Page 32 - ECA Yearbook 2023

Fleets

Fleet 1
The first fleet of the newly founded Ensign Class Association. Larchmont, New York

Fleet 61
The highest elevation Ensign Fleet at 9,200 feet. Dillon, Colorado

Fleet 23
Hosted the largest National Championship Regatta ever in August, 2000. Canandaigua,
New York

Events

1979 Nationals Holland, Michigan
These Nationals were sailed in the most adverse weather conditions of any Nationals or
any Ensign race. The Fastnet Storm of ‘79 that created the worst sailing tragedy, originated
in the Mid-West U.S. This created wind speeds of 35 kts and gusts up to 48 kts. The seas
were measured from 12 ft. to 15 ft. with an occasional 20-footer. Water temperature was in
the 40's with bottom water of Lake Michigan being churned up to the surface. Four boats
were swamped, four masts were lost by shear wind strength, gear damage was prevalent,
but there were no fatalities. Races were sailed with most boats using full sails. David
McClintock won the series with 5 bullets and sat out the last race as a throw out in light air.

2009 Hall of Fame Inductees
William (Bill) Faget
Winner of three straight National Championships, after suffering a stroke, he won his fourth
National Championship with the help of his son, Benz. Bill skippered the first three races,
and when his strength gave out, he turned the tiller over to Benz to finish the regatta. Bill
was noted for being generous with his knowledge about preparing an Ensign to sail FAST.
He always was willing to share information with new sailors and did so with a dry wit and
rare sense of humor. For many years he held Fleet 18 together and actively supported and
participated in the Southwest Region.

Ken Horsburgh
The first to purchase a New Ensign Classic 2000. Ken had many firsts and many
contributions to his local Fleet 31 of Cedarville, Michigan, God's Country as Ken would say.
He organized the founding and building of Fleet 31 which is the largest Ensign Fleet by far
with over 73 boats. He was truly the ultimate shaker and mover and Ensign enthusiast.
There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for the Ensign. He would commonly own 3 Ensigns at
any one time.

Warlock #308
This Ensign is a much decorated yacht with three National Championship titles in
succession. Warlock was owned by William Faget and now is owned by his son Benz. It
has won countless local and regional events and was always recognizable with its victory
flag flown at night to keep evil away.

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