By Jim Denys
Commodore, Bolivar Yacht Club
The 2024 Hardheads Bolivar RIG RUN was huge success with 59 registered boats for the largest Beach Catamaran race on the Texas Gulf Coast. What makes this race so special is the Open Class Competition, meaning different size boats can compete using the SCHRS Handicap system.(Small Catamaran Rating System) Hobie 9- models, Prindle 3-models, Nacra 7 – models, Capricorn, and even an all wood Tornado Classic. Several had modifications and many had very colorful sails that were a delight to see on the water. Our Race Committee headed up by Houston Yacht Club PRO Billy Richnow and his team did a great job with the Notice of Race, switch to the Regatta Network, Sailing Instructions, switching to the new SCHRS system, and timing for the boats.

The WRECK Spinnaker class had 14 competitors who were the first to start racing to the RIG, then over the Wreck off Rettilon road and back to the RIG before finishing off Mr G street. Congratulations to Lupe Tortilla Skipper Dylan Tomko and crew John Tomko on a Nacra Evolution F-18 from Canyon Lake TX for his 2nd win in a row finishing in a corrected time of 1:58:33. Dylan recently competed in the 2024 Youth Worlds in Italy and came in 5th in the world with Casey Small. Remember these names. Bon Voyage JOPO Skipper Joseph Pocreva and Joey Pocreva from the Ocean Springs, Mississippi Yacht Club on a Hobie 20 came in 2nd in a corrected time of 2:07:51. Team UFO Skipper Mike Beuerline and Brigitte Benquet from West Lake Hills, Texas on a Nacra C-2 F-18 finished 3rd in a corrected time of 2:10:00.

The WRECK non Spin had 25 competitors who launched at 12:05 and followed the same track as the Wreck Spin boats. Congratulations to Big Plans Skipper Greg Congdon and Laura Congdon from Stafford, Texas on a Hobie 20 Miracle finishing First in a corrected time of 2:18:31. Shane and Conner Gaston from Helena, Alabama on a Hobie 16 came in 2nd in a corrected time of 2:22:51. Fast Furniture, an all wood 50 year old Tornado Classic had to have an emergency repair to patch on a hull leak. This didn’t stop Skipper Scott Tuma and Braden Benitz from Clear Lake Shores from finishing 3rd at 2:23:02.

The RIG course had 20 competitors starting at 12:10 to go around the RIG and back the finish line. Founding members of the RIG RUN Club Pesca Skipper Chad Creagh and Scott Langdale from Crystal Beach on a Hobie 16 finished First in a corrected time of 37:34 . 2nd Place was won by Easy as PI with Skipper Steve Cooley from Tyler, Texas on a Hobie Wave in a corrected time of 38:12. The first to return to the beach was No Fear Lilly with Skipper Tommy Sachitano and Marilyn Sachitano from Beaumont, Texas on a Hobie 18 in a corrected time of 38:40 and good enough for 3rd Place in the RIG RUN.

So many people to thank, our generous sponsors – Hardheads, Admiral Level – Wendy Dozier with RE/Max, Tracy Ruck with the Villas at Bolivar, Commodore Level- Jeff Cunningham with Cunningham Outdoor Living, Holly Cravy with Cravy Real Estate, Kevin Eaves with Fortify Building Solutions, Big Bobby Boy and many more. Capt Rob with 3rd Coast Parasail had Capt Cole on the 3rd Parasail boat providing off shore assistance with Jet Ski assistance from Shawn Pachlehofer, Mick O’rourke and Rob with his Crystal Beach VFD team and new Jet Ski. The experience proved valuable as the CB VFD was pressed into service to assist sailors who capsized on Sunday during a run off shore. We also would like to thank our many BYC Hospitality volunteers who really make all of this work for everyone. You guys are the Best!

It was a great day for everyone! Stay tuned for a special presentation to the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation. For now SAVE THE DATE for the 2025 Hardheads Bolivar RIG RUN August 9th.

Rig Course

First Place: Chad Creagh and Scott Langdale

Third Place: Tommy and Marilyn Sachitano

Wreck Course – Spinnaker

First Place: Dylan and John Tomko

Second Place: Joseph and Joey Pocreva

Third Place: Mike Beuerlin and Brigette Benquet

Wreck Course – Non Spinnaker

First Place: Greg and Laura Congdon

Second Place: Shane and Conner Gaston

Third Place: Scott Tuma and Braden Benitz