Thanks Dr. Bub

We have likely spent too much time this season bemoaning the struggles of getting timely event reports, and not enough time celebrating the people that have helped. One of those people that came through in a big way this summer was Dr. Ernest "Bub" Kovacs, who provided the ‘buttheads with the scoop on the 2007 Sunfish World Championship in Brant Beach, New Jersey. He wrote tight daily updates that needed very little tuning before publication, and submitted them as promptly as possible. To Dr. Bub, and all those that support events by spreading the word… thanks!

Here were his reports:

* Brant Beach, New Jersey (August 20, 2007) -- The Sunfish World Championship got underway at the Brant Beach Yacht Club with some 100 competitors from 12 countries attending the event. First day sailing conditions found the sailors dealing with winds of 12-18 knots with intermittent rain. The highlight of the first race was a very large banner at the finish line that read: "Judy, Will You Marry Me?" It was from sailor Arthur Littleton to sailor Judy Lazo, who replied with a resounding "Yes." After three races, Paul-Jon Patin (USA) is leading by 7 points over Malcolm Smith (Bermuda). Full results at: http://bbyc.net/SunfishWorlds/index.htm

* Brant Beach, New Jersey (August 21, 2007) -- Day two of the Sunfish World Championship left the fleet on land as a result of high winds and limited visibility. With wind in the 15-20 knot range and gusts well over 25, the decision was to wait for day three after several postponements. The sailors were treated to a six hour feeding buffet: a full breakfast, followed by fruit and granola bars that led into roast beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and tacos. A heavier fleet looks forward to getting the racing started again. From the three races on Monday, Paul-Jon Patin (USA) is leading by 7 points over Malcolm Smith (Bermuda). Full results at: http://bbyc.net/SunfishWorlds/index.htm

* Brant Beach, New Jersey (August 22, 2007) -- Day three of the Sunfish World Championships had the fleet back on the water after a day on land because of weather conditions. The sailors were greeted by more Nor'easter weather with a light rain, winds in the 12-15 mph range, and record setting low temperatures in the upper 50's. Sebastian Mera of the Dominican Republic rolled a 2-1-1-2 for the day, and now with a drop race, leads the fleet with only 9 points. He is followed by Jon-Paul Patin (USA) and Malcolm Smith (Bermuda) who are second and third, both with 24 points. Full results at: http://bbyc.net/SunfishWorlds/index.htm

* Brant Beach, New Jersey (August 23, 2007) -- The last day of the Sunfish World Championship saw Sebastian Mera of the Dominican Republic begin with a solid first place finish to create an almost insurmountable lead. He finished the 10-race series with a total of 26 points to claim the World Champion title. Malcolm Smith of Bermuda was second with 60 points, closely followed by Jon-Paul Patin (USA) with 63. Top Junior was Alexander Zimmerman of Peru, with Lee Parks (USA) as the top female competitor. The weather finally turned to the favor of regatta organizers with the last race being completed in the first sun of the entire week. Complete results: http://bbyc.net/SunfishWorlds/index.htm