Annual Dogwood Regatta, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club

By RJ Mitchellett.

The 2006 30th annual Atlanta Inland Sailing Club (AISC) Dogwood Regatta presented by Aqualand Marina was held March 31 � April 2 on Lake Lanier, GA. This event was named after its namesake the �Tree,� which begins to bloom this time of the year in Georgia. Unlike past Dogwood regattas, this year�s event had three separate courses, including the new Performance Cruising Racing Fleet (PCRF) squadron with its own long-distance course set by the race PRO, plus the traditional PHRF windward/leeward courses spread over two closed courses. The club conducted a five-series race over two days with approximately 50 boats participating.

The weather co-operated with 7-12 knot winds and a rainy start that quickly changed to sunny skies and a beautiful evening to enhance a fun-filled apr��s race party, complete with a gourmet luau dinner and a great band. Pusser�s Rum (Nelson�s Blood) was poured freely for all; skippers and their crew, plus members and friends of the AISC. Another party followed the Sunday race where the winners received trophies, including a special award given to the last place finisher in each fleet. The award itself was reason enough to finish last as it was a �Pusser�s Survival kit� consisting of a bottle of Pusser�s Rum, bandages and other items necessary to survive at sea and/or on land, for that matter.

The winners of each fleet received a first-, second-, and third-place club flag � marked with their finish ranking � in lieu of the traditional trophy, which may well set a new standard for future club races on the lake. The idea being that skippers may fly their flags on their boats, showing their racing prowess rather than have a collection of trophies sitting on a shelf where a few folks can see them.. And, of course, there is always the sailor�s tradition of passing on the flags as part of the boat�s heritage when the boat is sold to another skipper/owner.

Go to the club�s Web Site, www.lakelaniersailing.com/aisc/ for complete results.

Photos by Mike Reynolds and Amy Thurman