1C THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018 WEEKEND CONTACT US Erick Bengel | Features Editor ebengel@dailyastorian.com BREAK The Oysterville Regatta — the modern revival of a tradition that began when Washington was still a territory — attracted nine participating vessels and numerous spectators Saturday. The weather was chilly and dark gray with heavy showers early on, but transitioned into abundant sunshine and clear blue skies by mid-afternoon. Photos by Rob Hilson/ for the Chinook Observer FOLLOW US facebook.com/ DailyAstorian WINDS BLEW FAIR Modern Oysterville Regatta pays tribute to tradition started in 1872 By SYDNEY STEVENS | For the Chinook Observer O Above: Phil Krug of Portland won the 24th annual Oysterville Regatta on Saturday af- ternoon. Krug’s sailing performance was flaw- less — he was victori- ous in all three races, which were broken down into five heats each. Clark Wachsmuth captured second place. Right: Stefan Vogel of Frankfort, Germany, eased his Laser into Willapa Bay and guided the boat toward the starting area. Regatta fans caught a break later in the day on Saturday, as sunshine and clear skies made Willapa Bay a fantastic venue for the 24th annual modern Oysterville Regatta. YSTERVILLE — The rain pattered right up until the starting horn blew at the Oysterville Regatta, a tradition that began around 1872. After Saturday’s unpromising start, it remained mostly dry and was more than suitably windy for the nine competing boats and their redoubtable skippers. There were some gnarly gusts, catching a number of the sleek Laser sailboats just wrong and over they’d go. This was exciting for shoreside spectators, difficult for the stal- wart sailors and cause for rescue jet skier Doug Knutzen to zip hither and thither throughout the race. Thankfully, the event was disaster-free, though there was one problem that caused a skipper to drop out after the first heat. Another boat lost its rudder for a few tense minutes. The consensus: easier sailing than last year but enough excitement to last until Regatta 2019. Afterward, the Awards Dinner — the culminating Regatta event each year since the early 1990s — sur- passed all expectations. Orchestrated by Carol Wachsmuth and daughter Lina, and hosted by Lina and Dave Cordray, there was a fabulous array of food and beverages served by Pamela Jewel and her friend Lisa — even a special beer for the occasion, brewed by Carol and Tucker Wachsmuth’s son Charley. Music was provided by Judy Eron and Charlie Watkins of Double J and the Boys. In addition to the stars of the day, nearly all of Oysterville was in attendance along with friends and relatives from as far away as Germany. Tucker Wachsmuth, in his capacity as admiral of the fleet and master of ceremonies, presented the awards — the trophies all crafted by him and taking on more signifi- cance with each passing year. The Oyster Cup is adorned with each winner’s name and goes back to 1994. There were t-shirts (also designed by Wachsmuth) for all participants and workers, and, to cap it all off, he treated attendees to his “2018 Regatta Song,” plus a review of past celebratory compositions as well. The youngest children raced around the periphery, adorned in the colorful remains of an afternoon piñata attack. Old friends renewed acquaintances, and new friend- ships were forged. As it grew dark, a blaze was lit in the fire pit, various instruments began to appear and guests gathered ’round to join in on old favorites. Oysterville Regatta participants jockeyed for position at the start of the race. The wind was constantly shifting direction and intensity on Willapa Bay. More photos on Page 2C.