THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 28, 1996 TAG: 9607250191
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 51 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: COLINGTON LENGTH: 48 lines
Builder Jim Davis has long been known as one of the toughest competitors in the Roanoke Island Yacht Club, sailing his 23-foot Pearson, Melinda, to triumph after triumph.
After the Dare Hospice Regatta last Sunday, Davis also has won recognition as a fund-raiser.
He and his sailing sidekick, Louie Batzler, collected $865 to set the single-boat pace for contributions to Dare Hospice.
And they strengthened their rating as a boat to beat by taking first place in the regatta for big boats, Melinda's first triumph since she was dismasted last October between races at an Edenton regatta.
``This was only the second time we raced her since then,'' Davis said after the race. ``We had some good sailing.''
He was particularly proud of the contributions he and Batzler collected, since $50 was a common donation by most boats.
``We talked to everybody we came in contact with last week, and nobody said no,'' Davis said.
In addition to his company, Davis Brothers Construction, he listed these contributors: Kitty Dunes Realty, Southern Bank, Ferguson Enterprises, Griggs Lumber, Guy C. Lee Building, Outer Banks Chiropractic, Omar Sailmakers, Steve Hagadone Plumbing, James Carpet and Tile, State Farm Insurance, Max Ley Construction, Hunter Appraisal Service, Four Flags Restaurant, Richard and Evelyn Batzler, Outer Banks Homes, Taco Bell, Shuckers Pub, Sea Ranch and Goombays.
Participants in two days of sailing raised more than $4,000 for Dare Hospice.
On Saturday, Southern Shores Yacht Club raised $2,750 during two races it sponsored, and on Sunday the Roakoke Island Yacht Club brought in $1,284, with additional contributions expected later.
Winners of the big-boat Dare Hospice Regatta sponsored by the RIYC were Davis in Melinda, with Mike Robinson second in Hot Flash and Tommy Whitaker third in Sea Dream.
Winners in the small-boat regatta sponsored by SSYC were: Flying Scot Division, Kevin Linberger, first; John Britt, 2nd. Open class, Bill Shelton, first; Sam Ballard, second; and Elaine Tomaszewski, third. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by RONALD L. SPEER
A weekend regatta hosted by Southern Shores Yacht Club and Roakoke
Island Yacht Club raised more than $4,000 for Dare Hospice. by CNB