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What a fantastic regatta! It will be hard to put in words all the events that occurred during this regatta from the first committee meetings in August of 2004 to the current time. We can start with a great group of people on the committee, Co-Chairs – Mike Boom/Larry Wissing, PRO – Maridell Weaver, Judge – Tom Rinda, Secretary- Selga Sakss, Island activities - Dody Nollmann, Treasurer- Joy Wissing, Sponsorship – Pete Church-Smith, Pre-Race Activities and Schedules – Jan Walker, Trophies/Gifts – Bill Pickering, Scorer – Beth Pennington, Our advisor - George Pennington, Ocean Racing Chairman, Phyllis Eades our Sailing Secretary and Mike Noble/Terry Stillie for the logo’s and merchandise. Plus the many volunteers and sponsors that helped make this year special, including our dock masters David Christ and Ali Hudon. Our Commodore Don Krippendorf took his boat, First Light, loaded with past commodores, as well as Rear Commodore, Fred Bickley, and his family, what a great group of sailors we had. They were joined by over 300 sailors and guests, which enjoyed the Yacht club activities, race and the island parties.

Many articles have already been written already on the race and we know another expanded article will be in Southwinds soon, written by Dave Ellis. From the committee side we enjoyed every minute of our planning and implementation of this regatta, the Yacht Club staff along with the Bridge became a valuable resource and help during our many meeting and planning sessions. The regatta would not be happen without a great group of sailors and we had those this year! 46 boats signed up and only 1 had to drop out before the start due to a fuel tank problem, it was a record for this regatta. The parties we had were all about the sailors, starting with the NOOD regatta where one of our sponsors helped pay for some welcome refreshments on the dock after their day on the water. We then had several parties at the club before we started on April 29th at 0830. The seminars and registration took place all day Thursday April 28th, the Yacht club was busy with sailors from 4 states all day and we even had a special sandwich for the sailors "a Regata del Sol al Sol Cuban".

The start of the race was in fair winds and an incoming tide, our PRO Maridell Weaver started everyone in their classes and on time. As the fleets left the bay stories were already unfolding from Freighter encounters to where did that 76 foot Catarman go? The big story of this race was yet to come as Friday was a great day for sailing and most of the fleet settled into a routine. By Saturday morning most boats were saying something entirely different the weathermen were wrong! A sudden storm 100 miles wide built up in the warm gulf waters out of nowhere and made some boats head for safer water, while others watched Lightning dance on the waves for hours. Then a second non-forecast event happened and a cold front which was supposed to stop in Tampa didn’t listen and kept on going right through Cozumel, Mexico. We had 2 boats that needed a tow back to port and one with a mast down that motored home. Out of the 45 starters 38 boats made it to the island with Rear Commodore, Fred Bickley on his yacht Mango Latitudes as the overall winner. All results are posted on the bulletin board near the Sailing Secretary’s office. Our saying for this year was Viviendo la Leyenda …Living the Legend! And we did!

Some e-mails we have received speak for themselves;

Just a note to thank you and everyone associated with the Regata Del Sol this year. I was on "Suddenly" with David and Cindy Bunch and Joel Heyne. This was certainly one of the greatest adventures of my life. Thanks again for a fantastic time. Hopefully I can go again next year. Wm Mayberry

We all had a great time this year and look forward to sponsoring the race next year too. All parties were great and I can tell you my crew absolutely had a blast. Well back to repairing the boat for next year. Regards, Steve Tampa Bay Yacht Sales

I really enjoyed it. Y'all did a great job! I'd probably sail in non-spinnaker next year if I could use the autopilot... Please give my regards and congratulations to the rest of the committee. regards, Curtis, High Cotton

Just a quick note of thanks to you and all of the race organizers for a truly wonderful experience. Thanks you for all your efforts on our behalf. Thank you, Steven Higger s/v Sunset

Wow… the Isla Mujeres island activities, with the Lima family and the Club de Yates as our great hosts a good time was had by everyone. Nick and Bojka Stan came to the island as they have many times before, and looked like they were home along with many other members. Our Flying Club contingent lead by Bill and Nancy Shivers experienced the same weather woes and vowed to make it next year; they did in the end fly commercial and joined in the festivities. The annual Basketball game was played into overtime with the island home team squeaking out the win. It was a great game with most of the island in attendance. The traditional island secret of "what happens on the island stays on the island" will be upheld in this report as well, join us next time to experience this fantastic island and Regata del Sol al Sol festival yourself. The island is located approx. 5 miles north of Cancun but a world away as to the experience. Many have asked about Sr. Lima's health and as of two weeks ago it was great he is back on the island at home and feeling fine.

Mark your calendars for next year April 28th through May 6th 2006 and join a great group of friends both from here and on the island. For those of you that went this year I am sure we look forward to seeing you again.

Until Next year…

Viviendo la Leyenda

Mike Boom/Larry Wissing