The 2023 Dave Irey Memorial Regatta this year brought a wide range of challenging wind conditions for sailors in the Albacore class. The regatta brought two days of racing from June 3 to the 4 from West River Sailing Club. The Albacore fleet was the largest fleet with 9 boats competing in the regatta. A total of 7 races were sailed. Other classes in attendance this year were the A Cats and Flying Scots.
Sailors experienced a wide range of sailing conditions. The breeze ranged from 4 to 18 knots. The most successful teams were able to manage the changing conditions. At the high end of the wind spectrum teams able to hike hard upwind gained on the fleet. In the breeze hiking and boat handling downwind was more important than being on the favored side of the race course. Crews during big breeze moments were rewarded with salt water spray during hiking. With the low end of the wind spectrum smooth coordinated tacks by crew and skipper helped boats extend on other boats in the fleet.
Congratulations to Barney Harris and Lee Sayasithsena in AL 8261 for winning the event. Second place went to Michael Heinsdorf and Eva Hogan in AL 8215. Third place went to Daphne Byron and Joanne Beaver in AL 8027.