Seawinds breeze through Tempe town lake 

By Mike Ferring, Race Director

It was an experiment: racing at Tempe Town Lake. The result: the lake did just fine. Nice breeze kept the boats moving all day with a course long enough that boats rounding distant marks were a bit difficult to see. 

To no one's surprise, Al Lehman Jr. dominated the competition, after throw-outs winning 10 of 10 scored races. Fellow Payson racer Bruce Rasch held second, and the rest of the initial seven-boat field seemed to compete to see who could complete 12 races without breaking down. 

Here are the full race results.

The collection of benches and sun-shading umbrellas made the location a comfortable launch spot for racing, with close parking and restrooms. It drew several spectators, including some familiar racers, making it a nice social event. And after racing, the nearby Hundred Mile Brewery made a great gathering spot for lunch for about 10 of us.

Thanks to the Arizona Sailing Foundation, which generously loaned one of its powerboats to us to set marks in the lake. Thanks also to Mike Fruciano for helping set the course and Rod Sturgess for helping pull marks at the end of racing.

Scroll down to see photos of the event.

Regatta winners (left to right first through fourth) Al Lehman Jr., Bruce Rasch, Mike Eades, and Al Lehman. Photos: Mike Ferring