| Morgan Invasion History
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Twenty one years ago, an avid sailor and member of the Treasure Island
Tennis & Yacht Club had an idea for a unique race in the Gulf of Mexico.
Dr. Richard LaGrua brought his proposal to the club's yachting committee
and after getting the green light for his idea, he started making plans for
it.
He began by calling the regatta the Morgan Invasion that would feature only
vessels designed or built by Charley Morgan. He sought out a sponsor,
Seagrams Morgan Spiced Rum, an appropriate partner in the endeavor. In
later years many yacht club members and local businesses and the City of
Treasure Island pitched in to help fund the highly successful race.
Charley and Sally Morgan had been the most enthusiastic and gracious
sponsors of this annual event. Unfortunately our good friend Sally passed
away some years ago, but is remembered fondly by all the Morganeers. The
Morgan owners have always looked forward to visiting with Charley, who
continues to be actively involved. They enjoy reminiscing about the
memorable sailing events that they were involved in.
Dr. LaGrua insisted that the race be a fun event, and that it include
Morgan owners who have never raced before, as well as encouraging the
experienced Morgan skippers to participate. He banned the use of
spinnakers, and allowed no protests at the end of the race. He urged the
boaters to bring their children and their dogs and their cats along for the
weekend. Over the years, the race has attracted Morgan owners from all over
the country, including many who couldn't bring their vessels, but wanted to
be a part of the festive event.
In addition to trophies being awarded to the winners in the various
classes, prizes are given out to the crews dressed in the best pirate
costumes. Another award is given to the Morgan vessel which is considered
the most shipshape by a specialist that inspects each boat that is entered
in the race. There are also memorial trophies awarded each year.
Traditionally the race was held annually on the first weekend in October.
However, it was decided in 2004 to change the date for the Morgan and
schedule it for April 16th in 2005. The change was made in order to avoid
the hurricane season every fall. Last year was particularly devastating
with four storms hitting the state, destroying or damaging marinas, yacht
clubs and vessels. Although our area was spared the devastation, hundreds
of sailors were unable to attend because of the damage in their areas.
The festivities begin with Dockmaster Les Lathrop rafting the vessels in
the club marina all day and evening on Friday. Registration takes place in
the afternoon and well into the evening. A pool side casual meal is
available as well as entertainment throughout the evening.
The Dockmaster breaks up the raft shortly after daybreak, and the racers
head out to the Gulf for the late morning start. Following the race, the
boaters return for more poolside recreation and another casual buffet.
Later in the evening, the awards ceremony takes place.
The weather has always been a factor for previous races because we were
still in the midst of the hurricane season. We've had some great weekends,
but we've had some that scared off all but the hardiest of sailors. We hope
that the April date provides us with fair winds and sunshine.
Last year for the first time in its long and illustrious history, the
Morgan Invasion was hosted by the Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa.
When it was learned that construction on the planned new club house for the
Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club would be underway in the spring of
2006, our fine friends at Davis Island offered to provide the setting for
last year's annual event .
Many of the volunteers who have worked on the regatta over the years were
be on hand at Davis Island, including T.I. Dockmaster Les Lathrop. And of
course, Charlie Morgan was there to connect with all the Morgan
skippers.
The club construction problem was compounded by the fact that the Treasure
Island draw bridge was also scheduled to be demolished and rebuilt at the
same time. The Morgan owners at Davis Island have been supportive of the
Morgan Invasion over these past many years, and it is only appropriate that
they filled this void for us. We are most grateful for their help.
For the second year in a row, our Davis Island friends will be hosting the annual Morgan Invasion and Rendezvous. The event last year registered 47 vessels and the tradition was upheld with Charlie Morgan holding court with Morganeers on Friday evening. There were gentle winds and sunny skies the day of the race, and those of us not out on the high seas watched the start and finish from the club balcony.
In 2007, it will be the 22nd year for the Invasion. Already Regatta Chairman Pete Moller and Vice Commodore Tom Dunn along with the Davis Island volunteers, Charlie and Maurine Morgan and Dockmaster Les Lathrop are gearing up for the April regatta. They are hoping to double the number of Morgan entries by then.
We wish them good luck this second time around.
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Sully Lowe, Historian and Keeper of the Flame.
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