LASER FLEET 10 SUMMARY

           Laser Fleet 10 originated at Severn Sailing Association in 1972.  That same year the inaugural Sunshine Open and Crab Claw  regattas were held.  Bob McKay won the first CBYRA high point trophy for Lasers in 1974, Jim Hahn placed 10th in the Worlds, and Fleet 10 staged a 24 hour Laser Marathon on Spa Creek during the U.S. Sailboat Show.  By 1976, the fleet's growth necessitated the construction of a 45 boat storage rack.  In 1977, Monty Spindler finished 6th in the Worlds and the Crab Claw was dealt a temporary setback by being renamed the Halloween Howler.  

            The 1980's were highlighted by the leadership of Fleet Captain Mike Waters.  In 1983, '85, and '89 SSA hosted the Atlantic Coast Championships.  By 1985 there were over 120,000 Lasers worldwide.  Diane Burton won the U.S. Women's Single-handed Championship in 1987.  Mike Waters was busy winning the Atlantic Coasts twice, placing top 4 at the U.S. Championships two times, and taking a trip to Melbourne, Australia for the 9th edition of the Laser Worlds.   A new boat cost approximately $2,000 in 1989.

            Delrie Hobbs carried the Fleet Captain torch for much of the early 1990's.  SSA hosted the Atlantic Coast Championships in 1993.  Jim Brady, still hot from his success at the 1992 Olympic Games, won the Gold fleet.  His future wife, Julie Troutman,  was tops in the Silver Fleet.  In 1995 SSA opened its doors for the U.S. Championships, subsequently won by Mark Mendelblatt.   Henry Filter was busy tearing it up on the Laser circuit, making several trips to the Worlds.  James Jacob won the 1997 Masters North Americans.  In 1998 SSA once again held the Atlantic Coasts.  Bob Tan was the top SSA member finishing 8th overall.  

            As we enter the year 2003, SSA's Fleet 10 is still THE place for Laser sailing on the Chesapeake.  The District 11 Champs were held in 2000 at SSA with 60 boats attending.  In addition, we hosted the 2001 Masters Atlantic Coast Championship.  79 boats entered that event making it the largest Masters event in North America in 2001.   There are over 70 boats stored on the club grounds, with an astounding 80+ SSA  members linked to Fleet 10.  The Sunshine Open and Crab Claw are still the biggest drawing - best regattas on the bay!  A highly informal Tuesday Evening racing series is conducted from May through August and our Frostbite series runs Sunday afternoons from late November to early April.  

            Come down and join us or drop our Fleet Captain, Dorian Haldeman, a note if you have any further questions.

Severn Sailing Association
311 First Street . Annapolis, Maryland 21403 . (410) 268-8744 . fax (410) 269-6832
office@severnsailing.org . webmaster: ssaweb@severnsailing.org