Challenge Crew Wins Island Labor Day Regatta

Race Coordinator David Rowe (left) for the 2007 Horn's Bar Labor Day Regatta congratulates winners Vern May (center) of Charlevoix and Chuck Thompson of Midland, who crewed Challenge, a Dynas 23 sailboat, to win the Monday, September 3, sailing event. (Photograph courtesy of Steve Murray)

Vern May of Charlevoix and Chuck Thompson of Midland crewed Challenge, a Dynas 23 sailboat, to win the 2007 Horn's Bar Labor Day Regatta Monday, September 3.

Seven boats participated in the race in near-perfect sailing conditions, said Race Coordinator David Rowe. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the race had to be moved to Labor Day for safety reasons, as winds approached 30 miles per hour.

"We did experience some fallout of boats," said Mr. Rowe, "by having to reschedule the race a day later."

Most of the sailors made it around the Island in one tack, he said, which is rare. Coming in second was Family Dock, sailed by the Mark Newman family. Third place was won by Windermere, sailed by Mark Chambers. Taking fourth was Island Girl, sailed by Toby Murray, and fifth place was won by Wild Honey, sailed by Mr. Rowe.

Each participant received a plaque and the top five finishers received engraved plaques.

Steve and Patty Ann Moskwa of Horn's Bar supplied the plaques, and provided food and beverages at Mackinac Island Yacht Club for a race party following the regatta.