Inter-Scholastic Sailing Association (ISSA)

Great Oaks 2011
Southern Yacht Club
New Orleans, LA
November 18-20, 2011

A record 42 high schools descended upon New Orleans for the 2011 edition of the Great Oaks Invitational Regatta. Yvonne Pottharst returned as Regatta Chairperson and Rocky Sanchez took over for Guy Brierre as PRO. On Saturday, the schools were divided into two fleets and each fleet was able to complete 13 races in the 75 degree New Orleans weather that saw winds ranging from 8 to 12 knots throughout the day. The scores were tallied and the fleet was again divided, this time into Gold and Silver fleets. The sailors and their parents were again treated to a wonderful party hosted by Howard and Lydia Schmaltz at their Garden District home on Saturday night. On Sunday, the sailors were forced to wait on shore for about an hour or two as thick fog covered the lake. The fog eventually broke and the sailors headed out to compete for the Championship. Again the weather gods were smiling and another 12 races were completed in 5 to 10 knot winds for both Gold and Silver fleets. After several protests were resolved, the leading team, Tampa Jesuit, was disqualified in the last race which allowed Toms River High School South (New Jersey) to move into first and take the win. White Bear High School from Minnesota moved into second while Tampa Jesuit had to settle for third. In the Silver Fleet, it was De La Salle High School (New Orleans) beating out a familiar foe, Brother Martin High (New Orleans) for first. Rounding out the top three was St Patrick High School from Gulfport, Ms. Toms River HighSchool South was also the recipient of the Babs and Larry White Trophy, which is awarded annually to the highest finishing school that is making its first appearance at the Great Oaks Invitational Regatta. A special thanks to all that helped put on this growing National High School regatta and also a special thanks to the AllState Sugar Bowl committee, whose sponsorship was invaluable to putting on such an event.
Submitted by Rocky Sanchez

Gold Fleet Results

Silver Fleet Results

Race Participants