Regatta Raises Money For Good Cause

By PATRICK L. FANELLI

7/16/2006 - LAKEWOOD — The sun came out and the wind picked up just in time for the opening race of the third annual Chautauqua Lake Championship Regatta on Saturday.In fact, principal race officer Jim Holler said they were the perfect conditions for a sailboat race — though some boat captains did have to struggle here and there to keep from tipping over.‘‘This is great, isn’t it?’’ said Al Nottage, regatta chairman and founder, as the boats lined up about a mile away from the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club. ‘‘I love it.’’Nearly 30 captains participated in the race, more than the other two years combined, according to Nottage.‘‘This is double anything we’ve had before,’’ he said.The first race began at 11 a.m. with a strong wind emerging from the northwest. The Day Sailors, Lasers and Lightnings went first, followed by the E-scows a few minutes later and then the cruisers. They headed into the wind about a mile or so, then down wind about two miles, then back again — completing the loop two and a half times.There were a variety of sailors competing, from veterans and active racers to children.‘‘I’ve been sailing since I was 10 years old,’’ said Rick Turner, captain, while he and his young crew prepared their boat for launch. ‘‘We’ve been sailing around forever.’’It’s in the family, he said — in fact, his daughter is the national champion for racing small types of craft called optimus dinghies. Turner could be seen racing side-by-side with his brother, Mark, for much of the race.All proceeds from the regatta will benefit the American Cancer Society. There were even cancer survivors among the participants.John Carver had a melanoma surgically removed seven years ago. He raced on Saturday with his partner, Paul Bond, aboard their 26-foot cruiser called ‘‘Mad Chuck’’ — named for Carver’s children, Madeline and Charles.‘‘We race this boat in the Portsmouth fleet on Saturdays and Sundays,’’ Carver said of their chances. ‘‘I think we’re okay.’’Races continued into the afternoon. The final races will be held today and the awards ceremony is expected to commence at 12 or 12:30 p.m. at the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club.

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