The Wildcat Regatta, hosted by Fleet 11 and the Lake Eustis Sailing Association was in its 6th year in 2006. Attendance, at 28 catamarans, is notable considering competition from Performance Nationals, usually held about the same time, and other races such as the ‘Round Island race in Pensacola. It’s registration is primarily made up of sailors who drive less than 4 hr to attend. This race has more than the usual share of vintage catamarans, but also is a place where sailors new to a high tech cat can get experience in a less challenging environment than in ocean regattas that dominate the summer schedule. Hobie 16s formed the largest fleet, as has been typical for the past few years. But a contingent of A cats and F16s also showed to give a class for each of these as well. So no matter your boat preference, the Wildcat can offer a chance to compete in a class.
For the first time in at least a couple of years, the weather report was good for this regatta. The skies were clear all day both days. Wind on Saturday was just great, beginning a bit over 6 kn at 12:30 for the first race, and increasing to about 10 kn with higher gusts in the middle of the afternoon. The winds remained from the ESE all afternoon so that once the courses marks were set, they did not need to be moved again for the whole day. The RC held 4 races on Saturday on triangle courses. Racers were all back on the shore by 5 pm and ready for the usual fantastically tasty barbecue of Shipes & Eads.
On Sunday, the RC did not plan to begin a race after 12:30. The wind gods apparently did not plan any activity until after that time. Although the breeze initially blew just below 5 kn and racers were able to sail to the course, it was not steady and did not cover enough of the lake to hold a race. It was nearly calm at 12:30 when the RC announced the end of the day without any races. As paradoxically as usual, once all the cats were on shore and taking down, the afternoon breeze began abruptly. The noon barbecue and award ceremony were much more pleasant under the 10 kn breezes blowing off the lake through the shade of oaks and cypress trees.