Courtesy of Rick Nolan

Jean Preston stands with Rick Kirby, Sailing Association of Marco Island fleet captain, after she won her ninth SAMI Ladies Valentine’s Day Regatta title.

Courtesy of Rick Nolan

Lois Dixon mans the helm, while husband Ed works the sail in the annual SAMI Ladies Valentine’s Day Regatta.

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Marco’s Jean Preston must love the Ladies Valentine’s Day Regatta, sponsored by the Sailing Association of Marco Island.

On Saturday she won the nine-mile race for the seventh straight year and nine times in 11 years.

Annually, a lady takes the helm of the boat that most often is handled by a man. This year the Tippecanoe, captained normally by Dan Kendrick, won the race in 3.5 hours.

“The light wind caused a slow start and made racing more difficult,” Preston said.

However, as the race went along the wind picked up to fill the sails, SAMI member Rick Nolan reported.

At the awards ceremony, Preston received the top award, second place went to Lois Dixon, aboard Tri Power, followed by Rosemary Langkawel, aboard Cracker Jack, in third and Genevieve Mills of Sea Plus won “Miss Congeniality.”

The race was dedicated to Lucy Rinker, a SAMI member who died recently. Flowers were spread on the water by the boats participating in the race at the same time a memorial service was being held on shore.

Nolan said SAM I was grateful for sponsorship by Publix, Island Liquors, West Marine, and Vandy’s Restaurant where the awards ceremony was held.

For information on SAMI events, social gatherings, races and fun cruises, call membership chair Jean Preston, 389-1012.