Becker Dominates Spring Classic

           Geoff Becker followed up his victory in the North Americans this weekend with a victory in a strong fleet at the Pymatuning Yacht Club Spring Classic. The twenty fourth Spring Classic was a success, despite a poor weather forcast and rising fuel prices. The club hosted twenty seven boats, most of whom stayed on site in members homes. The fleet was as strong as any local regatta, as it included Larry MacDonald (World and North American Champion) Jody Starck (two time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, North American Champion) David Stark (NA runner up, Pan-Am games runner-up) Tom Allen Jr. (NA Champion) Rob Ruhlman (5th place 2007 NA's) Todd Wake (3rd 2006 Southern Circuit) Dan Moriarty (NA Champion).

           Despite a poor weather forcast for Saturday morning, the morning brought fair conditions. The breeze spoty, and ranged from 10-15 knots. Jamie Allen got of to a fast start with a bullet in the first race. Larry MacDonald was taking a turn in the front the boat, while his son Adam tryed his hand as skipper. David Starck was also sailing with two juniors from the Buffalo Canoe Club, Maddie Waldron and Cathrine Maloney. Becker finished fifth the first race.

             The next three races were wins for Becker's team. He showed that his team was strongest in this condition, despite the depth of the fleet. Dan Moriarty continued his strong season in his new boat finishing in second. Third was home town favorite Ryan Ruhlman. Tom Allen followed in fourth. Jody Starck was fifth.

           Saturday night the Yacht Club hosted a party that began with appitizers and cocktails, followed by dinner, and then a rousing performance by the Trailor Trash Band. The band was well recieved by the crowd and they responded with a break-less 3 hour performance. The party continued well into the night and was capped off by a campfire hosted by Meghan and Ryan Ruhlman.

           Sunday Morning the sailors awoke to rain and another poor weather forcast. After a breif postponement the race committe made a well recieved decision to abandon racing for the day and the regatta ended with the results from the first day of racing.