SANFORD — For the second straight Wednesday Night Breezeway Rum Race nine boats took to Lake Monroe on what turned out to be a beautiful evening and for the second consecutive week it was Fleur de Mer III crossing the finish line in first. Only this time, Patti Miller was at the helm, and she and her crew topped another lady-led crew, as Ana Holstein directed Black Jack to the runner-up spot. Rich Gailey on Wicklow Way was third.
Here are the results:
Breezeway VUDU Rum Race
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
1. (Displacement 1) Fleur de Mer III (Patti Miller), 1:02:57; 2. (Displacement 2) Black Jack (Ana Holstein), 1:04:42; 3. (Displacement 3) Wicklow Way (Rich Gailey), 1:06:27; 4. (Displacement 4) Show Me (Andy Forrest), 1:11:10; 5. (Displacement 5) Kind of Blue (James Moran), 1:16:20; 6. (Displacement 6) Castaway (Richard McFadyen), 1:17:33; 7. (Displacement 7) Shajaira (Bob Fellingham), 1:17:36; 8. (Displacement 8) Last Call (Trinity H), 1:18:01; 9. (Planing 1) Bad JuJu (Jim White), Did Not Finish.
The monthly LMSA Club Championship Series for the Hayden Cup saw everyone sharing two ramps and no place to park .... craziness!! Once on the water all is right with the world. One hour delay for no wind, but the wind filled in and increased for each of the three races! Thank you race committee! Great job in the building shifting conditions!!
Here are the results:
LMSA Club Championship Series May 2026
Saturday, May 9
Overall
1. (Displacement 1) Wicklow Way (Richard Gailey), Race 1 _ 2.0 + Race 2 _ 2.0 + Race 3 _ 1.0 = 5.0; 2. (Displacement 2) Show Me (Andy Forrest), 1.0 + 3.0 + 4.0 = 8.0; 3. (Displacement 3) Royal Scam (Steve Siegfreid), 5.0 + 1.0 + 3.0 = 9.0; 4. (Displacement 4) Fleur De Mer III (Olivier Fleury), 3.0 + 4.0 + 2.0 = 9.0; 5. (Displacement 5) Justice (John North), 4.0 + 5.0 + 5.0 = 14.0; 6. (Displacement 6) Shajaira (Bob Fellingham), 6.0 + 6.0 + 6.0 = 18.0; 7. (Displacement 7) Spider Pig (Derek Holmes), 7.0 + 8.0 DNF +7.0 = 22.0
72nd Annual Mug Race 2026 recap
The weather forecast looked either brutal or fantastic depending on your sailing nature. 15 to 24 knots with puffs into the 30s and beyond from the southwest. The fastest possible wind direction for the primarily north to northeast 38 mile course. The approaching front was to include lightning and temps into the 50s. The registered turnout was the lowest I've seen and the LMSA contingent was small as well. Wicklow Way with Rich, Andiamo with John and Andy on Show Me. Scott M., Gabe, Louis and Max filled the crew spots.
Some of the sailors were thinking record times and others broken boat parts. 52 boats were registered but only 38 started. The RC staff was understandable anxious for the safety of the sailors and issued strong warnings and weather plans should you brave it on the river.
After the usual Friday night shenanigans at Steamboat Willies and much good natured trash talk we retired for some limited rest. Saturday morning brought exactly the opposite of the forecast. Very light breezes from the southwest and east until the front arrived 5 hours in. Some of us foolishly had hoped to finish by then. First the thunder and lightning came in, about 1:30 the first of the heavy air. Those who could, reduced sail and continued, some found a shoreline refuge for a while. The heavy air lasted about 3 hours or so and hull speed was the norm. Some 30 plus came in but only for short periods. The wind clocked from southwest to the north and we sailed close hauled the entire time. Ed Sims from Ocala, Rich and Andy were in a group that could see each other through the rain and mist. We all finished around 5 with 1 half mile of each other. Ed then Rich and Andy in that order.
27 boats finished with no serious sailor or boat issues, one A cat turtled and dismasted and was towed in. Rich and Andy took firsts in class, John second. Rich also got the Markland Trophy for first cruiser in corrected time.
After a stop in Crescent City to christen our mugs with beer, we drove back and collapsed on the couch.
Let's get some more LMSA boats to this great event next year!
Upcoming:
Today (May 20), 27 _ Breezeway Rum Racing. Anyone with a Portsmouth rated boat is welcome to attend the Rum Race, with cocktails, dinner and scores at The Breezeway afterwards.
If you are looking to crew, be down at the ramp by 5:30 p.m. If you are sailing, the starting window will be between 6 p.m.-and-6:05 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 _ Sine Metu Jameson Irish Whiskey Race.
For more information, visit _ www.flalmsa.org _ or call (321) 578-8364.
