The weather forecast for October 2-4 called for clouds and rain on Saturday and Sunday, but the opportunity to participate in the 31st annual Hospice Turkey Shoot Regatta (HTSR) overcame racers’ concerns about the weather.
And they were rewarded, reported publicity director Tom Wicks. For the first time in over two years, racing filled both days—with the classic Pursuit Race on Sunday, albeit on a shorter course. The rain held off both days until most boats were back at their dock/anchorage.
“We saw some new boats on the river along with stunning performances by some of the regular river racers,” said Wicks.
Sixty-seven boats registered for the regatta; 54 made it to the starting line on Saturday. The regatta is centered at the Rappahannock River Yacht Club (RRYC) on Carter Creek in Irvington and benefits Hospice Support Services of the Northern Neck and Riverside Hospice.
A vibrant Friday evening cocktail party at the RRYC was highlighted with music by Deadrise—some of whom also raced.
As Saturday morning emerged, the race committee was faced with wind from the NNE at 10-15 knots and the rain holding off until 2-3 p.m. After the 9 a.m. skippers meeting the boats headed out to the race course on the Rappahannock River between the Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge and Towles Point…..
