Friday's racing was very exciting. Prior to racing, TV News personality and Madison resident Anne Nyberg was present and gave introductory remarks about what Joe meant to her earlier in her life.  It was fitting that Anne presented a nice homage to what Joe has meant to so many people through the years, and how the experience of sailing in Madision was so much a big part of the formative  years for so many kids.  

After some equivocation by John Harmuth about safety and sailing in high winds and cold water, and an inspection and equipment check, the decision was made to go onto the water. Bright sunshine, seasonable temperatures and some rather ferocious sustained winds were building to excess of 20 mph.  The fleet saw enough fast racing and capsizing to keep the chase boats very busy, and the sailors on their toes!!  Several F18's and  large open and H16 fleets, lead the action on the water.  We all knew Joe M. would have made Joe proud as everyone navigated the courses well and quickly despite the tricky conditions.  4-5 races were completed before conditions just became a bit too risky for any continued sailing, and the day was called.  As it was, beaching in the now very intense southwesterly was becoming problematic, with one boat, wheels and all, sailing itself right off the beach, and yet after being luffed up, tacking itself off, and requiring an emergency pilot to jump on and rescue the boat before it sailed away!  No casualties, but some odd excitement on the beach! 

With most everyone having capsized at least once in the gusty conditions and building seas, a head count was made and after all were accounted for (and their boats too!) , some cold sailors were ready to head in and warm up prior to the banquet. Everyone headed in, and those lucky enought to live nearby went home and warmed up the best way they could.  By evening, everyone had returned early to the Surf Club House, and with the wind settling into a more manageble breeze, the warm late afternoon sun was perfect for a pick-up game of whiffle ball.  No better way for the older sailors to keep their joints from locking up than getting beat by the kids in the volleyball courts.  After all, the sand was soft there, lessening the likliehood of injury!  As best I could figure it, the kids had the older dudes right where they wanted them!

At six, the crowd, now about 100 strong, then adjourned to the packed main hall for the banquet.  The Go-Getters were warming up the crowd in the tent on the deck as the food  from Bradley and Wall was coming out. It was delicious.  For the sailors, who had all burned more than their share of calories on the water, the sight of something other than a Granola bar and a bottle of water is always a blessing.  

A special award was given to Fran Manganello, Joe's wife, who proceeded to say some special things about the living memory that the regatta.  With Joe's family members all in attendance and some birthday's announced, and the raffle was started.  Some great gifts from our sponsors were all used to raise money for the club, and as people passed throught buffet line, they looked at the pictures taken by Margi Goldstein earlier in the day.  Margi captured some incredible pictures that will be sold and all proceeds will be used to raise more money for next year's regatta.  Stay tuned for details.

All in all, there could be no better day to celebrate Joe than with sailing and a greata banquet.  He would have loved it!