The 2nd Annual Bolivar Rig Run was held on Sunday in front of Blue Water Subdivision. This catamaran regatta was hosted by the Bolivar Yacht Club (BYC) and sponsored by Hardheads. The BYC formed four years ago by Jim Denys to promote the sport of sailing and bring together amateur sailors on Bolivar. Sailors and spectators started gathering on the beach early Sunday morning to support the local event. Bolivar Rig Run is a race from the beach to the offshore oil rig, about 5.5 miles round trip.
The Bolivar Yacht Club formed four years ago by Commodore Jim Denys (left) to promote the sport of sailing and bring together amateur sailors on Bolivar.
Seven catamarans competed; they set sail at 12:05 pm under blue skies, light choppy waters, and cheering fans. With the wind blowing in, the captains set their tacking angle and headed offshore.
While the sailors were under way, family and friends watched as the brightly colored sails became smaller and smaller. From the shore it was difficult to track the boats, but after the turn around the rig, spectators could begin to see the leaders.
Captain Chad and crewman Scott captured the first place prize in their Hobie 16, with a time of 1 hour 30 minutes. Second place went to Captain Jim and crewman Kenny, also in a Hobie 16, with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes. Only one minute behind, Captain Dan and crewman Zander finished third, in a Prindle 16, beating the 4th place finisher by only a few boatlengths.
Captain Chad and crewman Scott captured the first place prize in their Hobie 16, with a time of 1 hour 30 minutes
Second place went to Captain Jim and crewman Kenny, also in a Hobie 16, with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes
Only one minute behind, Captain Dan and crewman Zander finished third
The remaining competitors sailed their way to the finish, and cheers went up as the 2016 Bolivar Rig Run concluded when Captain Colby hit the beach at 2 hours 30 minutes.
Plaques were presented to the top three finishers by Hardhead’s owner Jason Kaptchinskie. Commodore Jim Denys thanked all the sailors, spectators, and sponsors, and invited everyone back to next year’s event!
[9-5-2016]
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