sailing, sailing ...
Tuesday night's heat saw the return of three-time champion
Bill Rohrbeck, taking the heat to qualify for the semifinals.
The teaching session on Wednesday morning resulted in several
new faces at the afternoon heat. Despite the enthusiasm of the
recruits, the heat was taken by Keith Hunsinger, who was able
to be present for his first complete tournament since 2001.
Friday proved to be "anything can happen day" as
giant killers swept the waves.
Joe Doughan defeated two-time champion Dave Cross in a design-your-own
squadron battle, earning him the "Midshipman of the Year"
award.
The
GM's daughter, Verity Hitchings, defeated her father once and
already-seeded Keith Hunsinger twice in single ship matches (Who
let her in here?).
Despite his losses to Verity, Keith was able to hold on and
earn the John Paul Jones award for best single ship captain.
Bill Rohrbeck took the Suffren award for best squadron commander,
having defeated Keith in the Battle of Lake Erie and Rod Coffey
in Broke's Challenge.
Saturday's Fleet Action saw a modified Battle of Quiberon
Bay, complete with gale force winds. The Brits anchored three
50-gun ships off the French coast. The French fleet of 80's and
74's descended upon the 50's, which put up a brave fight, losing
two of their number. Skillful sailing saved the third. The tide
turned with the arrival of the main British force of 90's, 74's,
and the 100 gun Royal George.
Vice Admiral Keith Hunsinger captured not one, but two ships
from GM Tim Hitchings (Who designed this scenario, anyway?).
Keith and Joe Pabis took the awards for best British and best
French players.
In the semifinals, Bill Rohrbeck bested wild card qualifier
Tim Hitchings with two American 74 gun ships vs. Tim's three
smaller Russian 74's.
Keith Hunsinger defeated Joe Pabis with three elite Dutch
68 gun ships v. Joe's three crack Russian 74's (not a good day
for the Motherland).
In the Final, Bill Rohrbeck's three crack French 80's defeated
Keith Hunsinger's two elite American 74's and crack 44 gun frigate
for his fourth wood, leaving Keith the bridesmaid yet again.
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