DICKERSON RENDEZVOUS 2009 A BIG SUCCESS
The 42nd Annual Dickerson Rendezvous held on June 19-21 at Oxford, MD was a truly memorable event full of fun, enthusiasm and comradeship. The sailors' "love affair" with their classic yachts was obvious.
Weather forecasts of rain, fog, and small craft warnings did not discourage some 60 Dickerson sailors and 13 yachts-- ranging from 30 to 50 feet -from participating in this traditional celebration. Some came after just returning from cruising South America and the Florida Keys, or after sailing for several days from Southern Virginia ports, or from the middle and northern regions of Chesapeake Bay. Some even came by car or plane from places as far away as Florida, North Carolina, and New England.
It was an awesome sight on Friday afternoon to see the parade of Dickerson Yachts in full splendor with shining hulls and flags flying sailing up the Tred Avon to Mears Yacht Haven. Once ashore colleagues visited, went swimming or just relaxed. The reception at Mears was replete with sea stories and good cheer as members renewed or made new friendships. Copies of new race instructions were handed out and discussed along with the new Dickerson Directory developed by Barry Creighton. This-Must Read-document contains detailed information and pictures of all known Dickerson Yachts and their owners. It is available to Dickerson Owners Association Members only along with a special DOA Membership Certificate.
Race day came with fog, rain and a varied strength southerly breeze. The race committee-not depending on the wind to cooperate with channel markers-left early to set out the new Dickerson buoys on a triangular course designed to provide a beat and two reaching legs with about one mile for each leg. The first race began sharply at 1000 hrs in heavy rain and fog and a light southerly breeze in a course twice around. With the reduced visibility it was a challenge to find the new Dickerson race buoys. Upon completion there was time for yet another race with increasing wind and clearing skies. The honor of Dickerson sailors was clearly evident -- one 41 footer who while in last position hit the buoy but took the time to circle around and finish legally as required by the rules. A sailor passing by in his Sabre 28 sent us some photos he took as he said "of these classic beautiful boats sailing in the fog" The new race course implemented by Commodores Dick and Karen Clarke was a big success and offers a challenge to subsequent Commodores.
The white table cloth Awards Dinner at the Tred Avon Yacht Club featured good food enjoyed by a jovial group of Dickerson sailors. The race committee - in their wisdom - averaged the timed/handicap ratings for boats in each race to determine the overall winner and Commodore as well as winners of the different Dickerson boat classes. Winning by a close margin over second place "Crew Rest" was Bill Toth in his 37 foot sloop "Starry Night". Other winners included Jake Baer in his 50 foot ketch "Volantis", Bruce Franz in his 41 foot ketch "Hemisphere Dancer", John Freal in 35 foot ketch "Rainbow" and John Stait in 30 foot sloop "Moon Shadow".
This memorable event concluded with lively musical entertainment and original sea songs by a quartet consisting of the skipper and crew of "Crew Rest" and all girl crew of "Irish Mist". Dickerson sailors are multi-talented-all can sing, too.
On Sunday morning the Dickerson Yachts departed for home in a stiff North Westerly breeze and 3 - 4 foot waves with fond memories of a truly great weekend made possible by a very special group of sailors.