)Despite repeated warnings of rain from local meteorologists, the 38th annual Fools' Rules Regatta went off without a hitch. Organizer Candy Powell sent weather updates via email Friday, but the good news came at 6:03 a.m. Saturday: "The Fools' Rules Regatta is on for today. Clouds, no rain in Jamestown. Come join the fun."
Of the 24 vessels built at East Ferry, 14 had Jamestown connections. In the doublehanded class, Nathan and Colten Allen of Jamestown sailed Green Sea Monster to victory. Second place went to Hello Kitty 2.0, skippered by San Diegans Mary and Lilly Fangman, Conor and Sean Doyle took third place aboard Turtlemaran.
In the three-person class, only two boats reached the finish line. Winning was wright Stuff, skippered by Jamestowner Louisa Wright and Hunter and Mason Tuff. In the unlimited class, WBNA, skippered by the crew of the tall ship Oliver Hazaard Perry, finished first. Woonsocket's Bob Boyer and crew finished second aboard Blizzard, and Jamestowner Brian Volpe skippered Minion Mayhem to third place.
WBNA was recognized for the most ingenious design. The judges' award went to the Fangman girls, and local sailors Brian Brazil, Joe Wilicki and Kevin Bressler, aboard El Guapo, built the worst example of naval architecture.
