BY PAT FARNELLI
Correspondent

Several members of Sea Scout Ship 90 of New Milford who sailed in a regatta at Onondaga Lake placed in the top five of a sailboat race. Austin Anderline of Ship 90, along with Jack McCabe of Ship 23, came in first with a white Laser.

LaAnna Farnelli, Ship 90 Boatswain, teamed with Lucas Meyer of Ship 876, placed fourth in a purple Laser. David Stude of Ship 90 with Michelle Noyes of Ship 25, placed fifth with a Widgeon.

The race included about 18 sailboats, with participants from six different Sea Scout ships from Pennsylvania and New York organized as the Erie Canal Flotilla. This is the second year Ship 90 has participated in the regatta.

The scouts gained valuable hands on sailboat racing experience. Although Ship 90 members have sailed long cruises around the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay, most have had less experience sailing small boats, which require more strategy and skill.

“Your goal for the start is to be at the favored end of the start line and going fast at the start,” Sam Stone, Ship 876, Flotilla Boatswain said. Boats crossing the starting line early have to go back and restart.

Young men and women aged 14-21 who would like to find out more about Sea Scouts can contact Skipper Chuck Jaget at (570)756-2805.