Rara Avis Leads Pack in Regatta

A Tawas Bay boat beat 15 competitors in this year’s Around-the-Island Regatta, sponsored by the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. Rara Avis , skippered by Gregg Whipple, led the pack in one hour, 45 minutes in a slow race that eliminated all but six contenders. Crew members were Frank Fitus, Greg Smith, and Larry Whetsone.

Fifteen boats began at the East Breakwall and sailed a full circle around the Island to the finish, but when the boats reached the halfway mark, on the north side of the Island near British Landing, the wind failed to cooperate.

“We had sailed to the north end of the Island and then, all of a sudden, the winds went down and up,” said David Rowe, who sailed in the event and helped to coordinate it.

Owing to the lack of wind, a three-hour time limit was imposed on all boats, and although everyone eventually made it back home, only six boats were able to complete the race in time.

The award for second place went to Sam Kovalac’s Saint Barbara , which crossed the finish in one hour, 53 minutes. The boat is named after Mr. Kovalac’s wife, Barbara. Third and fourth prizes went to more Tawas Bay participants. Paul Hurst’s boat, Esmeralda , garnered the third place prize while Larry Flood’s Do A Kahlua took home fourth. The final placing went to Pete Sulfridge of Saginaw, with his boat, Arcadia , and the final boat to finish was Legend, piloted by Jerry Archer.

Nine of the 15 boats entered in the race were from Mackinac Island, the other six hailed from areas ranging from Tawas Bay to Saginaw.

“This was probably the best race ever, with the turnout and the type of day we had,” said Mr. Rowe. “We had representation from a lot of local boats, and a lot traveled up from outside areas as well.”

The race was followed by an awards ceremony at the Pink Pony, which was the sponsor of the race. Plaques were awarded to all participants and awards went to the top five finishers.