thanks to Mike Karn and Lisa Suhay for helping out on RC.
Thanks for a great season and see you next year at FBYC!
New rebuilt Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Trophy
Jon Deutsch on Friday October 21, 2011 10:26PM
Laser Masters sailors have a completely rebuilt trophy to sail for at the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship. The trophy features the ceramic plate with a painted picture of Lasers on Fishing Bay. The plate was part of the original trophy presented by Alain Vincey in the early years of the regatta. The new trophy is built like a serving tray with high sides to protect the plate from being broken.
Jon Deutsch and his father Stan built the trophy in a little over a week at the beginning of October and the trophy was unveiled at the regatta in mid-October. Read more about the building of the trophy and view more pictures on Jon's blog.
30th Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship Results
Jon Deutsch on Tuesday October 18, 2011 08:30AM
Laser Masters sailors from around the bay and beyond descended on Fishing Bay Yacht Club for the 30th Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship for two days of racing in a variety of conditions. Master Mike Schmidt from Magothy River Sailing Association emerged as the overall champion after 7 races beating Apprentice Master Keith Davids from Mission Bay Yacht Club by just a point.
30th Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship: Saturday
Jon Deutsch on Saturday October 15, 2011 10:52PM
Mother nature delivered again with 20+ knots of wind for 3 long races on the first day of the 30th Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship. Magothy River Sailing Association sailor Mike Schmidt leads the regatta after the first day with a 4-2-1 on the day. David Schoene from Severn Sailing Association is currently in 2nd and Keith Davids from Mission Bay Yacht Club is in 3rd.
With the winds we had today and memories of gusts into the 30’s on day 1 last year, most of the fleet opted to the sail the radial rig under the rig swap rule that allowed radials to sail head-to-head against the standard rigs. The radials did remarkably well taking 13 of the top 20 places.
Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a little lighter winds for most of the day. We hope to get in another 4-5 races.
Welcome to the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship Regatta
Jon Deutsch on Thursday October 13, 2011 01:10PM
For everyone who will be joining us for the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship this weekend I would like to welcome you to Fishing Bay Yacht Club. This being the 30th we've got a great regatta planned including a great dinner Saturday night and we'll be unveiling a completely rebuilt perpetual trophy for the regatta. You'll be joined by 40 fellow competitors making their way from NJ, FL, TX, NC, VA, MD, and DC.
Weather-wise we are looking at perfect Masters sailing conditions - mostly sunny with winds out of the west at 13-17 on Saturday and 10-14 on Sunday.
A few notes for those who are new to FBYC or reminders for those who have been here before:
Laser Fall Regatta Recap
Jon Deutsch on Sunday September 18, 2011 11:43PM
What looked to be a bit of a questionable day turned into a nice one for Laser sailing at Fishing Bay Yacht Club. While the wind was blowing 20-25 out of the North at the Stingray buoy - Fishing Bay saw comfortable winds in the low teens gusting into the upper teens.
5 sailors came out and all decided to take Radials out. That ultimately was a good choice as it meant we were much closer in speed and it was more of a boat race than a survival race. Some of the finishes on the ~1 mile course were separately by mere boat lengths testifying to the competitiveness of the racing.
Lud Kimbrough was PRO with Eliza Strickland and Miles Kimbrough on the signal boat. Durwood Usry and Noel Clinard took on mark boat duties. The entire race committee did a great job getting 5 races off in about 2 hours and even proved their fix-it skills by duct-taping a sail up where the top strap broke.
When the wind is out of the North, Fishing Bay is a challenging place to sail. All of the gains and losses came by picking the shifts both upwind and down.
With 4 bullets in 5 races, Jon Deutsch (FBYC) won the day cementing his lead in the 2011 FBYC Laser Series. Ron Thompson from Norfolk finished 2nd while Richard Biggs (FBYC) was 3rd. Brad Squires (FBYC) and Bob Danforth (FBYC) round the rest of the fleet.
After racing the sailors and race committee members were treated to social chair Brad Squires' famous chilly.
The FBYC Laser Series continues with the final day of racing on Sunday November 6th for the Laser Frostbite Regatta.
30th Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship NOR
Jon Deutsch on Tuesday August 23, 2011 12:34PM
The Notice of Race is up and Online Registration is now open for the 30th Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship to be held October 15-16 at Fishing Bay Yacht Club. This regatta has been a yearly tradition for sailors over the age of 35 on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. This year we're expecting sailors from New England and Texas. Not only will we have great racing on the water, but we’ve got a great dinner planned by none other than our own Alain Vincey.
Come be part of the tradition at the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship!
FBYC Junior in top 10 at Laser North Americans.
R. Strother Scott on Friday July 15, 2011 06:22PM
Congratulations to Jeremy Herrin who finished 10 in the Laser Radial Gold Fleet at the Laser North Americans at Brant Beach Yacht Club. See Results here.
Junior Week Parent's Race
Jon Deutsch on Friday June 17, 2011 10:13AM (1 comment)
We welcome anyone interested in sailing a laser or 420 to come out and join us. For anyone who does not have a boat, we will do our best to find one for the evening. Jon will help find boats, so send an email to jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com if you are in need of a boat for the evening.
In order to get as many people on the water as possible we will be taking out the club lasers as well as the 420's. If anyone has a laser at the club that they will not be sailing and would be willing to loan it for the evening, please email Jon at jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com.
The first whistle warning will be at 1800 and we will race until we've had enough or we run out of daylight.
Hope to see you out there!
Laser Spring Regatta Results
Jon Deutsch on Thursday June 16, 2011 09:42PM
With a few short courses and a few longer courses the fleet got in some good competitive races and everyone had a good time.
The format for Laser racing at FBYC has changed this year. Rather than participate on the same days as other one design fleets at FBYC, we have scaled back the Laser events to just 3 on days where no other classes are sailing. 2 more Laser race days remain: Sunday, September 18 and Sunday, November 6. These 3 events together will be scored as the Laser Series.
Laser District 11 Championship Article in Sailing World
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday June 8, 2011 03:14PM
Dont get me wrong. The regatta itself, the District 11 Laser Championships, was not terrible. In fact, it was fantastic. Hosted by the smoothly-run, beautifully-situated, Fishing Bay Yacht Club down in Deltaville, Va., on the southern Chesapeake Bay, the regatta was blessed with excellent winds, a great crowd of sailors, and a Laser-loving chef, Alain Vincey, who cooked up a spectacular Saturday-evening dinner. Even the camping was nice.
Read the rest of the article on Sailing World's blog.
Jon's Laser District 11 Championship Regatta Highlight Film
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday May 18, 2011 08:26AM
Here's Jon Deutsch's highlight film from this weekend's Laser District 11 Championship Regatta at FBYC.
2011 District 11 Championship and US Sailing Singlehanded Championship Area C Elimination Results
Jon Deutsch on Sunday May 15, 2011 10:38PM
Radial Start by Stephen Boling Photography
In the Radial fleet Mathew Schofields (AYC/SSA) consistency with all top 3 finishes pushed him to the podium as the top Radial and top junior. Austin Powers was the top Fishing Bay Yacht Club sailor finishing second while Ben Buhl, also from Fishing Bay Yacht Club round out the top 3. Dorian Haldeman from Severn Sailing Association was the top woman and won the Womens berth in the US Sailing Singlehanded National Championship.
Welcome to the Laser District 11 Championship
Jon Deutsch on Thursday May 12, 2011 09:54AM
The great news about the weather for this weekend is that we should have good wind. Not the epic wind of the Masters regatta we've had the past couple years, but a nice ~10-15 out of the South East. The not-so-great news is that the current weather forecast has a chance of rain and storms for both days. We'll keep our eyes sky and do our best to sail around whatever is thrown at us.
A few notes for those who are new to FBYC or reminders for those who have been here before.
District 11 Unveils District Championship Sailing Pinnie
Jon Deutsch on Thursday May 5, 2011 12:37PM
The District 11 Championship Pinnie was unveiled at FBYC the other day. Each competitor at the District 11 Championship May 14-15 at Fishing Bay Yacht Club will be given one with their registration (while supplies last so register early!). The pinnie features an image of Lasers on Fishing Bay on the front and a list of the areas D11 covers on the back.
The pinnie is a stretchy lycra garment worn over a life jacket and it helps keep lines and other gear from snagging on a life jacket. It also reduces windage. And you can show your District 11 pride when sailing away regattas and help our sailors look like a group.
District 11 Championship NOR
Jon Deutsch on Monday April 4, 2011 01:50PM
Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville, Virginia will be hosting the regatta on May 14-15 and has a fantastic program lined up. FBYC is famous for it's Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters regatta each fall. For those who haven't reached masters vintage, this is a great opportunity to sail at a beautiful club with a great sailing location on the mouth of the Piankatank Regatta. FBYC has beach launching, plenty of room to rig, and space to tent camp. Or if you are not up for camping, there's a couple motels and some nice B&B's a short distance from the club. Included in the registration for competitors are a Saturday night dinner as well as breakfast both mornings and after race beverages.
The first so many registrants will a get unique and useful regatta souvenir. Supplies are limited, so register early!
Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship Recap
Jon Deutsch on Sunday October 17, 2010 09:59PM
Every recent Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters regatta has been memorable for various reasons and this years edition has been no different. Mother Nature came through again, not with rain, nor high water, but with wind. The 29th Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship will be a regatta that the 43 Laser sailors who came to Fishing Bay Yacht Club will not soon forget.
John Bertrand from Annapolis Yacht Club was our overall champion and Masters division winner with just 21 points. Peter Seidenberg (Sail Newport) overcame a few point deficit on Saturday to edge ahead of James Jacob (Fishing Bay Yacht Club) to take 2nd overall and 1st Great Grand Master. James finished 3rd overall and 2nd Master.
David Frazier (Frostbite Yacht Club) was the first Grand Master while Jeff Moore (Southern Maryland Sailing Association) was first Apprentice Master. Karen Long (Severn Sailing Association) was the first Woman.
Day 1: Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship
Jon Deutsch on Saturday October 16, 2010 11:19PM
With more wind than we knew what to do with 43 Laser Masters sailors took to the waters of the Piankatank River for the 29th Annual Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship at Fishing Bay Yacht Club. Last years winner John Bertrand (AYC) put up 4 bullets in all 4 races to lead the fleet. James Jacob (FBYC) is 6 points behind and Peter Seidenberg (Sail Newport) is one point behind him in 3rd.
The first race was sailed in the middle of the Piankatank river where a long course was set in strong wind out of the west. Several boats sailed out to the course and immediately returned to the club. Many sailors took advantage of the rig swap provision and took out Radials or 4.7 rigs. Out of around 35 starters only 22 finished the modified gold cup course.
Welcome to the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship
Jon Deutsch on Thursday October 14, 2010 11:11AM
In an almost repeat of last year, except a day early, it appears that this northeasterly will by by us on Friday leaving us with clear skies and 15-20 out of the North West on Saturday.
A few notes for those who are new to FBYC or reminders for those who have been here before.
Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters NOR
Jon Deutsch on Thursday September 16, 2010 04:26PM
Last year’s regatta featured two of the premier masters sailors in the US - both of whom have won world championship titles in the Laser – John Bertrand of Annapolis and Peter Seidenberg of Newport, RI. Last year the event was sailed in not less than 17-25 knots. It was a sight to see lasers flying around the course in those winds and John and Peter battling it out up front.
Not only will we have great racing on the water, but we’ve got a great dinner planned by none other than our own Alain Vincey.
Come for the racing, come for the great food, come for a great time. Hope to see you there!
Wednesay Night Parents' Race
Jon Deutsch on Thursday June 17, 2010 03:58PM
Well have an informal skippers meeting at 5:00. And the first warning will be at 6. Well race until we run out of light or wind.
A number of Laser Fleet regulars will be joining us and this is a great opportunity to get on the water for some fun, non-competitive racing. We will have 3 club lasers available to be borrowed, contact Jon Deutsch at jon@jdeutsch.com if you want to use one. We also have some 420s.
Notice of Race Hope you can join us!
Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Results
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday October 21, 2009 10:50PM
Twenty Five Lasers battled some windy conditions at the 2009 Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship. 4 races were sailed Saturday in 13-18. Saturday night all of the sailor's were treated to Alain Vincey's world famous Laser Masters dinner. Sunday, the sailors got in 2 races in 17 knots with gusts to 25.
FBYC Welcomes Laser Masters Sailors
Jon Deutsch on Thursday October 15, 2009 08:50PM
For everyone who will be joining us for the Chesapeake Bay Laser Master's Championship this weekend I would like to welcome you to Fishing Bay Yacht Club. We have a great regatta planned and a great group of competitors coming so it should be a lot of fun.
A few notes for those who are new to FBYC or reminders for those who have been here before:
Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship October 17-18 NOR Posted
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday September 23, 2009 01:10PM
The Notice of Race is up and Online Registration is now open for the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship to be held October 17-18 at Fishing Bay Yacht Club. Come for the racing, come for the great food, come for a great time. Hope to see you there!
Laser NAs underway at Brant Beach
R. Strother Scott on Saturday August 8, 2009 08:45PM
All the news from the event on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/nalaser
and also from the
event website.
No results yet from the Radial Class where most of our Juniors are sailing.
Summer Laser Fleet Update
Jon Deutsch on Friday July 31, 2009 01:40PM
Here's an update on what's been going on with the Fishing Bay Yacht Club Laser Fleet and our sailors:
Ware River Governor's Cup Regatta
FBYC ANNUAL REGATTA
Long Distance Race
Laser/Radial National Championship Next Weekend
US Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Chesapeake Bay Open
2009 Sandy MacVickar Junior Regatta
Summer Seabreeze Series
Maryland Junior State Champs
U.S. Junior Women's Singlehanded Championship
Click below to read on......
Laser Fleet Pratice May 16
Jon Deutsch on Thursday April 30, 2009 12:02AM
The Laser Fleet is planning a practice Day on May 16. The plan will be to meet at the club by 10:00 and hit the water by 11. We'll talk through boat set up and and the conditions and then do some drills and short races.
This is an off-day for sailors who also sail in other fleets, so come out and sail your laser!
If you are thinking about or planning on attending, please email Jon. jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com
Laser Masters ACC - Racing Postponed Until Sunday
Jon Deutsch on Thursday September 4, 2008 08:01PM
The schedule on 9/7 will be:
Registration and Check in 7:30-8:30
Skipper's Meeting 8:45
First warning at 10
Additionally we are still planning on having dinner at the clubhouse starting around 6:30pm Saturday evening.
Welcome to the Laser Masters Atlantic Coast Championship
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday September 3, 2008 04:51PM
Laser Masters ACC Information
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday September 3, 2008 12:43PM
Congratulations to Anna!! One For The Record Books
R. Strother Scott on Tuesday August 19, 2008 10:53AM
August 19: One For The Record Books
By Gary JobsonFor NBCOlympics.com
Report # 9
The wind was light, the waves choppy, the visibility diminished, and the stakes high. This was the scene for the Laser Radial medal race in Qingdao on Tuesday. American Anna Tunnicliffe had to finish 4th or better to secure a Gold medal. No USA woman had won a Gold since 1988. Several thousand fans were a few hundred yards away on the sea wall screaming for these 10 women. Among them USA team leader Dean Brenner and the US Sailing Team looked and cheered like Super Bowl fans. The race was one that will be talked about for many years.
All this is easy in big winds, when things are crashing around and adrenaline is racing through the body. But in light wind it is like playing chess on a moving board. Every action must be precise. The Laser Radials are identical in every way. After 10 races, the competitors have learned how to maximize speed, so in this medal race it came down to determination and nerves.
The start looked confusing. I think the competitors were not really sure whether to attack each other or go for a clean start. At the gun, an individual recall flag was flown. On the world feed microphone, I heard the RC say that one boat was over. To my eye it looked like Jo Aleh from New Zealand was the boat that jumped the gun. But Anna Tunnicliffe immediately turned back to restart, and so did 3 other boats. Remember there are only 10 boats in the race. Lithuania’s Gintare Volungeviciute needed four boats between her and Anna to win the Gold. Complicating the math a little more, China’s popular Lijia Xu was also in the Gold medal sweepstakes.
After the start Gintare took an early lead with Lijia close behind. By time the boat’s reached the first mark of the four leg race LTU was third, CHN fourth and the USA in 8th. The Gold was slipping way for Anna. It got worse. Tunnicliffe tried sailing high on the run and got caught away from the mark and slipped back to 9th. She was now in the bronze position. There were just two legs and about 20 minutes of sailing to go.
Back on the wind and now AUS and NZL sat on USA’s wind. The leaders tacked to the right hand side of the course because there seemed to have more wind over there on the first leg. At first Anna thought about going that way too. But off in the distance Anna Tunnicliffe saw some new wind developing from the left. She split with the leaders. Time was running out. And then like a miracle a puff of wind that was only about 5 knots filled in from the left. The wind also shifted about 30 degrees in that direction. Suddenly Anna was sailing over the top of CHN and passing six boats. She rounded the last mark in 3rd with LTU leading. LTU needed four boats between them, but she only had one. Anna got another gust and sailed right over the top of Australia’s Sarah Blanck to finish 2nd. With that Anna Tunnicliffe earned her Gold Medal. It all happened so fast that it was hard to believe it was true.
You never know in sports when your moment will come. The NY Giants found a way to win in the 2008 Super Bowl. Who can forget that receiver catching the ball with his head. Or Michael Phelps giving one more power stroke to reach out and touch the wall and win. This race was that dramatic for sailors. And how about this: Anna is only 25, and game to try again. I hope young sailors across America are inspired by this courageous sailor who did not give up.
Please pass this along to a friend.
FBYC to host Laser Masters Atlantic Coast Championship
Jon Deutsch on Monday June 30, 2008 10:49AM
FBYC has hosted an annual Laser Masters event since 1981 which was first won by Brent Halsey. This will be the 4th major Laser Masters event held at Fishing Bay Yacht Club in the last dozen years. FBYC has previously hosted the ACC's (1997, 1999, 2003) and the U.S. Master's Championship (2000).
The event website will be updated in mid-July with the NOR.
Parent Laser and 420 Race
Jon Deutsch on Monday June 9, 2008 03:49PM (2 comments)
We welcome anyone interested in sailing a laser or 420 to come out and join us. For anyone who does not have a boat, we will do our best to find one for the evening. Jon will help find boats, so send an email to jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com if you are in need of a boat for the evening.
In order to get as many people on the water as possible we will be taking out the club lasers as well as the 420's. If anyone has a laser at the club that they will not be sailing and would be willing to loan it for the evening, please email Jon at jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com.
The racing will be around a short course using rabbit starts. For anyone unfamiliar with rabbit, starts, we will have a review at 5pm on the back porch.
The first whistle warning will be at 1800 and we will race until we've had enough or we run out of daylight.
NOR: http://www.fbyc.net/Events/2007/06.19.onedesign/ssi.dtml
Hope to see you out there!
Laser Masters Worlds
David Hazlehurst on Thursday October 4, 2007 12:29PM
Jon Deutsch sent the following article to both Club and District 11 Laser sailors. This District covers Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The Regatta which started on September 29 runs through October 6 and is being held on the Mediterranean coast north of Barcelona, Spain..
Entries for Laser Masters Worlds Regattas are open to any Laser sailor over 35 and attracted over 400 boats, many trailiered in from all over Europe. when the Regatta was held at the Royal Cork YC in July, 2001. This was my final appearance in a Worlds Regatta and followed Cancun in March 2000, Melbourne Australia in January 1999, and Allgorobo, Chile in October 1997. In Chile I excelled myself with two mid-fleet finishes but it was all down hill from there, but what a ride and what great memories. Chile was the first Worlds where Great Grand Masters, the over 65's, were required to race with the Radial rig in deference to their age and theoretically reduced stamina; try telling that to the youngsters who race against these wiley old birds.
Jon's item reports over 400 entries and I have heard that the next Masters Worlds in Australia is closed to new entries. But all is not lost; there is a waiting list for would be racers.
Check out the photographs in Jon's report, and follow our duo over the next thrre race days.
Dingo videos from his Blog re Sunfish Worlds
James Jacob on Monday August 27, 2007 04:58PM (2 comments)
Here some videos abouth Sunfish Worlds 2007 in Brant Breach NJ, USA.
Enjoy
Dingo
Tons more videos on Dingo's Blog
Probably the all-time favorite high performance one-design
David Hazlehurst on Wednesday March 28, 2007 10:47PM
Over 190,000 have been sold since 1969.
District Championship
Jon Deutsch on Tuesday October 10, 2006 08:35AM
Not high wind nor high water could keep twenty-six laser sailors from competing in the 2006 Laser District 11 Championship held at Fishing Bay Yacht Club this weekend. Henry Amthor of Hampton Yacht Club took top honors winning one of the 6 races and having top-5 finishes in the rest. Mike Waters from Severn Sailing Association finished 2nd followed by Ted Morgan, also from Severn Sailing Association, in 3rd.
Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Regatta
David Hazlehurst on Tuesday September 12, 2006 11:29AM
The 25th annual Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Regatta was held September 9-10. The wind Gods looked kindly on the 39 sailors who put in a total of 11 races. Saturday looked bleak with flat water at 11.00 but 50 minutes later wind came from the east and no time was lost starting the first race. Unbelievably the weather mark was not moved while 6 races were finished. From the signal boat racing was close, and from one sailors perspective a little too close at the leeward mark rounding. While the protest committee was unemployed both days we saw our fair share of alternative penalties taken. After a general recall in the second race the "I" flag was used and served it's purpose. After racing the sailors and their partners dined on what visitors have described as "the best Yacht Club food in the country" courtesy of Chef Alain.
The forecast on Sunday was more promising with the only question when the wind would arrive. The first race was delayed 5 minutes primarily to allow six stragglers to reach the starting area. Five races were run in short order with the marks moved only once. Many of the racers were regular attendees but we also welcomed a number of newcomers. The results show James Jacob as a fifth time winner, closely followed by another past winner Mike Schmidt. Jon Deutsch ably managed the event taking innumerable photographs as well as having results available before many of the sailors reached shore.
One more time Fishing Bay Yacht Club demonstrated this annual event should be a must on every east coast Laser sailors calendar. Same time, same place?
Results: http://laserdistrict11.org/events/r174
Photos: http://photos.jdeutsch.com/Sailing/2006/2006-Chesapeake-Laser-Masters/
25th Annual Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship
Jon Deutsch on Monday August 7, 2006 09:43PM
On September 9-10 Fishing Bay YC would like to invite you to attend the 25th Annual Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship. If you've never attended in the past, this event has become a must on many Laser Masters calendars. The event has had two three time winners, Rob Overton of Hampton YC and James Jacob of SSA and more recently FBYC. Invitations are being extended to all former champions. The 1989 winner, the doyen of Masters racing, Bob Saltmarsh, was the first to commit. Our 1998 Champion, Mike Waters, has been a regular in the club's Spring Series races, perhaps in an attempt to gain some local knowledge. Aside from the racing there will be a great dinner prepared by the club's Chef Alain so the sailors, their partners and others will one more time be treated to what has been described as "the best Yacht Club food in the Nation". We are looking forward to a record turnout, as well as having all our old friends, and hopefully some new ones at this traditional event. We surely hope you'll be able to attend.
The Boat Whisperer
Jon Deutsch on Monday March 27, 2006 11:15PM
Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters
Jon Deutsch on Monday September 12, 2005 12:15AM
Mother Nature was smiling down on Deltaville Virginia this weekend with beautiful conditions while Laser Masters sailors competed in the 24th Annual Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship. Eighteen sailors got in 9 races in two days to sail for the championship in 10-15 knot breezes and sunny skies throughout the weekend.
Fishing Bay Sailors Bum-Rush Northern Event
Marie Klok Crump on Wednesday August 10, 2005 07:39AM
FBYC was well represented in all categories by laser cult leader, Alain "Buddy Boy" Vincey and his long time Cato, Will Crump, Danish match racer Marie "Sail your own dinghy" Crump and the past College of Charleston Sailing Team Captain, Blake "collar up" Kimbrough.
Outsider Thomas Klok found it difficult to compete with allegations of FBYC team racing and said "my experience has been to never compete with a team lead by the french - this event just proves me right!"
Summer Seabreeze II this weekend
Unknown Unknown on Wednesday July 27, 2005 03:49PM
Same time - 1pm registration, 2 pm skipper's meeting and first warning at 3 pm. There are three club boats available and the junior coaches will be there to open the shed. Send me an email if you want to reserve one of these, copy to jon@jdeutsch.com and davidhazlehurst@comcast.net. I won't be there, due to swim meet commitments, but I look forward to being regaled with "you should've been there" stories about the best sailing of the summer.
The next southern bay event is the Governor's Cup at Ware River YC in Gloucester Aug 6-7. Brad Squires, Jon Deutsch and I, at least, are going.
Laser Tune-Up Sailing
Jon Deutsch on Tuesday April 12, 2005 10:10AM
This Saturday, April 16, will be a day of tune-up sailing. We'll plan to arrive at the club around 10 and be on the water by 11. We'll do some drills, pratice starts and do some very short races. We'll stay close to the dock and just get out there to get the cobwebs out. If you can make it, or might be coming, please email Jon (jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com, 804-305-1244) and let him know.
Tuesday Night and Pre-Season Laser Sailing
Jon Deutsch on Sunday April 3, 2005 09:04PM
Tuesday night Laser sailing begins this Tuesday, April 5 and will continue throughout the summer. We will start at 6pm and race from the FBYC beach to the designated starting area, government marker, or other suitable pre-selected marker with consideration of the weather conditions. There will be a 1-minute countdown to a rabbit start sequence. Sailors will rotate being the rabbit and will take turns setting the weather mark as necessary. Races will be Windward-Leward-Windward or about 15 minutes max. Thank Alain Vincey for getting this organized, you'll see him along with John Hubbard, Dave Porter and Jerry Dennison out there, so come on our and join them. For more information contact Alain Vincey anvincey@comcast.net or Jon Deutsch jon-fbyc@jdeutsch.com
For those not able to get out on a weeknight, the first Laser Tune-up day will be Saturday, April 16. It'll be a great opportunity to get out the and get the cobwebs out before the start of the spring season. Stay tuned to the Laser Fleet Homepage for more details. http://www.fbyc.net/Fleets/OneDesign/Laser/
The Laser, a boat for all ages and sizes
David Hazlehurst on Thursday March 17, 2005 10:28PM
Along with other major classes Lasers hold Mid-winters regattas each year, and in the case of Lasers these are held on both the East and West coasts. An unusual incident earlier this month at the Mid-winters West at the California YC in Marina Del Ray was reported on the class web site, www.laser.org and is copied below. Check on the link to see the picture of a sea urchin riding pillion on a Laser,and the read the rest of the report.
Laser District 11
Jon Deutsch on Wednesday January 12, 2005 07:47PM
The 21st running of a regatta that was started in 1982 by Alain Vincey saw 23 sailors sail seven great races. Peter Seidenberg , the only GGM, got off to a good start with a win in the first race, and held off Mark Bear. Mark finished with five first and one second place finishes after throwing out a third and was first Master. Peter's throw out was a fourth. First Grand Master was John Bentley, first lady Karen Long and first Radial Jane Schmidt. It was Fishing Bay was at it's best, with a steady 20 knots both days primarily from the SW.LASER SPRING SERIES #5
Jon Deutsch on Tuesday June 15, 2004 05:52AM
FBYC Spring Series 4 on Sunday June 6
Jon Deutsch on Sunday June 6, 2004 10:22PM
Lightning does strike!
David Hazlehurst on Sunday February 1, 2004 09:44AM
As all you northern hemisphere sailors sit out the winter or brave the frostbiting series and dream of the warm, tropical weather in places like Queensland, Australia, spare a thought for this poor laser sailor and maybe you won't feel so bad....
BoatingOZ.com.au January 26, 2004 Lightning smashes into Laser dinghy, sailor in hospital. Gosford sailor Chris Meech is recovering in Gosford Hospital after his Laser dinghy was literally blown apart by a bolt of lightning while he was sailing on Brisbane Waters on Saturday.
Meech, a Laser Masters sailor, was heading back to Gosford Sailing Club after race officials had abandoned racing for the day because of the severity of storms in the area when a bolt hit the mast of his 4.23 metre Laser, blowing a hole in the deck which then delaminated from the hull. According to race officials, Meech was thrown 30 feet by the force of the lightning strike, landing on his back. The club rescue boat dashed to his assistance, immediately calling for an ambulance to meet them at the clubhouse.
"He is recovering but is being kept under observation at Gosford Hospital," Gosford Sailing Club Commodore Brad English said today. "He told us he felt completely numb when he landed; fortunately he was wearing a buoyancy vest. "The Laser sailors were sailing back to the club through the moored yachts, on the assumption that lightning would hit the taller mast of one of these boats rather than a small dinghy mast," English added. "We were getting severe thunderstorms at the time, and the clubhouse literally shuddered when this one hit Chris just a few hundred metres from the shore."
Class rules require wearing a life vest while racing, an appropriate requirement.
Immigrant Overcomes Many Adversities To Become Yachtsman Of The Year
David Hazlehurst on Saturday January 10, 2004 11:11PM
Rolex Yachtsman of the Year
Augie Diaz, age 49, was recognized for his achievements as a skipper in three different one-design classes Laser, Snipe and Star. Many of the panelists noted that Diaz has been nominated many times before; however this was his best year ever, competing in what are perhaps three of the most competitive fleets in the world.
Atlantic Coast Laser Masters
David Hazlehurst on Monday September 8, 2003 04:39PM
Martin Willard (Wrightsville Beach, NC) won two races and finished second overall to Bob Tan (Perryville, MD). Tan carded scores of 3,2,13,2,1,3 to take the overall title. Complete Atlantic Coast results are available on the District 11 website http://www.D11Laser.com
We had a fantastic wine tasting cocktail party Saturday evening, followed by an Italian dinner. Many thanks go out to Regatta Chair Brad Squires, David Hazlehurst, the Williamsburg Winery, and all the volunteers at Fishing Bay Yacht Club for pulling this special event together. We'll be back next year!
Alain Vincey First Master at Laser DISTRICT 11 CHAMPIONSHIP
David Hazlehurst on Friday June 6, 2003 11:18AM
Lyn McCarthy was on the RC boat and provided the following report.
106 Lasers at Atlantic Coasts This Weekend
Jon Deutsch on Monday May 12, 2003 08:09PM
This weekend 106 Lasers took part in the Atlantic Coast Championships held at Severn Sailing Association. Fishing Bay member Jon Deutsch made the trip for the event. Light and shifty winds on Saturday allowed only 2 races and conditions on Sunday led the races to be abandoned just before they were to start.
The overall winner was Scott Ferguson from Jamestown RI. Olympic hopeful Andrew Campbell finished fifth and George Panayides from HYC finished 11th. Numerous other frequenters of FBYC events and Masters Regattas from around the region were also in attendance.
Other big events in the district coming up are the District Championships at HYC May 31-June 1 and the Chesapeake Bay Laser Masters Championship September 6-7 at FBYC. For complete results and more Laser events in the area visit the district site at www.d11Laser.com
Laser SailorsRace & Skirmish During Blackbeard Festival
Tom C. Roberts on Wednesday April 30, 2003 11:46PM
The Laser District 11 Championship Regatta will be held at 
HYC is sponsoring a One Design Regatta on March 22 for Lasers, Vanguard 15s, 420s, and Sailboards. Click Read More
for details or the following links for more info: Laser.org recognizes FBYC
R. Strother Scott on Wednesday September 25, 2002 11:05AM
Thanks to Randy Alley for pointing this out.
You can also check the progress of Alain Vincey in the Master Class at Hyannis at the The Laser Masters 2002 Worlds. He called in to say it is tough going, he capsized 3 times yesterday in a race in 20 knot winds - plus the course is about 8 miles from the beach - so some exhaustion is setting in.
Jim Jacobs wins Laser Masters - 3rd time Champion
David Hazlehurst on Tuesday September 10, 2002 10:30AM
There were 39 participants with the other winners being
Two Laser and Byte events in Annapolis in May 19-20
R. Strother Scott on Friday May 11, 2001 03:09PM
If you can't participate in FBYC's final offshore spring series and and one-design races on May 19-20, you may be interested in two events in the Annapolis Area. THE SPINSHEET MAGAZINE RITES OF SPRING for Lasers and Bytes will be held May 19. Parker Garrett and Blake Kimbrough are former winners. On Sunday, May 20 Tred Avon Yacht Club will host it's LASER SPRING INVITE REGATTA.