
Sailors customize their boats to avoid confusion in the midst of an intense race.
The Mackle Park lake was as smooth as glass. Thirty-two miniature boats, manned by 32 grown men, could be seen gliding across the surface, the breeze giving their boats an extra push here and there. For the 13th year in a row, the Marco Island Yacht Club and the City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department have hosted

During the fierce competition sailors were hyper-focused on their boats.
The regatta took place on March 5th and 6th. The racing began at 10 AM and ended at 3 PM. Of the 32 people competing, five

4th place winner Jensen McTighe, 17, was the youngest participant.

Gold Fleet winners, in order of placement.
For the past four years in a row Dave Brawner of New Jersey has come down to the Island to lend his talents as the Principal Race Officer, which


From left: Ken Shaw of Vermont, 1st place winner David Ramos of Maryland, and Jamey Betz of Pennsylvania. PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HUSTED
“It’s a great group of people,” said Brawner. “We have wonderful hosts. You can’t beat this because at home it’s snowing.”
This year Jim Kaighin of the Bahamas was the man to beat. He has won the competition for the last five years in a row. However, on March 6, his winning streak was finally broken. David Ramos of

According to Regatta Chairman Rocky Cale, this has been the most successful regatta to date, and also the closest in terms of final placement. Only three points separate the top three boats in the Gold Fleet.
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