April 28 and 29 2007 hosted by the Mid Atlantic Model Yacht Club, Mt. Laurel, NJ

Ring, ring, ring. “ Hello?”  “Hi Jarl, it’s Mike, how are things?”  “Oh, hi Mike, not too bad, what’s up?”  Umm, you’re going to be here for the Liberty Bell, right?  Oh yeah, thanks for the phone call.  I’ll get my entry in as soon as possible”.  “Great Jarl, it will be good to see you.  Uh by the way, don’t forget to bring the cup with you.”  “Sure thing Mike, I’ll see you at the pond.”  

And so it went for this year’s rendition of the Liberty Bell Regatta at Laurel Acres Park in Mt. Laurel, NJ.  Sixteen skippers showed up for a fantastic weekend of sailing with the temps is the mid 60’s and steady winds down the center of the pond creating an excellent windward, leeward course.  As has become somewhat of the norm, a single pin was used at the weather mark and two pins at leeward giving the skippers an opportunity to select either a port or starboard rounding.

Saturday started off with Jarl’s first bullet of the day followed with several seconds and thirds in the following races.  Mark Rinehart was hot on his tail, with his finishes no lower than seventh.  All Sellers was up there also, easing into third place for the day.  Jack Kendra did well but suffered several bad finishes that put him into fourth place.  After twelve races, everyone was showing signs of fatigue from the long hikes up and down the pond so racing was called for the day.  Dave Brawner opened up his house to everyone for a Bubba Burger Barbecue and relaxing in Dave and Lisa’s new family entertainment room (which just happens to be attached to Dave’s new shop). 

Sunday started off pretty much the same as Saturday with the winds pretty much from the same direction, giving a nice, long windward, leeward course.  Jarl started off on a good foot by collecting bullets in just about every heat, with Mark and Al right behind him keeping him honest.  At the end of ten races it was Jarl Wathne for a well deserved win, Mark Rinehart second, Al Sellers third, Jack Kendra fourth and Ivor Walton in fifth.  Everyone sailed well with few problems on the water, which were quickly solved, and some great sailing to complete another Liberty Bell Regatta. 

Here’s how they finished:

Jarl Wathne            44

Mark Rinehart        53

Al Sellers               75

Jack Kendra           115

Ivor Walton           118

John Ebell              126

Phil Tonks             129

Bruce Walton        133

Al Dion                 136

Fred Maurer          139

Doug Wotring        149

Scott Todd              201

Larry Mazoway      233

Pete Schilder          251

Bob Kjellberg        256

Henry Miller          306