Pigskin Regatta - October 2002
In October 2002, 5 Comet teams from Valley Sailing went to
Leatherlips Yacht Club in Columbus, Ohio to compete in the
Pigskin Regatta. These teams were:  Jerry Chapman and Mark
Wissner, Greg Polanik and Corina Iukovici, John and Tish Mullen,
Nelson Laffey and Moti and Eric Waldschmidt and his one day crew.

Our hosts were just incredible. They arranged for us to stay in the
houses of Comet sailors. They served us free lunch on Sunday
(courtesy of the Sanders) and steak dinner on Saturday (courtesy of the
Hess's) that we barbecued ourselves on their huge grill on the lawn of
the club. They had trophies for all of us - regardless of how we finished
in the race. They tried their best (and they succeeded) to make our
trip the most pleasurable possible!

The racing though was very tough, as we raced against some of
the best Comet sailors in the world: Dick Harmon who won many
international events and was this year's Comet Class international winner;
Mark Hess and his wife - winners of many regattas and international events;
Dave Seiple and Geoff Schaefer, another great Comet team that competes
in many regattas with big success.

There were 11 Comets competing fiercely. The wind was mild on Saturday
but it was quite strong on Sunday, with gusts of 15 to 20 knots.
Our teams sailed with determination and skill against such a strong
competition. John and Tish Mullen came 4th and Eric Waldschmidt
came 5th - great accomplishments!

These are some photos from this great regatta.

Trailering "Little Wing" - 450 miles to Columbus, OH Jerry IS READY!!!                                    Mark, is ready too - to take photos! Let the races begin!                                            Jerry playing the harmonica    Captain Eric and Moti's son are ready for ... a beer               And here we go - for once in the front of the fleet!                - but not for too long -  ! Captain Greg in the heat of the battle!   And the winner is: Scorpion driven by Mark Hess Now it's time to relax                  And be fed yummy Sloppy Joes made by Jack Sanders   The Trophies! Mark Hess and his wife and Dick Harmon and his crew got 1st and 2nd  places after a hard fought battle - when 1st and 2nd were traded back  and forth. Dave Seiple & Geoff Schaefer finished 3rd. And then it was our turn! A great show by John and Tish Mullen - 4th place  - Congratulations!!!        Eric raced in his new "hot lips" boat and got a hard fought 5th! Nelson Laffey and Moti got "The Most Improved" award! Jerry and Mark got a trophy for "the most uneven" team! Greg and Corina got a hat - I think for good sportmanship!   Time to go home - but not before getting a few tips from  the EXPERTS!      In front Nelson is picking Mark Hess's brains; in the background       is Dick Harmon with Tish & John exchanging sailing stories while       Greg is rading the food counter...again.   And now is time to say Good Bye to our wonderful hosts! Thank you! We hardly wait to go on the road again!