Governor’s Cup Kicks off 2023 Season
Florida weather always warrants watching and waiting. Cancel or reschedule the Governor’s Cup? Not a chance! After uncertainty all week, plenty of sunshine and warmth was granted on Friday and the cocktail boats were up and running for pre-race action. Friday’s race meeting and pre-race celebration poolside was a cheerful gathering, reuniting friends from SYC and travelers from multiple states and other areas of Florida.
Pleasant conditions continued into Saturday. A 10 MPH southerly wind with unlimited fetch up the Indian River, a.k.a the Intercoastal Waterway, raised a noticeable chop, adding spice to the Annual Governor’s Cup races at the Smyrna Yacht Club. Racers from more northerly climes basked in the high 70-degree sunshine as they dueled with the local fleet in the first CCWBRA race of the 2023 season. The weather gods held off a dry cold front until after the conclusion of the day’s festivities when the temps dropped like a stone, and the wind shifted to north by 6 PM. 17 Boats and 18 drivers contested 8 different classes in 42 heats.
Spectators and racers alike enjoyed plenty of action throughout the day. Moderate chop on the intracoastal yielded Turtle Awards to Rebekkah Parlee in #418 Woody and Rick Loewen in #500 5 O’clock Somewhere as boats flipped in separate races. David Eves was quick to the rescue with his inflatable in route with the Coast Guard. After a quick hoist onto the Tiki dock, Woody was flushed and restart was attempted, but its lingering presence on the dock reminded all racers of what not to do out there on the course.
In the fastest of the motor classes, Ray Crowley’s driver skill took #407 Neat to the 8hp winner’s circle. Tohatsu classes continue to be the fastest growing throughout the Cocktail Class Universe and the Governor’s Cup was no exception. It was the largest this year with predominantly women drivers competing with their pristine white motors raising the bar of fierce competition (Hell hath no fury, etc., etc.). SYC Commodore Karen North put on a great show in #87 Manhattan winning in both the mixed and women’s Tohatsu classes. Newcomer Abigail Adams made a strong performance in #1215 Sazerac taking second in the ladies’ race and a close third in the mixed. Early Classic mixed was won by 12-year-old Lucy Eves in #241 Girls Night Out built by the young lady herself. The Parlee Team, Brad & Rebekkah, raced two boats in two motor classes with Rebekkah taking second in the Early Classic Mixed in #88 Dark & Stormy. Mike Brannon, #215 Turtle Juice took his first win ever in the Post 79 Mixed followed by Allison Eves in her second showing at the Governor’s Cup in #660 Bloody Mary which she also built herself. Now well known on the Florida race courses, Suzanne Grantham won first place in the Post 79 Women in #180 Due South with Allison Eves in #660 Bloody Mary in second.
(Bottom Center) Lucy Eves in her Early Classic Girls Night Out.
Just when the races were at a conclusion, Race Director Lisa Merilson’s longstanding rival Mike Brannon (#215 Turtle Juice ) called a grudge match. Without hesitation Lisa jumped into #180 Due South and both made their way to the start line heckling each other throughout the 1 minute, 30 second, and 20 second warnings. The impressive exhibition of trash talking ended abruptly at the 10 second blast when both went full throttle and crossed the line head-to-head. Lisa was able to push to the inside with what she describes as “my signature Vice Turn” and took the lead for the win. Maybe next year, Mike.
As always, many thanks to all who put time and effort into making the Governor’s Cup a memorable event. The Committee Boat was manned by David Smith, Len Roe, Bill Willis, Pam Patton, Leslie Sackman, and Karen & Joe Griffiths. Safety Boat Committee included John Ferguson and Linda Gilliland accompanied with assistance from Steve Franklin and the US Coast Guard. Special recognition goes to Suzan Payne for tireless efforts in organizing the heats and ensuring a great competition for all racers with scoring confirmations provided by Pam Patton. Pit Boss Tim Payne and Brent Merilson kept the races moving on the dock while Dan Kolassa provided the play by play for the many spectators present.
Many thanks to the photographers, Valerie Brannon for her professional shots of all the race action and racers, Nickie Whittaker with more action shots from the outer dock, and Suzanne Young for the awards photos. Kudos go especially to S.Y.C.’s Director of Powerboat Racing Lisa Merilson, Miami Vice #305, who once again produced a world class beginning to the 2023 racing season.
(Right) Although failing to place, Commodore Allerton did get a participation trophy.
2023 Governor’s Cup Race Results:
8hp Mixed:
1st: Ray Crowley in #407 Neat
2nd: Rick Loewen in #500 5 O’Clock Somewhere
Tohatsu Mixed:
1st: Karen North in #87 Manhattan
2nd: Lisa Merilson in #305 Miami Vice
Tohatsu Ladies:
1st: Karen North in #87 Manhattan
2nd: Abigail Adams in #1215 Sazerac
Tohatsu Heavy:
1st: Terry Loewen in #38 Double Shot
2nd: Chris Brown in #108 Fireball
Early Classic Mixed:
1st: Lucy Eves in #241 Girls Night Out
2nd: Rebekkah Parlee in #88 Dark & Stormy
Post 79 Mixed:
1st: Mike Brannon in #215 Turtle Juice
2nd: Allison Eves in #660 Bloody Mary
Post 79 Womens:
1st: Suzanne Grantham in #180 Due South
2nd: Allison Eves in #660 Bloody Mary
