Lake Tawakoni Popular With Regatta Contenders

Skippers and crews from five states found what they were looking for over the weekend at Lake Tawakoni — competition and camaraderie — as well as a break in the weather that allowed two days of racing.

They came from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana and Arkansas for the 2009 Daggerboard Divisional Championships Regatta at Lake Tawakoni’s Waco Bay.

Participants were enthusiastic in their praise for the lake, hosts and sponsors.

When asked for their responses to the local event and hospitality, comments were varied and complimentary, "You score a 10;" "It is all good;" "It’s really nice. The town comes out and supports us;" "It gets better every year;" "Good job;" "It’s been great;" and "People really go all out."

Sitting around a campfire at lakeside after the first day of racing, the participants joined together in agreement that hosts and organizers Bob and Sue Mimlitch were the area’s "secret weapon" in making the event a success.

The Mimlitches were joined in the effort by the Arrowhead Property Owners Association, Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce and Hobie Cat Division 14 Fleet 23 in sponsoring the regatta.

The Mimlitches have served as hosts for the past six years. The chamber of commerce provided the hospitality Friday night during registration and Saturday morning for the skippers’ meeting before the start of races at noon.

The Mimlitches were in charge of Saturday night’s dinner that included local cuisine and featured gumbo, chili and burgers.

Later Saturday evening, everyone gathered around the campfire on the shores of Lake Tawakoni at Arrowhead Marina for s’mores and conversation. Several broke out guitars and picked and sang into the night.

Final races were held on Sunday, followed by awards to the winners. Ranks for the Hobie 17 Fleet (17-foot Hobies are sailed by one person) put Stephen Acquart in first; Bruce Fields, second; Jane Sherrod, third; Gerald Umstead, fourth; Drew Riddle, fifth; Rick Pettit, sixth; and Jon Tiger, seventh.

Hobie 18 Fleet results ranked Bob Johnson with Lydia at crew, first; Gary Godbold competed alone for second; Billy Hodge with Lori at crew, third; and Sam Baker with Lil, fourth.

Continental Champion Phil Collins of Oklahoma City, Okla., with Bev was on hand to compete in the Hobie 20 Fleet. Collins took first place in the fleet; Scott Mathia with Karen, second; Ron Knak with Kathy, third; Chris Johnston with Margie, fourth; Kenny McIntosh with Karen, fifth; Mark VanDoren with Josh, sixth; and Tom Page with Nancy, seventh.