Wallace and Ard Prevail in Island Regatta

Saturday was a splendid day for sailing and enthusiasts of all ages gathered on St. George Island to participate in the ninth annual Island Regatta.

"I can't believe it's been our ninth regatta," Scoutmaster Larry Hale told the assembly during the awards ceremony.

Kirk Newkirk, of Key Sailing in Pensacola Beach, and Susan Korzenewski, women's national sailing champion, were on hand to officiate, representing the North American Hobie Cat Association.

"Susan and I have been to many national events where there is nowhere near the enthusiasm and support you have for this event. You are about the only one in the country that has kept an event like this up and kept it consistent with the kids. You guys are on the map," said Newkirk.

"Larry has done amazing things with this group," said Korzenewski. "When I first came here, it was nothing but a bunch of rag tag boats. Nothing matched."

Tim Wallace and Carl Ard, both of Eastpoint, took high honors for the day winning the Open Competition and achieving the overall best score of the day with nine points.

Other winners in the Open were Sam Baird and Kellye Robinson of Port St. Joe in second place. Alek Hoffman and Liam Capstick of Tallahassee came in third in the Open and Daren Hoffman of Pensacola, and Richard Brown of St. George Island, took the fourth place trophies.

In the Youth Competition, Evan Miller and Taylor Reiss of Panama City took first place. Kevin Williams of Eastpoint and Brandon Raymond of Lanark Village won the second place trophy.

Richard Williams and Bobbi Robinson of Port St. Joe came in third and Morgan Walker of St. George Island sailing with Dan Brown of Lanark Village took fourth place.

The luau held after the race was also Sam Baird's Eagle Scout banquet. Baird presented his mentor pin, designating the person who has had the most profound impact on his path, to Scoutmaster Larry Hale.