RACING REPORT SOUTHERN RACE REPORT
Debby Grimm Claims GYA Women’s Championship, Pensacola, FL, June 28-30 Southern Yacht Club sailor sets record with fourth win By Julie B. Connerley PYC Commodore Susan McKinnon (blazer) joins skipper Debbie Grimm and daughter Kaylor (holding trophies), and crew of Hot Chocolate, as they accept GYA Women’s PHRF Championship Trophy. Photo by Julie B. Connerley For the fourth time since the Gulf Yachting Association established the Women’s PHRF Championship in 2001, Southern Yacht Club’s Debby Grimm and her outstanding crew have bested other women sailors along the Gulf Coast to win one of the few women-only GYA-sanctioned championships. Grimm accepted the GYA Women’s PHRF Championship Perpetual Trophy following three races at Pensacola Yacht Club, June 28-30. Originally sailed out of Pensacola Beach Yacht Club in conjunction with its annual Race for the Roses, 2005’s
46 September 2013
SOUTHWINDS
Hurricane Ivan forced a temporary venue change to Lake Pontchartrain where it has been hosted by both Southern Yacht Club and New Orleans YC. A surprise bid by Fairhope YC in 2009 took the regatta to Mobile Bay. Since then, a change to the regulations governing this event provides that any GYA club may bid to host the regatta; otherwise, it will continue to be sailed in conjunction with PBYC’s Roses Regatta. Pensacola Yacht Club stepped up for 2013 with plans for increasing participation. Immediately following this year’s GYA’s Challenge Cup, held in Gulfport, MS, was the annual Gulfport to Pensacola Race, June 21-22. PYC’s Commodore, Susan McKinnon, scheduled the Women’s Championship for the weekend following the G2P race, expecting some of the boats that raced to Pensacola might stay for the championship. The championship was a month earlier than usual, as it is usually timed to coincide with the annual July Trilogy Series — Point Yacht Club’s Fast Women Regatta, Navy Yacht Club Pensacola’s Bikini Regatta and PBYC’s Race for the Roses. Two boats from Lake Pontchartrain and one from Fort Walton Beach competed against Pensacola Bay veterans for the coveted title. PYC’s PRO, John Matthews, planned both windwardleeward and Gold Cup courses to test the competitors’ skills. Mother Nature tested everyone’s patience. Rains pushed through the area Saturday morning delaying the start by an hour. Back-to-back races on day 1 had Grimm’s J-30, Hot Chocolate, taking two first finishes followed by Jennifer Grant of Fort Walton Yacht Club, sailing her J-22, Eve n’ Keeled, with two second-place finishes. On Sunday, weather again took center stage when race 3 was abandoned as light winds dropped to zilch. After more than an hour and a half, giving all time to swim, eat lunch, and watch dolphins playing, PRO Matthews was able to start the final race sequence. Debbie finished 48 seconds ahead of Jennifer and recaptured the honor she last won in 2010. Gracious winner Debbie thanked PYC for its hospitality, (including pitchers of bushwackers for each boat, and champagne toasts for all), her husband Casey, who handles boat delivery, and especially her daughter, Kaylor, who raced for the first time this year. For complete results, visit www.regattanetwork.com. www.southwindsmagazine.com