With 7 events complete, almost all of the Harken Series Class Champions will be decided at the last event of the year, the Carlisle Classic coming this November.
Participation in the fourth year of the Harken Series has already set a new record (126 skippers so far this year), and racing going into the last event is tight. Here is a recap:
Inter 20:
The 22 boat fleet is currently being led by Karl Langefeld with 14 points. Following close behind is fellow Tybee 500 sailor Larry Ferber with 13 points. A number of other I20 sailors could steal the lead including Wick Smith, John MacDonald, Kirk Newkirk, and Mike Hill.
Forumla 18:
The Formula 18 fleet is starting to pick back up with Jennifer Lindsey currently leading the 17 boat fleet by two points over Dave Ingram. Mike Krantz and Ollie Jason are both close and could take the championship spot by sailing well at Carlisle.
Formula 16:
Five boats from the 16 boat Formula 16 fleet could walk away with the championship title. Terry Back currently leads the fleet by 2 points over Blade builder Matt McDonald. Pete Pollard, Tim Bohan, and Seth Stern all have their work cut out for them but could steal the championship with a big win at Carlisle.
Hobie 18:
The Hobie 18 class has seen a resurgence in 2008, and the sailors are serious about taking the top spot for the year in the 7 boat fleet. Walter Adams currently holds the lead having sailed the minimum three events, but Diane Rodgers, Walter Bunso, and Brian Golumbeck are all within one point of one another. Carlisle will definitely be the deciding factor.
Hobie 16:
The largest class with 37 boats, the Hobie 16 fleet includes a lot of bragging rights, and the competition at Carlisle will be top notch. Chuck Harnden leads the fleet with 15 points and Mike Burley, Robert Murph, and Arie VanDuijn are all close behind.
A-Cat:
Another fleet that continues to grow is the 16 boat A-Cat class. Gordon Isco currently holds the lead with 3 events sailed, but the competitors behind him will all be gunning for the championship. Chris Cordes, Woody Cope, Dave Carlson, and Rush Bird all have a legitimate chance at taking the title.
Full results for the 2008 Harken Series can be found here:
http://www.1design.net/scoring/harken08.htmPlease preregister for the Carlisle Classic event here:http://www.regattaprocessing.com/CCSC/Carlisle08/entry_list.php?PHPSESSID=o3ug1i31mftpahioq6mr222820Carlisle Classic Event Information Forum here (for questions):
http://www.adventureonline.tv/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1413Carlisle Classic Regatta Website and NOR here:
http://www.regattaprocessing.com/CCSC/Carlisle08/index.php
