2026 North American Masters Regatta Report

Going to a Finn regatta in a new location is both exciting and nerve wracking. Arriving at the club in the early morning gives a first glimpse of the club, the parking, trailer parking, and launch area. There was ample parking and an easy way to pull in with the trailer. Once unloading was done, an examination of the ramp and hoist showed tight quarters for a car with a trailer. Not an option for backing up and using the hoist for the less experienced! The trailer went into the parking lot for manual offloading. There was a designated area for the trailers. As far as boat launching, the ramp looked like the best option with floating docks available if necessary. Next, check out the facilities – we were right next to the tennis club which meant a short trip to the head. All good.

The first order of business is getting the boat unloaded and ready. That pr0ceded quickly especially with the help of fellow Finn sailors who arrived earlier and were ready to unload as well. By mid-day, the parking lot is full of busy sailors figuring out where to park their boats for practice and helping each other out, sharing tips and taking the time to greet each other. The situation was hampered on the first day since the kid’s program was having a last day bash and clean up day which was not a problem especially since some of the kids helped push the boats up the hill back to the parking lot. The following day, the Finns were clear to set up on pier near the ramp and hoist.

The first race day started out with the familiar discussion. “What will the wind be like?” “Don’t worry, the wind will fill out on the sea,” says the certified crane operator. Some discussion between Finn sailors about whether to use the hoist or the ramp started but the decision was quickly made by Luke who pointed out that there will be plenty of help. The wind was favorable so the sail was hoisted and rolled down bow first. Off the Finns go for the first day. After navigating around moored boat and the channel, sailing out past small rocky islands was the next task. The race committee was easy to spot with the Mark Bots flanking each side of the race committee boat even from a distance.

The big story of this regatta was Darrell Peck whose car broke down in Albany. Traveling from Oregon to Kansas City to pick up the remaining boats from Scott’s estate and bringing them back with him to Marblehead was a big journey and unfortunately, his truck died in Albany, NY. Darrell rented a Uhaul to bring the boats and everything from his truck with him. Between setting up his boat, helping Hamish Nichol, who bought Scott’s boat, Rocket, and modifying the trailer to hitch up to the Uhaul, it was amazing that he not only made it to each race but competed with determination. This regatta brought long distance travelers from the Gulf region, Socal, Rocky Mountain, North East, Canada, and Great Lakes regions. Last but not least, several members of Eastern Yacht Club joined the regatta as well as local Finn sailors from Salem. At least two sailors jumped into a loaner boat to join the action.

The weather for the first day of racing was relatively light, mainly from the north to northwest with shifts and gusts playing a role in racing. Tidal currents also played a role. The lobster pots helped to read the currents as well as the Mark bots. The wind strength was a medium 6-10 knots with occasional gusts. The leaders generally tested the right side of the course but the fleet split over the course of the three races. The first day winner was Darrell Peck with three bullets followed closely by John F Dane and Rodion Mazin. The third day was noticeably lighter with occasional shifts wind but mainly north northeast wind. Paying close attention and tacking and jibing on the shifts paid off. John F Dane and Robert Kinney tied at 10 points on the second day but since John came in first on Race 5, he took home the leader of the day prize. Darrell maintained his overall lead after Day 2. John Hourihan chose less traveled left side and lead the way in race 4 all the way to the finish line! Robyn Culp (Canada) came in first on Race 6 and Rodion Mazin came in first on Race 7.

The Finn sailors were treated to Eastern Yacht Club hospitality on Saturday night thanks for the J105 and PHRF fleets as part of the Ted Hood Regatta and were invited to a pool side barbecue! A roasted suckling pig took center stage with several other choices including salmon, chicken, ribs and pulled pork to pair with side dishes and deserts. Of course, no meal in the northeast would be complete without the mini lobster rolls and roast beef appetizers! A well deserved meal after 6 races in the heat! What a great time to meet spouses and talk about the racing so far.

The final day started out looking fairly similar on shore but with the wind coming from the south/southwest. The first race began on time but after a few minutes, the race was abandoned since the wind dropped below 5 knots for over 3 minutes. It took another 30-40 minutes before the wind started filling in giving some time for practice runs and chats between racers. The race started with most of the fleet heading right and several sailors including local Eddie Wolfe and Gus Miller taking the left side for the first upwind. It was important to keep moving and avoid the lulls. Rodion Mazin won the first race followed closely by John F, Darrell and Luke. The wind picked up at the end of the race and continued during the count down to race 8 to closer to 8-10 knots. Rodion and John F were match racing and Luke swept in between them to win Race 8 followed by Robert Kinney and David Hickman in 3rd which was his standout race of the weekend! Luke Buxton was the leader of the day with his 4th place and 1st place in race 7 and 8. Overall, Darrell Peck maintained his lead followed by John F Dane and Luke Buxton. Rodion Mazin came in 4th with Robert Kinney finishing in fifth. All in all, light air racing tested every sailor and made for an interesting group of races. After the racing, the quick rush to pack and get back home begins for those who have far to travel.

The overall race winners are:

First – Darrell Peck

2nd – John F Dane

3rd – Luke Buxton

4th – Rodion Mazin

5th – Robert Kinney

Age Group Awards:

Top Master – John F Dane

Top Grandmaster – Luke Buxton

Top Great Grandmaster – Darrell Peck

Top Legend – Chuck Rudinsky (US) and Robyn Culp (Canada)

Top Super Legend – Gus Miller