I am pleased to announce the formation of the Budd Bay Star Fleet. At present we have six Stars in the water and a seventh will be sailing this spring. It is a woody now being restored. I am on the hunt for more boats to be bought.
We have had several races so far, most with five boats racing. Sean Trew ran some races for us this summer. We have a report on the races, along with photos. You can see from the results that no one has really dominated. We will hold more Star races. We also plan on participating as a class in the Fall and Spring Series, the Spring Regatta, the under 30 regattas, and Wednesday and/or Thursday night racing.
Our boats have hull numbers in the 5000 series. Our intent is to limit the fleet to the older boats, those with hull numbers below 6000. We want boats winning because of the skill of her crew. We do not care to find out who can buy the newest fastest boat.
Many fleets are doing this now. Stars are “one design” like 12 meters are: Stars must meet certain measurement requirements to be a Star. These leave a lot of lattitude for design improvement. So the newer boats are a lot faster than the old. The differences are enough that at the upcoming Star Worlds, in Finland, there will be three different classes of Stars, based on hull numbers.
Because Stars are continually developing, boats in the 5000 series can had, with sails, trailer, etc. — pretty much ready for racing — for between $800 to $1,500. I have secured moorage for the fleet at Westbay Marina for $20 per boat.
Does this seem like something you would enjoy? If interested in crewing, borrowing a boat, or buying one contact me, 357-6932, for more information. All the present owners have allowed others to use their boat, if they can not make a race.
Other present owners, besides myself, are
Gary Pedigo
Ann Heming
Ginny Stern
John & Steve Ridgeway
and Steve Worcester
Bill Brosius, Star Duster, Fleet Captain