Ideal conditions at annual Montana Cup races

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

Last weekend, yachts from Canada to Colorado competed in the annual Montana Cup races on Flathead Lake, between Somers and Mission View Terrace, taking advantage of some of the best sailing conditions experienced in any race to date.

The skies were partly overcast but accented by a brilliant sun that played peekaboo with the boats throughout the day, keeping temperatures pleasant during each of the races. Adding to the ideal weather conditions and picture perfect sky, there was no shortage of wind to keep the spinnakers flying high in each of the four fleets that competed.

Organizers hailed the regatta as a huge success, adding that they could not have asked for better sailing conditions.

"It was a great regatta," NYFC vice commodore Tony DaVoe said. "The winds were probably the best we've ever had. The turnout was smaller than normal, and that was a little disappointing, but it was just such great weather for the races. All in all, both days were great."

Race results:

A Fleet

1. David Cohen, with Eye Eye (Dillon Yacht Club, CO)

2. Jim Kelley, with Limerick (North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers)

3. Buck Love, with Jolie Blon (South Flathead Yacht Club, Dayton)

B Fleet

1. Chris Watson, with Treachery (Sylvan Lake Sailing Club, Alberta)

2. John Lee, with Eight Ball (Sylvan Lake Sailing Club, Alberta)

3. Rick Howard, with the MRF (Sylvan Lake Sailing Club, Alberta)

C Fleet

1. Chad Fitzgerald, with High Plains Difter (Canyon Ferry Yacht Club, Helena)

2. Jim Lekander, with Wizard (South Flathead Yacht Club, Dayton)

3. Jeremy Keene, with Luna (North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers)

J-24 Fleet

1. Pete Sauer, with B4G (North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers)

2. Jeff Fisher, with Maniac (North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers)

3. Trevon Baker, with Frankly Scarlett (North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers)