NFYC retains title in Montana Cup Regatta
A boat's red spinnaker sail is highlighted against the morning haze of the Swan and Mission Mountains. Jacob Doran/West Shore News
Last weekend, yachts from Canada to Idaho competed in the annual Montana Cup races on Flathead Lake, between Somers and Mission View Terrace, taking advantage of some of blue skies on Saturday and near perfect winds on Sunday.
Altogether, 33 boats entered the race, in four divisions, representing five different yacht clubs. Sylvan Lake Sailing Club in Alberta, Canyon Ferry Yacht Club in Helena, North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers, South Flathead Yacht Club in Dayton and Lake Pend Oreille Yacht Club in northern Idaho all competed for the coveted Montana Cup.
Participants competed in two races on Saturday and five on Sunday when wind conditions were better suited for racing, as well as a practice race on Friday. When all the points and handicaps were tallied, the North Flathead Yacht Club had successfully defended and retained the trophy, which will remain in Somers for yet another year.
"We had great wind on Sunday," NFYC vice commodore Tom Able said. "The North Flathead Yacht Club defended their title, and the cup never left Somers. Everyone left with smiles on their faces."