Harraseeket Yacht Club - Freeport, ME - (207)865-4949 » Race Results

The Grub Tub World Championships were held here today on a beautiful, gusty September afternoon. The “Grub Tub”, a wonderful sailing dinghy designed and built by Henry “Grubby” Douglas, has a long history in this harbor and at HYC. This sailing event hasn’t been held for a quite a few years, but thanks to Stuart MacDonald, Cliff George and a few others, a small fleet of six “Tubs” entered the competition. Heidi Bishop, Jeff Whiting, Faith Baker, Henry Bliss, Ben Niles and Tim Baker launched their boats and braved a wild, gusty breeze generally (using the term mildly) from the Northwest. As most recalled from past GT Worlds, these conditions are the norm. The word “attrition” was heard quite often afterwards as three of the six Tubs had to retire due to multiple dunks in the drink. Regardless, everyone showed their skill and sportsmanship. Thanks to Ross Cudlitz for running the show, Cliff & Laura George and Susie Soule for the cheering section – as well as bailing a lot of water!

Final Results

1st Ben Niles

2nd Henry Bliss

3rd Tim Baker

Photos have been posted (taken by Susie Soule)

Additional notes from the race committee (with additional photos posted):

Great race, congrats to all contestants for braving the NW gales of September.
Six boats started the first race and 5 finished (Whiting first in the drink)
Fifth race three boats started two finished, need I say more (more swimmers and drop outs).
Scoring: Ben Niles:      3/4, 2, 2, 2, 2    = 8.75
             Henry Bliss:    3, 3, 3, 3/4, 3/4 = 10.5
             Tim Baker:      2, 3/4, 3/4, 4, 4 = 11.5 (two penalty strokes for being out of the fairway).

I wanted to take a picture of Tim trying to right his craft 50 feet from the finish line, however his safety seemed more important at the moment.
Ben Niles learned that grub tubs do not carry any momentum when one tries to round up hard and tack over the finish line, Henry just cruised on by.
Oh by the way Henry, on that general recall you all started in the exact same positions and locations, creatures of habit.
Next year no horns necessary, just Cliff’s cheer leading voice (pom poms and saddle shoes optional).
Lets not forget to remember Grubby Douglass for making this possible.

Ross Cudlitz