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AWOL and Instinct Top Finishers in Les Cheneaux Ensign Race
The routes of the two legs are different, although the distance is comparable. Taking second in the first leg was AWOL placing third was Jonas Carpenter's Instinct. A wind out of the northwest, which shifted to the west, "made for an interesting finish," said Jack Edwards, past commodore of the Les Cheneaux Yacht Club. The weather, he said, was "generally beautiful." Water Dog took second and Joel Birkmeier's Second Wind came in third in the second leg. The cumulative standings made for ties in both legs, AWOL and Water Dog in first, winning the Horsburgh Trophy, and Second Wind and Instinct in second. Dave Parlin, race committee chairman, said that winds are usually lighter for this race and the boats had a record run home, at two hours and 40 minutes. It was the fastest time ever, he said. The lead at the end of the race changed hands three times. The first leg was a beat, he said, with the boats tacking into the wind, while the second leg was a much faster spinnaker run. It took the boats about four hours, 15 minutes to get to the Island in the first leg of the race. AWOL and Instinct were both top finishers in the race last year. Crew members on the boats range in age from 14 to 80 years old and, despite the competitive nature of any race, Mr. Edwards said the race remains an enjoyable, family event. Ensigns are 22.5foot, fullkeeled sloops and Les Cheneaux Islands are home to the nation's largest Ensign fleet. The race is sponsored by the Les Cheneaux Yacht Club and has been taking place for more than 20 years. |
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