Elizabeth, I just finished reading your piece on How Much is too Much. I could not agree more with you. We have been very successful allowing our son, Chance, to drive the bus. To follow up on your piece would be a discussion of the private clubs that separated from yacht clubs for various reasons, ie, why they came to be. We live in California, and to my knowledge there has only been one such private club, and I hesitate to call it a club. It is West Side Opti. A very small group put together by a couple of parents for the purpose of allowing their kids to access high level coaching and travel without the problems of difficult kids/parents/program directors etc . They had very specific goals, driven by the kids, and the parents were not afraid to spend the necessary money to make it happen. The West coast now has enough kids and interest in this level of sailing, but it is very interesting the push back that comes from yacht clubs and their directors, with respect to private groups. One thing that creating small private clubs can do, is to exclude problem kids/parents, who are quite often a reason that another child may not want to go to practice. When kids begin playing at a high level and parents begin paying real money for high end sailing, I believe there needs to be a way to avoid the problem people, private clubs allow for such. It seems harsh, but our son has participated in both, and it makes a HUGE difference. Regards, Will Weston
Sail1Designer of the Month – Toms River High School South Sailing Team
Sail1Designer
of the Month – Toms River High School South Sailing Team, Toms River NJ;
winners of the 2011 National Great Oaks Championship
of the Month – Toms River High School South Sailing Team, Toms River NJ;
winners of the 2011 National Great Oaks Championship
BY Sail1Design's MARTHA PITT
The Toms River team is a small but dedicated group of sailors, with just ten on the roster for this past fall season. Led by senior captains Charlie Nunn and Taylor Genander, the team sails out of the Toms River Yacht Club, located only a few miles from the high school. They use Ocean County College’s fleet of 420s and occasionally nearby Kean College’s FJs. Toms River is connected to the Barnegat Bay, which has a reputation for great sailing conditions of which the team can consistently take advantage. Matt Goetting, head coach of the Princeton University sailing team as well, splits his time between the two groups to coach the Toms River team along with Coach Randy Nunn. The team is also able to rely on some dedicated alumni to help them out whenever possible, including Olympic hopeful Clay Johnson, who helped to establish the team with his brother Reed back when they were in high school.
R. Whitlaw photo
Being in such a closely concentrated sailing area, the Toms River team shares water with a few other teams, and while they practice independently, they are often able to join up to do some team racing or larger fleet racing during practice. In addition to practicing, the team competes weekly in Wednesday afternoon regattas held by the New Jersey League, alternating between fleet and team racing, and in both varsity and JV events on
the weekends.
Though excelling at the Great Oaks Championship, according to the sailors, the whole season was successful from start to finish. Toms River is part of the MidAtlantic Scholastic Sailing Association, or MASSA. A-Division skipper Charlie Nunn was impressed with their success this season; “we had an excellent season; far better than I thought. I was really nervous going in because we graduated two seniors who were really important to the team”. But the remaining team seemed to have no problem filling picking up the slack, finishing 3rd at the Larry White Regatta, another high school intersectional regatta hosted by the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, 4th at the MASSA Fall District Championship, and 3rd at the ISSA ACC Championship in Maryland.
And of course, at the Great Oaks Championship this fall, the Toms River High School South from Toms River, NJ came out on top, winning the event by just two points over Minnesota’s White Bear High School. The regatta’s format has varied as the event had grown, and this year was host to forty-two teams. On day one, the teams were split randomly into two fleets to race, and those scores determined the seeding for the second day of racing in either gold or silver fleet. Staying true to high school sailing as a team sport, all four sailors on the Toms River team were able to contribute to the victory! Nunn sailed with junior crews Shelby Jacobs and Jimmy Kennedy depending on the breeze, and Shelby’s sister Kiaya jumped in with her to skipper on the first day, winning the last two races to qualify them for the gold fleet. The team found their groove, relied on boat speed, and minimized mistakes to aim for the top five in each race on the final day. As a whole, they were happy with their performance, and thrilled to take home the victory. “We have had several regattas over the years where we just couldn’t break past a third or second place finish,” said Nunn, “so one of the best parts of Great Oaks was finally coming out on top. It was pretty cool knowing there were forty-two schools there from all over the country.”
When asked about what made the difference this season in leading the team to victory, the answer was unanimous: hard work, practice, and determination. Every member of the team helped push each other all season to prepare them for the national event, and they are excited to carry that momentum into the spring season. But as so many athletes know, being on a team is so much more than just winning regattas. Being on a team is about the camaraderie that comes with spending so much time with a group of people, and working together for a common goal. Says Genander when asked what she likes most about the team, “our team has always been a close group of kids. The parents and my teammates are a like a second family and we connect really well with our coach too… Sailing with them is pretty rad. Our team is serious, but we know how to kick it back and relax too. It’s the perfect balance for the perfect team.”
Congratulations
to the 2011 Fall Toms River High School South Team:
Charlie
Nunn 2012, captain
Taylor Genander
2012, captain
Shelby
Jacobs 2013
Jimmy
Kennedy 2013
Kiaya
Jacobs 2013
Bernie O’
Brien 2014
Aurora
Fotussky 2014
Mitchell
Nunn 2014
Joe
Gonzalez 2014
Matt
Roleke 2015
The unofficial fall championship, the Great Oaks Regatta hosted annually by the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans, LA has become a coveted championship for high school teams to qualify for and win in the fall season. Open only to teams who have not competed in either spring high school championship in the past five years, the event is designed to give smaller though equally competitive teams a chance to compete at the national level. This year, the Toms River High School South team from Toms River, New Jersey came out as the victors of the event. Though a small team, these young sailors have figured out how to get the most from their time on the water and coaching, have excelled both locally and nationally, and have learned how to be a successful team both on and off the water.
INTERFERENCE: The Press, Spectators on Sailing Courses
By Sail1Design’s Margaret Boehm
This weekend, top ranked Finn sailor from Great Britain Ben Ainslie was top news,
but not for his sailing. The sailor who is a triple gold Olympic medalist,
found himself among the gossip columns of Great Britain and Australia due to
his conduct with the media after a race during the ISAF World Championships in
Perth, Australia.
but not for his sailing. The sailor who is a triple gold Olympic medalist,
found himself among the gossip columns of Great Britain and Australia due to
his conduct with the media after a race during the ISAF World Championships in
Perth, Australia.
After finishing a race on Saturday, Ainslie jumped out of his Finn and swam to a nearby press
boat, an inflatable dinghy motorboat. Ainslie boarded the vessel and
communicated to those on board that they were too close to him during the race
and had hampered his race. Photos posted online sparked inquiries as to whether
or not Ainslie had accosted one of the newsmen onboard the press boat. These
claims were later debunked.
boat, an inflatable dinghy motorboat. Ainslie boarded the vessel and
communicated to those on board that they were too close to him during the race
and had hampered his race. Photos posted online sparked inquiries as to whether
or not Ainslie had accosted one of the newsmen onboard the press boat. These
claims were later debunked.
After this incident Ainslie was disqualified from both races of the day, making him
ineligible for the medal race on Sunday.
Had Ainslie been found guilty for gross misconduct by the ISAF, Ainslie
could have faced a two-year ban from the sport.
ineligible for the medal race on Sunday.
Had Ainslie been found guilty for gross misconduct by the ISAF, Ainslie
could have faced a two-year ban from the sport.
Ainslie apologized for the row, but said
that he thought the disqualification was a “massive over-reaction.” The
incident this weekend is another example of the media interfering with sporting
events, most notably the media has been chastised for causing accidents during
Tour de France coverage.
that he thought the disqualification was a “massive over-reaction.” The
incident this weekend is another example of the media interfering with sporting
events, most notably the media has been chastised for causing accidents during
Tour de France coverage.
“At the moment the sport seems to be fumbling
its way into trying to make the sport more appealing for television,” said
Stephen Park, British team manager to the Sydney Morning Herald. The behavior
by Ainslie this weekend has been heralded by some and criticized by many online
and through various news outlets. For the believers that all press is good
press, the sport of sailing has gained more followers. “It’s on my
doorstep and I haven’t been following the sailing at all, but everyone’s heard
about (the Ainslie incident),” John Rawlins, an Australian to the SMH.
its way into trying to make the sport more appealing for television,” said
Stephen Park, British team manager to the Sydney Morning Herald. The behavior
by Ainslie this weekend has been heralded by some and criticized by many online
and through various news outlets. For the believers that all press is good
press, the sport of sailing has gained more followers. “It’s on my
doorstep and I haven’t been following the sailing at all, but everyone’s heard
about (the Ainslie incident),” John Rawlins, an Australian to the SMH.
Sail1Design wants to hear from you. What do you think of Ainslie’s behavior? His
disqualification? Was the press boat at fault?
disqualification? Was the press boat at fault?
12 Days of Sailing Christmas
By Margaret Boehm
With Christmas and Hanukah quickly approaching, Sail1Design is here
to help you find the most useful and creative gift for your special sailing
enthusiast. In honor of the twelve days of Christmas—Here are 12 gifts ideas
that are sure to send any gift receivers hearts sailing!
to help you find the most useful and creative gift for your special sailing
enthusiast. In honor of the twelve days of Christmas—Here are 12 gifts ideas
that are sure to send any gift receivers hearts sailing!
1.
Wind on DVD-The 1992 movie staring Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey about a down on his
luck sailor hoping to redeem himself and win back the Americas Cup from the
Australians. Available on at Amazon.com—in a last minute bind? The movie is
also available on Amazon instant video for rent and purchase.
Wind on DVD-The 1992 movie staring Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey about a down on his
luck sailor hoping to redeem himself and win back the Americas Cup from the
Australians. Available on at Amazon.com—in a last minute bind? The movie is
also available on Amazon instant video for rent and purchase.
2.
Unsinkable: A Young Woman’s Courageous Battle on the High Seas-The memoir of Abby
Sunderland, a teenage sailor who attempted twice in 2010 to circumnavigate the
globe solo on her yacht Wild Eyes. Sunderland was infamously rescued in
the Indian Ocean after her yacht’s dismasting.
Unsinkable: A Young Woman’s Courageous Battle on the High Seas-The memoir of Abby
Sunderland, a teenage sailor who attempted twice in 2010 to circumnavigate the
globe solo on her yacht Wild Eyes. Sunderland was infamously rescued in
the Indian Ocean after her yacht’s dismasting.
3.
US SAILING VINEYARD VINES TIE: US Sailing Members receive a special $40 off
discount from the famously preppy Vineyard Vines brand when purchased from the
US Sailing online store. The tie, which comes in raspberry and blue, features
the US Sailing logo.
US SAILING VINEYARD VINES TIE: US Sailing Members receive a special $40 off
discount from the famously preppy Vineyard Vines brand when purchased from the
US Sailing online store. The tie, which comes in raspberry and blue, features
the US Sailing logo.
4.
Pottery Barn Nautical Door Knocker-For the sailing mom or dad looking to redecorate and
add some nautical flare to any front door. The iron door knocker is shaped like
a ship’s porthole and comes with a satin nickel or antique bronze finish. The
item is currently on sale for $60.
Pottery Barn Nautical Door Knocker-For the sailing mom or dad looking to redecorate and
add some nautical flare to any front door. The iron door knocker is shaped like
a ship’s porthole and comes with a satin nickel or antique bronze finish. The
item is currently on sale for $60.
5.
Charlie St. Cloud on DVD-For the Zac Efron fan in your family.
Buy the DVD of the 2010 film. Or for the family bookworm, the novel of the same
name by Ben Sherwood.
Charlie St. Cloud on DVD-For the Zac Efron fan in your family.
Buy the DVD of the 2010 film. Or for the family bookworm, the novel of the same
name by Ben Sherwood.
6.
Ebb Tide Bags-Buy one of the Ebb Tide Bags for the fashionista of your sailing family.
Made in the USA from 100% sailcloth and line, the bags come in white and
metallic and are sure to be noticed by sailors and style mavens alike!
Available on etsy.com.
Ebb Tide Bags-Buy one of the Ebb Tide Bags for the fashionista of your sailing family.
Made in the USA from 100% sailcloth and line, the bags come in white and
metallic and are sure to be noticed by sailors and style mavens alike!
Available on etsy.com.
7.
Reiter8 items on Esty-Another great Etsy find! The Etsy shop has throw pillows, bags,
wallets and luggage tags made out of recycled sails.
Reiter8 items on Esty-Another great Etsy find! The Etsy shop has throw pillows, bags,
wallets and luggage tags made out of recycled sails.
8.
Gill Pro Race Buoyancy Aid-Finally a one-design life vest in PINK. For the ultimate
girly girl you know. Available in adult and youth sizes on the Gill United
Kingdom online store.
Gill Pro Race Buoyancy Aid-Finally a one-design life vest in PINK. For the ultimate
girly girl you know. Available in adult and youth sizes on the Gill United
Kingdom online store.
9.
Henri Lloyd Menswear and Women swear-The beloved brand of sailors in no longer just
for gear. Check out the online shop for stylish and impeccably crafted
knitwear, jackets, polos and pants. Take advantage of the free shipping and 15%
OFF sale.
Henri Lloyd Menswear and Women swear-The beloved brand of sailors in no longer just
for gear. Check out the online shop for stylish and impeccably crafted
knitwear, jackets, polos and pants. Take advantage of the free shipping and 15%
OFF sale.
10. Master and Commander: Far Side of the Word
soundtrack: The soundtrack, which features the three Australian musicians who
also collaboratively compose the score is sure to please the classical music
fan in your family.
soundtrack: The soundtrack, which features the three Australian musicians who
also collaboratively compose the score is sure to please the classical music
fan in your family.
11. USODA gear-Surprise your favorite Optimist
Dinghy sailor with gear and accessories from the United States Optimist Dinghy
Association.
Dinghy sailor with gear and accessories from the United States Optimist Dinghy
Association.
12. London: 2012 Sports Collection Sailing Coin:
Specially made by the Royal Mint, this 50 pence coin is sure to excite anyone
who is anxiously awaiting the 2012 games. Available online at the London 2012
shop.
Specially made by the Royal Mint, this 50 pence coin is sure to excite anyone
who is anxiously awaiting the 2012 games. Available online at the London 2012
shop.
Dispatches from an Opti Travel Team Coach: “How much is too much?”
By Sail1Design’s Elizabeth Dudley
I spent my past two weekends helping to coach one of the Optimist Travel Teams that have sprouted up around the country in recent years. A good number of Opti teams these days are club specific. This one in particular however draws kids from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Families from New Jersey, Long Island, and Maryland take turns hosting practices to prepare their kids for the major Opti events of each year.
Prior to these weekends, my most recent coaching had been over a year ago in a summer program atmosphere. As in most summer programs, not all the kids want to be there which then requires a certain
coaching style. These past two weekends, it was refreshing to have the opportunity to work with kids who truly wanted to be out in their boats sailing and improving. I could actually talk to them about sailing and racing and feel as if they were ready to absorb at least half of what I had to say. But on the last day of practice, as we were loading the boats on the trailer so that they could all go down to Florida for the winter, I found myself asking, “How much is too much?”
coaching style. These past two weekends, it was refreshing to have the opportunity to work with kids who truly wanted to be out in their boats sailing and improving. I could actually talk to them about sailing and racing and feel as if they were ready to absorb at least half of what I had to say. But on the last day of practice, as we were loading the boats on the trailer so that they could all go down to Florida for the winter, I found myself asking, “How much is too much?”
This question of course is not specific to the sport of sailing. Be it travel teams like this one, clinics, “fall ball”, or indoor leagues, there are opportunities almost year round for young athletes to be involved in their sport. But as kids, does a life filled with something you love to do turn in to a chore? Or worse, something you hate?
Obviously the answer to this question varies on a case by case basis. Speaking with a parent of two children on a travel team, the move to the team was made because of the reliable and consistent coaching that came along with it. Both kids enjoy sailing and enjoy being successful at their sailing. As this one parent said, “They are learning that if they put in the work and get time on the water, that their performance and ability improves – and for me, that is more of a life skill than a sailing specific one.” A travel team allows for the development of this skill.
Travel teams can certainly be an extremely rewarding and positive experience. With the year round participation and concentration on a sport, a child will learn more than they would by just partaking in the activity one season a year. The friendships and memories that can be made on a sports team are priceless and will last forever. Being a part of a group with that level of commitment to one thing is very special and the kids that are truly interested in their sport will thrive in that environment.
But how does a parent handle the day that their kid does not want to participate in a planned practice or regatta? One that a lot of planning had gone into and had already been paid for? Speaking with parents and having been in the position of the kids, it sounds as if support is the best thing a parent can give their child. As one parent said, “Parents really have to listen to their kids and decide what their kids are actually interested in”.
Some kids are genuinely interested in whatever their sport may be, but get nervous or have confidence issues before a practice or competition. As a parent, this is the kind of kid who just needs a little nudge in the right direction. The push will help them get over their fears and go out and enjoy the day like they want to.
On the other hand though, there will be kids who genuinely do not have the interest in a sport to want to commit to a travel team, no matter how talented they may be. In this situation, it is the parent’s job to listen to their child and not push them into anything they really do not want to do. A kid pushed into a sport will be a very unhappy one.
Before saying yes to joining a travel team, parents and children both have to agree that this is a commitment they are willing to make as it will mean making sacrifices in other areas of life. But just because you are on a travel team does not mean you have to forfeit every other aspect of a childhood. Especially on a sailing team, while it may hinder your growth as a sailor to miss a practice or a regatta, taking time off is possible. Perhaps more so than in a more team oriented sport. Time off will give you the opportunity to hang out with friends, participate in other activities and just take a step back from it all. The last thing anyone wants is for a kid to get burned out. Burning out is one of the fastest ways to get turned off from a sport that one could have enjoyed for the rest of their life.
As the parent of two Opti sailors said, “Overall, the biggest thing I can do for them is to let them “drive the bus” so to speak – this is a very labor intensive, time intensive, commitment intensive sport – as long as they are the ones wanting to do it, it is a good thing. If it switches to the parent wanting them to do it, or making them do it, then it becomes work, and not sport, and not fun.”
Layover Chatter with Bill Hardesty
By New Airwaves member Morgan Kinney
Congratulations to ISAF Match Racing Champions Ian Williams, Malcolm Parker, Gerard Mitchell, Matt Cassidy and Bill Hardesty. After defeating Johnie Berntsson 3-1 at the Monsoon Cup in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, Williams was awarded his third championship crown.
While reigning as one of the US’s top match racers, Hardesty has had a successful 2011 winning the Etchells Worlds as well as the Chicago Grade 2 Invitational this summer. I had the privilege of speaking with Hardesty for a quick moment while he continues to catch up with his life in San Diego, CA.
MK: Obviously you’re an accomplished racer. Does this championship
rank as your favorite title, though?
rank as your favorite title, though?
BH: We did the same accomplishment in 2007 winning both the WMRT and
Monsoon Cup so we knew what it was like. I think the biggest
accomplishment to date was either winning the Etchells Worlds earlier this year
with one race to spare. Or winning Key West Race Week in the Melges 24 as
helmsman when it came down to the last race to beat Spithill.
Monsoon Cup so we knew what it was like. I think the biggest
accomplishment to date was either winning the Etchells Worlds earlier this year
with one race to spare. Or winning Key West Race Week in the Melges 24 as
helmsman when it came down to the last race to beat Spithill.
MK: Do you have a higher goal in mind or do you plan to keep winning
the WMRT?
the WMRT?
BH: I would really like to start sailing on the bigger catamarans.
It’s a tight market and that sort of commitment needs to be carefully
considered. It needs to be with the right team and in the right position.
It’s a tight market and that sort of commitment needs to be carefully
considered. It needs to be with the right team and in the right position.
MK: How do US match racing events compare to those held in Malaysia?
BH: Match Racing in the US is strong with events now taking a more
commercial outlook. Its about a lot about having a great venue with
public exposure. The US is close to the level now that Chicago Match Race
Center is running their big events off Navy Pier.
commercial outlook. Its about a lot about having a great venue with
public exposure. The US is close to the level now that Chicago Match Race
Center is running their big events off Navy Pier.
The biggest difference is where the money comes
from. In Malaysia it appears the money comes from the government in an
effort to raise tourism. The business models in the US have little to no
government backing and rely on either private money or money from commercial
sponsors.
from. In Malaysia it appears the money comes from the government in an
effort to raise tourism. The business models in the US have little to no
government backing and rely on either private money or money from commercial
sponsors.
MK: What’s your fav US event?
BH: In the US my favorite event has historically been Key West Race
Week. It has a good destination feeling and the competition is fierce.
Lately, that has changed drastically reduced participation.
Week. It has a good destination feeling and the competition is fierce.
Lately, that has changed drastically reduced participation.
Now the Chicago Match Race Center events off
Navy Pier are leading the list of favorites. CMRC is bringing sailing to
the public without sacrificing the quality of the sport. There is great
energy surrounding the CMRC regattas and I see a bright future ahead for the
organization.
Navy Pier are leading the list of favorites. CMRC is bringing sailing to
the public without sacrificing the quality of the sport. There is great
energy surrounding the CMRC regattas and I see a bright future ahead for the
organization.
MK: What’s your next event?
BH: From Malaysia, I flew straight to Fort Lauderdale where we are
starting our 2012 Melges 32 Worlds campaign. Its tough to say how we will
do but it will be a good journey.
starting our 2012 Melges 32 Worlds campaign. Its tough to say how we will
do but it will be a good journey.
MK: What is your boat of choice in fleet racing events?
BH: In fleet racing its more than just the boat but also your position
on the boat and the strength of the fleet. The Etchells is one of the
best fleets in the world with great tactical sailing and is a relatively
comfortable boat to be crew. The Melges boats are great to drive but the
hiking we developed over the years has made crewing a real chore.
on the boat and the strength of the fleet. The Etchells is one of the
best fleets in the world with great tactical sailing and is a relatively
comfortable boat to be crew. The Melges boats are great to drive but the
hiking we developed over the years has made crewing a real chore.
The best boats have strong fleets with good
racing. Second factor is a toss up between speed/excitement and comfort
while sailing. The Melges 20 has found a nice Niche with legs-in sailing,
good excitement, and a strong and now growing fleet.
racing. Second factor is a toss up between speed/excitement and comfort
while sailing. The Melges 20 has found a nice Niche with legs-in sailing,
good excitement, and a strong and now growing fleet.
MK: Who is your largest personal supporter?
BH: It’s a close one between my girlfriend Mandi and my Father.
MK: Do you get to settle down and spend some time on Firefly now?
what’s your plan for the down-time?
what’s your plan for the down-time?
BH: In the winter I spend my downtime I living aboard my cruising
sailboat Firefly. She is a 1980 Wauquiez Hood 38. I left Boston in
September of 2009 and we are now through the Panama Canal and headed to Costa Rica.
As a professional sailor it is common to have weeks of downtime so I like
spend them exploring remote tropical islands.
sailboat Firefly. She is a 1980 Wauquiez Hood 38. I left Boston in
September of 2009 and we are now through the Panama Canal and headed to Costa Rica.
As a professional sailor it is common to have weeks of downtime so I like
spend them exploring remote tropical islands.
One Design Sailors, Support Your Sport, Support Your Country!
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Sail1Design is proud to introduce our newest sponsor, McLaughlin Boat Works. What follows is a great success story for the youth sailing community, and for American craftsmanship. Please support McLaughlin and their efforts in the most important arena of sailing: youth sailing! The history of McLaughlin Boat Works (MBW) dates back to the 1960’s in San Diego California with two passionate sailors, Earl Elms and Herb Shear. Operating under the name Chubasco (storm on the water), Elms and Shear designed the original Snipe mold used to build the famous McLaughlin Snipes that dominated the World Championships for over 30 years. Visit their website at www.optistuff.com. |
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Eventually, California Snipe sailor and veteran boat builder Mike McLaughlin, who had worked at Chubasco most of his life, purchased the Snipe molds and moved the operation to Tennessee in response to the relocation of the International Snipe Headquarters to Chattanooga. Mike McLaughlin further expanded the company’s success and helped distribute the McLaughlin Snipe on a worldwide spectrum.
Steve Sherman, Indiana lake sailor, and father of three boys (two of whom presently work at McLaughlin) purchased the company from Mike McLaughlin in ‘86. Thus began the materialization of his life long dream of contributing to the sport of sailing and in particular the Snipe class.
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Steve’s commitment to innovation and continual improvement combined with his natural curiosity and “hands on” approach led the company to successes in many classes. At one time the company built the Lightning, Day Sailor, Windmill, Highlander, Thistle and Tanzer 16. MBW has always taken pride in pushing the forefront of foam/composite technology, such as being one of the first, outside of the aerospace industry, to use a vacuum bag in performance sail craft back in the early 1980’s. That history of innovation and continual improvement are evident today in our new dust and climate controlled production facility. Beginning in 1990, at the request of families from the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Mclaughlin began a new tradition building its first International Optimist Dinghy.
Today, Mclaughlin specializes in the Optimist and has become one of the leading manufacturers in the World. As Steve Sherman puts it, “the Optimist is the single most important element in keeping sailing alive and healthy in the world today. From the tens of thousands of children that learn to sail each year around the world will come the sailors, Olympians, instructors, coaches and commodores of tomorrow’s society. My dream of contributing to sailing has come true by a hundred fold.”
Holding true to the original ideas of Elms and Shear, MBW continues as a business run by sailors for the benefit of sailors. You cannot build a successful company without good people. MBW has assembled a group of like-minded sailors who believe that if you provide the finest in customer service and the best product money can buy the rest will take care of its self. This is why MBW is the premiere partner with the United States Optimist Dinghy class organization (USODA) and supporter of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA).
McLaughlin’s reputation has been built upon the principles of: Customer service, Exacting quality standards and Engineering fast durable racing yachts. Over the last 10 years, MBW has also built a strong financial foundation by diversifying into other product lines in the marine industry such as a roto-molded pram and a line of high quality RIB’s designed for the sailing community.
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Interview with Clay Johnson, USA Team Alphagraphics
By Judith Krimski
After three years of
campaigning, over 240,000 miles traveled (9 times around the world) Clay
Johnson (now in Perth Australia training for the final Olympic qualifying
regatta) is in the home stretch of his quest to represent the United States as
the sole male laser sailor in the 2012 Olympics. Currently ranked 12th in World
Cup standings, Clay is solidly atop the leader board of Americans in that
category. But his challenges aren’t over – Clay needs to beat Brad Funk by at
least 5 points at the upcoming Perth 2011 ISAF Worlds to earn the berth of
Olympic laser sailor.
campaigning, over 240,000 miles traveled (9 times around the world) Clay
Johnson (now in Perth Australia training for the final Olympic qualifying
regatta) is in the home stretch of his quest to represent the United States as
the sole male laser sailor in the 2012 Olympics. Currently ranked 12th in World
Cup standings, Clay is solidly atop the leader board of Americans in that
category. But his challenges aren’t over – Clay needs to beat Brad Funk by at
least 5 points at the upcoming Perth 2011 ISAF Worlds to earn the berth of
Olympic laser sailor.
When you first meet Clay
you see a tall, handsome and confident young man. One who looks you in the eye
and is immediately interested in who you are. But what has it been like for the
young man who is the quintessential American kid?
you see a tall, handsome and confident young man. One who looks you in the eye
and is immediately interested in who you are. But what has it been like for the
young man who is the quintessential American kid?
Growing up on the shores of
New Jersey, Clay started his love affair with sailing at age five when his dad
taught him how to sail a Toms River Pram. From that point on it was all
sailing. Clay counts among his accomplishments international competition in the
optimist and laser radial before moving into the laser Full rig. In 2000 he was
the youngest person to compete in the Olympic trails—where he finished 19th.
Clay started his most recent Olympic campaign in 2009.
New Jersey, Clay started his love affair with sailing at age five when his dad
taught him how to sail a Toms River Pram. From that point on it was all
sailing. Clay counts among his accomplishments international competition in the
optimist and laser radial before moving into the laser Full rig. In 2000 he was
the youngest person to compete in the Olympic trails—where he finished 19th.
Clay started his most recent Olympic campaign in 2009.
JK: You have tremendous
family support. What is the strength of having your family involved in this
process.
family support. What is the strength of having your family involved in this
process.
CJ: The great thing
about having my family is they’re sailors to begin with. They know what it
entails. When I came to them in September of 08 and said “Heh, I feel like I
have some unfinished business here. I want to stop working and start sailing.”
At first they were a little reluctant. After I convinced them it was what I
wanted they were 100 percent on board and supported me to the fullest. They
don’t want me to look back at this when I’m 50 and say “Wow I really could have
done that.” Now is the only time I have the opportunity to do this. I’m not
getting any younger or in better shape. They understood now’s the time for me.
about having my family is they’re sailors to begin with. They know what it
entails. When I came to them in September of 08 and said “Heh, I feel like I
have some unfinished business here. I want to stop working and start sailing.”
At first they were a little reluctant. After I convinced them it was what I
wanted they were 100 percent on board and supported me to the fullest. They
don’t want me to look back at this when I’m 50 and say “Wow I really could have
done that.” Now is the only time I have the opportunity to do this. I’m not
getting any younger or in better shape. They understood now’s the time for me.
JK:
It’s been a long road for you. What are you thinking leading up to Perth?
It’s been a long road for you. What are you thinking leading up to Perth?
CJ: It’s kind of
bittersweet because it’s been a long time. Some days I wake up and I’m ready to
do the trials and Olympics and get moving on. Some days I wish I could keep
going cause it’s so much fun. The campaign’s only been two 1/2 years but I’ve
been sailing lasers since 1998. I’m only 27 but I’ve been in the class for 13
years. I’m anxious to get to Australia and finish the trials process and
hopefully have a great regatta. If I qualify a lot of the pressure will be
removed and I can enjoy the next eight months, train even harder and focus on
the Olympics.
bittersweet because it’s been a long time. Some days I wake up and I’m ready to
do the trials and Olympics and get moving on. Some days I wish I could keep
going cause it’s so much fun. The campaign’s only been two 1/2 years but I’ve
been sailing lasers since 1998. I’m only 27 but I’ve been in the class for 13
years. I’m anxious to get to Australia and finish the trials process and
hopefully have a great regatta. If I qualify a lot of the pressure will be
removed and I can enjoy the next eight months, train even harder and focus on
the Olympics.
JK:
How do you keep yourself motivated?
How do you keep yourself motivated?
CJ: It’s definitely
tough. There are days when you wake up and you don’t want to go to the gym.
You’ve sailed for six days in a row and you’re exhausted. I think training with
partners is key—we motivate each other. You have to think about keeping your
eye on the prize the whole time because somewhere else in the world other
people are doing this and if I want to be competitive.
tough. There are days when you wake up and you don’t want to go to the gym.
You’ve sailed for six days in a row and you’re exhausted. I think training with
partners is key—we motivate each other. You have to think about keeping your
eye on the prize the whole time because somewhere else in the world other
people are doing this and if I want to be competitive.
Putting all the time, money and energy into this I have to get up
and have a good day. I always try to do something everyday to better my
campaign. Even on my days off I’m doing logistics or planning or something so I
can look back and say “today was a good day” and my campaign is in a better
place than yesterday.
and have a good day. I always try to do something everyday to better my
campaign. Even on my days off I’m doing logistics or planning or something so I
can look back and say “today was a good day” and my campaign is in a better
place than yesterday.
JK:
What surprised you about doing an Olympic campaign?
What surprised you about doing an Olympic campaign?
CJ: US Sailing Team
Alphagraphics has really changed its layout over the past few years. They used
to give you some money, say good luck this year, and report back and tell us
how you do. Now it’s a different machine altogether. There’s so many coaches
and support. The biggest thing that really surprised me was how much on-shore
logistical work there is. At first I thought you’re just sailing and working
out but I have a boat in Europe, a boat here and a boat in Australia. I have to
plan for the season in advance as to how I’m going to move it all around, what
regattas I’ll do, where I’ll live, how I get to each venue. It’s a lot to wrap
your head around. There are so many good people in US Sailing who can help
point you in the right direction. That’s a big part of the campaign that people
overlook. With the training, logistics and sailing it’s a full-time job.
Alphagraphics has really changed its layout over the past few years. They used
to give you some money, say good luck this year, and report back and tell us
how you do. Now it’s a different machine altogether. There’s so many coaches
and support. The biggest thing that really surprised me was how much on-shore
logistical work there is. At first I thought you’re just sailing and working
out but I have a boat in Europe, a boat here and a boat in Australia. I have to
plan for the season in advance as to how I’m going to move it all around, what
regattas I’ll do, where I’ll live, how I get to each venue. It’s a lot to wrap
your head around. There are so many good people in US Sailing who can help
point you in the right direction. That’s a big part of the campaign that people
overlook. With the training, logistics and sailing it’s a full-time job.
JK:
What’s the drug testing like?
What’s the drug testing like?
CJ: I’ve been drug
tested five times. As part of being on the US Sailing team we have to complete
anti-doping forms and we have to tell them were we’re going to be every minute
of the day. If I decide I’m going to the movies or spend a day with my
girlfriend I have to fill out a “Change in Whereabouts” form. I have to account
for every single day and every hour and I have to do it three months in advance
too. If I don’t know where I’m going to be I’ll give them a schedule and when
the time approaches revise the form. Anytime of the day they can show up at
your door. If you’re not there you have an hour to get there. If you don’t show
up you have a failed test. I missed one test in 2009 because I changed my
schedule to train in Canada one extra day. So that was the day they showed up
at my house. Since I wasn’t there I failed the test. You’re allowed three
missed tests in 18 months. If you fail three tests your out of your sport for
2-4 years.
tested five times. As part of being on the US Sailing team we have to complete
anti-doping forms and we have to tell them were we’re going to be every minute
of the day. If I decide I’m going to the movies or spend a day with my
girlfriend I have to fill out a “Change in Whereabouts” form. I have to account
for every single day and every hour and I have to do it three months in advance
too. If I don’t know where I’m going to be I’ll give them a schedule and when
the time approaches revise the form. Anytime of the day they can show up at
your door. If you’re not there you have an hour to get there. If you don’t show
up you have a failed test. I missed one test in 2009 because I changed my
schedule to train in Canada one extra day. So that was the day they showed up
at my house. Since I wasn’t there I failed the test. You’re allowed three
missed tests in 18 months. If you fail three tests your out of your sport for
2-4 years.
JK:
What does it entail to be an elite sailor?
What does it entail to be an elite sailor?
CJ: As far as training
and fitness there’s no substitute for sailing the boat. I also cycle a lot and
go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had any
major issues or back pain, which is pretty common. A lot of other sailors take
whey protein or muscle milk to help with their body maintenance to make sure
they’re at the right weight. I’m pretty fortunate that I’m at the right weight
and height.
and fitness there’s no substitute for sailing the boat. I also cycle a lot and
go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had any
major issues or back pain, which is pretty common. A lot of other sailors take
whey protein or muscle milk to help with their body maintenance to make sure
they’re at the right weight. I’m pretty fortunate that I’m at the right weight
and height.
JK:
Do you have any weird physical changes like “mainsheet thumb”?
Do you have any weird physical changes like “mainsheet thumb”?
CJ: All the hair on
the back of my legs is ripped off from the side of the cockpit and I have a
boot tan that I can’t get rid of.
the back of my legs is ripped off from the side of the cockpit and I have a
boot tan that I can’t get rid of.
JK: As you travel around
the world representing the United States what does that mean to you?
the world representing the United States what does that mean to you?
CJ: It’s a huge honor
to represent the United States. You see a lot of other competitors who can just
basically go to the Olympics. They’re the top guy from their cou
ntry and they
don’t have any competitors. For us we have to compete against other Americans
and work hard. The first part of our work is just winning the trials. It’s a
big hurdle we have to get over. Going to the Olympics for America is what you
want to do. You’ve represented them your whole life. It’s a great country and
you’ve got a lot of support from the US Sailing Team Alphagraphics. It just
means that much more going to the Olympics representing the United States than
for any other country.
to represent the United States. You see a lot of other competitors who can just
basically go to the Olympics. They’re the top guy from their cou
ntry and they
don’t have any competitors. For us we have to compete against other Americans
and work hard. The first part of our work is just winning the trials. It’s a
big hurdle we have to get over. Going to the Olympics for America is what you
want to do. You’ve represented them your whole life. It’s a great country and
you’ve got a lot of support from the US Sailing Team Alphagraphics. It just
means that much more going to the Olympics representing the United States than
for any other country.
JK:
What were the challenges of the Skandia Sail for Gold and the Olympic sailing
site in Weymouth?
What were the challenges of the Skandia Sail for Gold and the Olympic sailing
site in Weymouth?
CJ: Personally I
started out the regatta pretty well, followed by a rough stretch. I was too
worried about the other US competitors. In the laser fleet where everyone is
super good you can’t be thinking about where’s Brad Funk or where’s Rob Crane.
As much as you want to race your own race if you see them going right and you
want to go left you’re going to think twice about going right. I thought a bit
more now about how I can mentally prepare for sailing against the other
Americans so hopefully for Perth I can make some changes.
started out the regatta pretty well, followed by a rough stretch. I was too
worried about the other US competitors. In the laser fleet where everyone is
super good you can’t be thinking about where’s Brad Funk or where’s Rob Crane.
As much as you want to race your own race if you see them going right and you
want to go left you’re going to think twice about going right. I thought a bit
more now about how I can mentally prepare for sailing against the other
Americans so hopefully for Perth I can make some changes.
Weymouth is a great sailing venue but it’s also very difficult
venue. It takes a toll on you. It’s freezing cold—60 degrees all the time. It’s
spitting rain all the time. The harbor is huge so you sail an hour just to get
out of the harbor then you sail 2 more miles until you get to the course. So
it’s about one 1/2 hour sail out to the course. It’s windy and wavy and the
race committee has the radials and full rigs on one course so you’re always
freezing and waiting around.
venue. It takes a toll on you. It’s freezing cold—60 degrees all the time. It’s
spitting rain all the time. The harbor is huge so you sail an hour just to get
out of the harbor then you sail 2 more miles until you get to the course. So
it’s about one 1/2 hour sail out to the course. It’s windy and wavy and the
race committee has the radials and full rigs on one course so you’re always
freezing and waiting around.
JK:
Do you spend much time with your competition?
Do you spend much time with your competition?
CJ: It’s been a bit
interesting with Brad. He started campaigning in 09 with me, had a rough year
and decided to take some time away from sailing so we didn’t see him for a
while. In 2011 he started to get back on the circuit but he wasn’t on US Sailing
Team Alphagraphics so he did his own program. I’ve trained with Rob for the
last three years. He’s on USSTAG and we share the same coach – Mike Kalin. I
sail with Rob all the time. It’s a difficult thing because everyone wants to go
to the Olympics. It’s a tough sport. You’re expected to live and train with
your competitors and work with them closely. At the end if the day only one of
you is going on to the Olympics.
interesting with Brad. He started campaigning in 09 with me, had a rough year
and decided to take some time away from sailing so we didn’t see him for a
while. In 2011 he started to get back on the circuit but he wasn’t on US Sailing
Team Alphagraphics so he did his own program. I’ve trained with Rob for the
last three years. He’s on USSTAG and we share the same coach – Mike Kalin. I
sail with Rob all the time. It’s a difficult thing because everyone wants to go
to the Olympics. It’s a tough sport. You’re expected to live and train with
your competitors and work with them closely. At the end if the day only one of
you is going on to the Olympics.
JK:
What’s your starting regimen like?
What’s your starting regimen like?
CJ: It’s all about
efficiency for me. I like to be out about 1/2 hour before the first race. I’ll
sail upwind for a while to shake-it-out and hike at 70%. I like to do split
tacks and some speed testing. Five-ten minutes before the start I’ll start
looking at the line trying to pinpoint the favored end. Usually they do a
really good job of setting the line so it’s pretty square. If that’s the case
I’ll spend a lot of time in the middle of the line between 5-3 minutes to try
and decide which side is favored. I can easily get to either side from the middle.
The hardest thing about starting in the laser fleet is everyone is so fast. You
have to win your start with the 3-5 boats around you. You’ll see 75 boats go
off the line with about 10 boats punching out. Then after a little while you
see 5 boats punch out from those spots. You have to be really confident in your
game plan. After the start your head is down the whole time hiking as hard as
you can just trying to beat those 2-3 boats around you.
efficiency for me. I like to be out about 1/2 hour before the first race. I’ll
sail upwind for a while to shake-it-out and hike at 70%. I like to do split
tacks and some speed testing. Five-ten minutes before the start I’ll start
looking at the line trying to pinpoint the favored end. Usually they do a
really good job of setting the line so it’s pretty square. If that’s the case
I’ll spend a lot of time in the middle of the line between 5-3 minutes to try
and decide which side is favored. I can easily get to either side from the middle.
The hardest thing about starting in the laser fleet is everyone is so fast. You
have to win your start with the 3-5 boats around you. You’ll see 75 boats go
off the line with about 10 boats punching out. Then after a little while you
see 5 boats punch out from those spots. You have to be really confident in your
game plan. After the start your head is down the whole time hiking as hard as
you can just trying to beat those 2-3 boats around you.
JK:
Are there any marshmallows in the fleet?
Are there any marshmallows in the fleet?
CJ: Starting in the
laser fleet is one of the toughest things to do and also one of the biggest
hurdles that newcomers have to face when they come to the fleet.
laser fleet is one of the toughest things to do and also one of the biggest
hurdles that newcomers have to face when they come to the fleet.
Most of the time I don’t look at who I’m starting next too. If
there’s a big hole or a tight hole and I see Tom Slingsby (AUS) or Paul
Goodison (GBR) lining up there I’ll think twice about it. Besides those guys I
just try to get the best hole I can and try to win that zone. You have to have
a really good game plan because there’s not time to change it up once the race
starts.
there’s a big hole or a tight hole and I see Tom Slingsby (AUS) or Paul
Goodison (GBR) lining up there I’ll think twice about it. Besides those guys I
just try to get the best hole I can and try to win that zone. You have to have
a really good game plan because there’s not time to change it up once the race
starts.
Do you remember your first
big regatta when you were set up next to a laser legend. What was that like?
big regatta when you were set up next to a laser legend. What was that like?
CJ: I did a World
Championship in 2001. I was 16 years old at the time. I didn’t know who anyone
was. Early on in the regatta I set up next to Robert Scheidt (4-time Olympic
medalist) and it didn’t go well. He rolled me in two seconds and I tacked out.
Afterwards I was like “Who the hell was that guy?” My coach told me that was
Robert Scheidt – the greatest laser sailor ever. I got a lesson pretty quickly
to avoid him.
Championship in 2001. I was 16 years old at the time. I didn’t know who anyone
was. Early on in the regatta I set up next to Robert Scheidt (4-time Olympic
medalist) and it didn’t go well. He rolled me in two seconds and I tacked out.
Afterwards I was like “Who the hell was that guy?” My coach told me that was
Robert Scheidt – the greatest laser sailor ever. I got a lesson pretty quickly
to avoid him.
It happens all the time now. You’ll line up next to someone and
you’ll get rolled or you’ll roll them. It happens to everyone. You see Tom
Slingsby or Goodison get rolled. It’s just a testament to how good the laser
fleet has become that everyone is so fast. There are no marshmallows out there.
you’ll get rolled or you’ll roll them. It happens to everyone. You see Tom
Slingsby or Goodison get rolled. It’s just a testament to how good the laser
fleet has become that everyone is so fast. There are no marshmallows out there.
JK:
There’s no guy from Country X that you want to set up next too?
There’s no guy from Country X that you want to set up next too?
CJ: Exactly. And if
there is you don’t want to set up next to him cause he’s so unpredictable. At
150 boat regatta, and that’s what they always are—there’s five to eight guys
who aren’t that great and you don’t want to set up next to them because their
unpredictable. The other 145 are all the same speed and all really good.
there is you don’t want to set up next to him cause he’s so unpredictable. At
150 boat regatta, and that’s what they always are—there’s five to eight guys
who aren’t that great and you don’t want to set up next to them because their
unpredictable. The other 145 are all the same speed and all really good.
JK:
You can never rest.
You can never rest.
CJ:
Yah. Never. It’s full on the whole time.
Yah. Never. It’s full on the whole time.
JK: When you have a tough
moment in a race like the collision you had a Skandia Sail for Gold how do you
overcome those moments?
moment in a race like the collision you had a Skandia Sail for Gold how do you
overcome those moments?
CJ: You need to have a
really short memory. You have to say “That race is done, there’s nothing I can
do about it.” And just try to get back on track as quickly as you can. It’s
hard do, especially when you only have a three race day and your first race was
bad. It’s something that we can all do a lot better at. We just started working
with our coach Mike Kalin in January and he’s been a big help in the
psychological end.
really short memory. You have to say “That race is done, there’s nothing I can
do about it.” And just try to get back on track as quickly as you can. It’s
hard do, especially when you only have a three race day and your first race was
bad. It’s something that we can all do a lot better at. We just started working
with our coach Mike Kalin in January and he’s been a big help in the
psychological end.
There aren’t too many coaches who are going to come in and change
your technique in the laser and make you faster all of the sudden. Leading into
the games you need a guy who can talk you down when you’re having a rough day
and keep you focused when things are going well. Someone who can help manage
you mentally. Helping you learn, stay on track and have fun – that what a great
coach does.
your technique in the laser and make you faster all of the sudden. Leading into
the games you need a guy who can talk you down when you’re having a rough day
and keep you focused when things are going well. Someone who can help manage
you mentally. Helping you learn, stay on track and have fun – that what a great
coach does.
JK:
How do they interact with you during race day. Do they get to coach you?
How do they interact with you during race day. Do they get to coach you?
CJ: Absolutely. We
start our day meeting down at the venue and we discuss weather and what’s going
on for the day. The coach can drive around the course and take observations and
update us on weather changes. It’s super important to have a coach out on the
water because the days are so long. To give us food, advice and som
eone to
bounce ideas off. We’re out for 8-10 hours sometimes so the coach boat is
vital.
start our day meeting down at the venue and we discuss weather and what’s going
on for the day. The coach can drive around the course and take observations and
update us on weather changes. It’s super important to have a coach out on the
water because the days are so long. To give us food, advice and som
eone to
bounce ideas off. We’re out for 8-10 hours sometimes so the coach boat is
vital.
JK:
Any thoughts of America’s cup or pro-sailing after all this?
Any thoughts of America’s cup or pro-sailing after all this?
CJ: I’m pretty sure
this will be my last campaign. I could see myself doing the trials again. I
definitely want to sail the Melges 32s and E-scow sailing—that’s been in my
family for a while. I kinda just want to settle down for a little bit and not
live out of my suitcase.
this will be my last campaign. I could see myself doing the trials again. I
definitely want to sail the Melges 32s and E-scow sailing—that’s been in my
family for a while. I kinda just want to settle down for a little bit and not
live out of my suitcase.
JK:
What’s your advice for youth sailors?
What’s your advice for youth sailors?
CJ: The best thing I’d
say is that if you want to see big improvement early on emulate the top guys.
There’s a reason why people are setting up the boat and sailing one way. The
way you’ll see marked improvement from the beginning is to start doing that.
That being said, once you get to the level where you’re feeling fast and seeing
improvement don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Watch someone like Brad Funk who is great in
any boat. And one of the things he does really well is he’s totally willing to
try different stuff. He’ll say “let’s standup in our boats downwind, or try
sailing backwards.” He’s so good at
feeling how the boat goes fast and understanding its capabilities. That’s one
thing I’ve preached to the kids I’ve coached. Don’t be afraid to make changes
and try new things.
say is that if you want to see big improvement early on emulate the top guys.
There’s a reason why people are setting up the boat and sailing one way. The
way you’ll see marked improvement from the beginning is to start doing that.
That being said, once you get to the level where you’re feeling fast and seeing
improvement don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Watch someone like Brad Funk who is great in
any boat. And one of the things he does really well is he’s totally willing to
try different stuff. He’ll say “let’s standup in our boats downwind, or try
sailing backwards.” He’s so good at
feeling how the boat goes fast and understanding its capabilities. That’s one
thing I’ve preached to the kids I’ve coached. Don’t be afraid to make changes
and try new things.
THANK YOU CLAY for your insights into the world of Olympic laser
sailing. Good luck at the ISAF worlds.
sailing. Good luck at the ISAF worlds.
Clay will be competing at this Year’s ISAF Worlds starting
December 12 along with fellow America sailors Rob Crane (WR #26) and Brad Funk
(WR #66). Follow all the action at http://www.perth2011.com/
December 12 along with fellow America sailors Rob Crane (WR #26) and Brad Funk
(WR #66). Follow all the action at http://www.perth2011.com/
To learn more about Clay Johnson go to www.claysails.com/
Interviewer: Judith Krimski, Sailing Coach and freelance sailing
writer
writer
Bayview Yacht Club Launches Inaugural Bayview One Design Regatta
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Barby MacGowan, Media Pro International, [email protected],
(401) 849-0220 or Hanson Bratton, Bayview Yacht Club, [email protected], (248) 640-4407
(401) 849-0220 or Hanson Bratton, Bayview Yacht Club, [email protected], (248) 640-4407
New Breeze for
Midwest Sailing
Midwest Sailing
Bayview Yacht Club Launches Inaugural Bayview One Design Regatta
DETROIT,
MICH. (November 22, 2011)—The Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Mich., is
launching a new event this summer: the Bayview One Design Regatta.
Scheduled for May 31 through June 3, 2012, the inaugural event offers a long
weekend of racing on Lake St. Clair for all types and sizes of boats and
encourages sailors of all ages and calibers to participate.
MICH. (November 22, 2011)—The Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Mich., is
launching a new event this summer: the Bayview One Design Regatta.
Scheduled for May 31 through June 3, 2012, the inaugural event offers a long
weekend of racing on Lake St. Clair for all types and sizes of boats and
encourages sailors of all ages and calibers to participate.
“We’ll run multiple races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for two dozen or more
one design classes and a limited number of handicap classes,” said Bayview
Yacht Club Governor Hanson Bratton, who will serve as the Regatta’s Chairman
while Karl Kuspa serves as Vice Chairman. “Three race circles
will be located on Lake St. Clair while a fourth, for dinghy classes, will be
added in front of the club on the Detroit River to allow for spectators and to
showcase the best of what the club—which also hosts the famous Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race–has
to offer.”
one design classes and a limited number of handicap classes,” said Bayview
Yacht Club Governor Hanson Bratton, who will serve as the Regatta’s Chairman
while Karl Kuspa serves as Vice Chairman. “Three race circles
will be located on Lake St. Clair while a fourth, for dinghy classes, will be
added in front of the club on the Detroit River to allow for spectators and to
showcase the best of what the club—which also hosts the famous Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race–has
to offer.”
Classes with strong contingents that are expected to enter are: Melges
20, Melges 24, Beneteau 36.7, C&C 35, Cal 25, Catalina 27, Etchells, Flying
Scot, J/24, J/29, J/105, J/120, Lightning, Thistle, NA 40, Tartan Ten, and
Ultimate 20. Organizers expect that many classes will consider the event
as a venue for their regional, national or even world championships.
20, Melges 24, Beneteau 36.7, C&C 35, Cal 25, Catalina 27, Etchells, Flying
Scot, J/24, J/29, J/105, J/120, Lightning, Thistle, NA 40, Tartan Ten, and
Ultimate 20. Organizers expect that many classes will consider the event
as a venue for their regional, national or even world championships.
“Over its long history of running sailboat races, Bayview Yacht Club has
learned that if Midwesterners can be stereotyped as open, friendly, and
straightforward, the word ‘serious’ should be added when it comes to describing
sailors from the Midwest,” said Bratton. “They take their one-design
sailing seriously, and they have come to expect the very best in race
management and social functions, which BYC will deliver with fresh energy and
an innovative spirit for beginning new traditions.”
learned that if Midwesterners can be stereotyped as open, friendly, and
straightforward, the word ‘serious’ should be added when it comes to describing
sailors from the Midwest,” said Bratton. “They take their one-design
sailing seriously, and they have come to expect the very best in race
management and social functions, which BYC will deliver with fresh energy and
an innovative spirit for beginning new traditions.”
The Detroit NOOD Regatta, which has been hosted by the Bayview Yacht Club since
1993, is replaced by this new event.
1993, is replaced by this new event.
“We had a great 19-year run, but we are going in a new direction,” said
Bratton. “It was a decision we made as a club.”
Bratton. “It was a decision we made as a club.”
The Bayview Yacht Club, founded in 1915, is located on the Detroit River, which
is connected to Lake St. Clair. Its pure sailing essence is cultivated by
two harbors with over 100 berths and a crane for launching boats up to 50
feet. With an 8,000 sq. ft. club house that has been called a shrine to nautical
culture, the club also has a separate small-boat sailing center.
is connected to Lake St. Clair. Its pure sailing essence is cultivated by
two harbors with over 100 berths and a crane for launching boats up to 50
feet. With an 8,000 sq. ft. club house that has been called a shrine to nautical
culture, the club also has a separate small-boat sailing center.
Lake St. Clair, spanning 26 miles from north to south and about 24 miles from
east to west, is between Lake Huron (to its north) and Lake Erie (to its
south).
east to west, is between Lake Huron (to its north) and Lake Erie (to its
south).
The Notice of Race and more information for the inaugural Bayview One Design
Regatta will be posted at the Bayview Yacht Cub’s website, www.byc.com, over the coming months.
Regatta will be posted at the Bayview Yacht Cub’s website, www.byc.com, over the coming months.
2011 J/24 World Championship Final Results
| Pl | B# | Ct. | Fm | Sail | Boat Name | Skipper | Total | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 1 | 18 | ARG | 5447 | LUCA | ALEJO RIGONI | 50 | -17 | 1 | 11 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 4 | |
| 2 | 43 | PER | 4618 | GUERRERO | LUIS OLCESE | 63 | 6 | 13 | 1 | 15 | 2 | 11 | 4 | 11 | -16 | |
| 3 | 57 | USA | 5448 | RELOADED | MIKE INGHAM | 66 | 19 | 6 | -25 | 2 | 10 | 17 | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
| 4 | 24 | ARG | 5461 | MENDIETA | FRANCISCO VAN AVERMAETE | 71 | 1 | 10 | 12 | 10 | 4 | -23 | 23 | 10 | 1 | |
| 5 | 25 | ARG | 5463 | AUDI | FRANCISCO CAMPERO | 71 | 2 | 17 | (59BFD) | 3 | 3 | 12 | 15 | 5 | 14 | |
| 6 | 23 | ARG | 5460 | FEFE | MIGUEL SAUBIDET | 71 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 17 | 3 | -28 | 2 | 11 | |
| 7 | 20 | ARG | 5454 | CARRERA DOUBLE TAKE | MATIAS PEREIRA | 85 | 22 | 2 | 17 | 34SCP | (59BFD) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | |
| 8 | 56 | USA | 5235 | 11TH HOUR RACING | TIMOTHY HEALY | 96 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | (59BFD) | 1 | 59DSQ | 8 | 15 | |
| 9 | 46 | URU | 5044 | EXTASIS | PEDRO GARRA | 100 | 15 | 7 | (48SCP) | 24 | 11 | 5 | 14 | 7 | 17 | |
| 10 | CHI | 5464 | MATIAS SEGUEL | 121 | 16 | 12 | 3 | 7 | (59BFD) | 7 | 20 | 20 | 36 | |||
| 11 | 13 | ARG | 5398 | U2 | JOAQUIN DOVAL | 124 | 26 | 8 | 13 | 12 | (59BFD) | 9 | 3 | 21 | 32 | |
| 12 | 60 | USA | 5476 | PUMA | WILL WELLES | 124 | 7 | 18 | -23 | 20 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 22 | |
| 13 | 50 | URU | 5470 | NEGRA | NICOLAS GONZALEZ | 125 | 20 | 15 | 46 | 5 | (59BFD) | 13 | 2 | 14 | 10 | |
| 14 | 55 | USA | 3843 | CINQUECENTO | KEITH WHITTEMORE | 132 | 14 | (59BFD) | 26 | 20SCP | 18 | 16SCP | 6 | 19 | 13 | |
| 15 | 36 | CHI | 5465 | JOYITA | ROBERT VERNON | 133 | 36 | 22SCP | 9 | 11 | 7 | 26 | 7 | 15SCP | -37 | |
| 16 | 21 | ARG | 5458 | A PRUEBA DE BALAS | JUAN I. GRIMALDI | 136 | 4 | 17SCP | 19 | 4 | 9 | (59DNF) | 59BFD | 15 | 9 | |
| 17 | 8 | ARG | 5043 | MORMAII MEDIO POLLO | LUIS CERRATO | 158 | 9 | 14 | 5 | 30 | 12 | 31SCP | (59BFD) | 12 | 45 | |
| 18 | 14 | ARG | 5399 | RINA | NICOLAS CUBRIA | 159 | 28 | 29 | 32 | 6 | 6 | 22 | 11 | 25 | -38 | |
| 19 | 48 | URU | 5091 | KAMIKAZE | MARCELO ALZOLA | 160 | 33 | 26 | 8 | 9 | 22 | -45 | 17 | 22 | 23 | |
| 20 | 41 | ITA | 416 | LASUPERBA | IGNAZIO BONANNO | 162 | 30 | (33SCP) | 31 | 23 | 26SCP | 21 | 10 | 9 | 12 | |
| 21 | 7 | ARG | 4943 | FAIR PLAY | JORGE SAMITIER | 164 | 21 | 24 | 6 | 32 | (59BFD) | 18 | 18 | 27 | 18 | |
| 22 | 22 | ARG | 5459 | COCOON | FERNANDO MONTES | 179 | 11 | 28 | 40 | 29 | 16 | 33 | (42SCP) | 17 | 5 | |
| 23 | 34 | CHI | 5371 | MATCH POINT | PATRICIO SEGUEL | 187 | 32 | 37SCP | 38 | 14 | 8 | 20 | (59DSQ) | 30 | 8 | |
| 24 | 16 | ARG | 5403 | TOMMY HILFIGER | ALEJANDRO ROSSI | 191 | 25 | 31 | 2 | -39 | 28 | 29 | 13 | 30SCP | 33 | |
| 25 | 12 | ARG | 5230 | PALACIO & ASOCIADOS | JUAN M. DUARTE | 198 | 16SCP | 4 | 44 | 34 | (59BFD) | 41 | 9 | 23 | 27 | |
| 26 | 5 | ARG | 4878 | U2 | SANTIAGO DOVAL | 211 | 38 | 9 | 37 | 17 | (59BFD) | 35 | 25 | 16 | 34 | |
| 27 | 17 | ARG | 5424 | EVOLUTION | GASTON TAGLIAFERRI | 211 | 44 | 19 | 20 | 18 | 25 | 16 | 34 | (54SCP) | 35 | |
| 28 | 9 | ARG | 5095 | CACIQUE | SERGIO PENDOLA | 213 | 24 | 20 | 33 | 31 | 32 | 28 | 19 | -47 | 26 | |
| 29 | 4 | ARG | 4649 | SALVAJE | FERNANDO LANDINI | 214 | 27 | 33 | 30 | 25 | 21 | 37SCP | (53SCP) | 34 | 7 | |
| 30 | 27 | AUS | 4483 | DEATHSTAR | SEAN KIRKJIAN | 220 | 34 | 37 | 18 | (59DNF) | 5 | 25 | 58SCP | 24 | 19 | |
| 31 | 49 | URU | 5226 | MONARCA | ALEJO MORALES | 231 | 23 | 35SCP | -50 | 21 | 23 | 34 | 31 | 43 | 21 | |
| 32 | 26 | ARG | 458 | NUBARRON | MARIANA CROUSSE | 231 | 31 | 30 | 24 | 37 | 29 | 30 | 21 | -40 | 29 | |
| 33 | 10 | ARG | 5127 | PINGUI | LUIS MONJEAU | 237 | 18 | 50SCP | 10 | 41 | (59BFD) | 32 | 38SCP | 46 | 2 | |
| 34 | 6 | ARG | 4939 | PAJARRACO J CABOT | FEDERICO RESER | 242 | 40 | (59DSQ) | 29 | 35 | 24 | 38 | 12 | 40SCP | 24 | |
| 35 | 45 | URU | 5039 | ALFA BETA | DIEGO GARCIA | 244 | 35 | (59DSQ) | 14 | 33 | 59BFD | 14 | 37 | 32 | 20 | |
| 36 | 11 | ARG | 5168 | MEU VICIO | PABLO GIECO | 250 | 48 | 52SCP | 22 | 46 | 19 | 8 | 27 | -55 | 28 | |
| 37 | 33 | BRA | 50 | DIFERENCIAL SAILING TEAM | NELSON HORN ILHA | 251 | 39 | 42 | (53SCP) | 38SCP | 20 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 25 | |
| 38 | 30 | BRA | 33 | IUCA | RONALDO RUSCHEL | 257 | 17SCP | 44SCP | 21 | 19 | (59BFD) | 40 | 22 | 35 | 59DNS | |
| 39 | 35 | CHI | 5462 | AHORA SI | JORGE GONZALEZ AHRENS | 260 | (59BFD) | 41 | 39 | 47 | 15 | 10 | 36 | 41 | 31 | |
| 40 | 51 | URU | 4674 | TADEUS JR | LUIS CHIAPPARRO | 292 | 51 | 22 | 15 | 43 | (59BFD) | 24 | 39 | 39 | 59DNS | |
| 41 | 40 | ITA | 274 | 4SAIL GRANDI AMICI | FERNANDO NANDIN | 296 | 29 | 32 | 53 | 27 | (59DNF) | 47 | 33 | 33 | 42 | |
| 42 | 15 | ARG | 5500 | DEEP SUMP | ROBERTO AUTHIER | 298 | -49 | 34 | 27 | 42 | 27 | 46 | 32 | 44 | 46 | |
| 43 | 47 | URU | 5087 | SIMBA | GONZALO ALCANTARA | 315 | 37 | 35 | 28 | (59SCP) | 59BFD | 39 | 43 | 26 | 48 | |
| 44 | 44 | URU | 2145 | ALEPH 3 | GUSTAVO COLL | 318 | (59BFD) | 36 | 46SCP | 48 | 26 | 42 | 24 | 37 | 59DSQ | |
| 45 | 1 | ARG | 744 | SEX SIMBOL | SANTIAGO RIGONI | 334 | 13 | 40 | 42 | 52 | (59DNC) | 44 | 45 | 59RAF | 39 | |
| 46 | 59 | USA | 5472 | PANCETA DOBLE | JOHN SURGUY | 344 | 50 | (59BFD) | 16 | 54 | 34 | 54 | 40 | 53 | 43 | |
| 47 | 58 | USA | 5471 | TREMENDOUS SLOUCH | SCOTT MILNE | 344 | 45 | 44 | (59SCP) | 28 | 59BFD | 48 | 47 | 29 | 44 | |
| 48 | 28 | AUS | 4770 | CINCO CAPITANES | DAVID WEST | 350 | 43 | 43 | 35 | 49 | 30 | 49 | -51 | 50 | 51 | |
| 49 | 38 | GBR | 5455 | OJOTA | KEN JOHNSON | 350 | 55SCP | 45 | (59SCP) | 45 | 59BFD | 36 | 44 | 36 | 30 | |
| 50 | 54 | USA | 3747 | HOT PURSUIT | MICHAEL JOHNSON | 356 | 20SCP | (59BFD) | 51 | 56SCP | 33 | 51 | 48 | 38 | 59DNS | |
| 51 | 3 | ARG | 2757 | CUNNIGTON | FEDERICO LLOVERAS | 366 | 46 | 48 | 56 | 36 | (59BFD) | 50 | 42 | 48 | 40 | |
| 52 | 61 | BRA | 7 | MATACO | HENRIQUE HORN IHLA | 366,9 | 42 | 50 | 45 | -56 | 38 | 55 | 46 | 45 | 45,9RDG | |
| 53 | 19 | ARG | 5453 | HAIK | AVEDIS HAIG SAHAKIAN | 379 | 52 | (59SCP) | 49 | 50 | 31 | 52 | 53 | 51 | 41 | |
| 54 | 53 | USA | 2998 | RUMBLEFISCH | PETER FISCHEL | 393 | 47 | 57SCP | 43 | (59BFD) | 59BFD | 37 | 49 | 54 | 47 | |
| 55 | 2 | ARG | 2748 | FENIX | FABIO CANZIANI | 400 | 53 | 49 | 55 | 55 | 37 | -57 | 50 | 49 | 52 | |
| 56 | 52 | USA | 1036 | ON BELAY | DON TAYLOR | 402 | 54 | 39 | 57 | 52SCP | (59BFD) | 55SCP | 44SCP | 52 | 49 | |
| 57 | 42 | ITA | 487 | CITTA DI ANZIO | PAOLO RINALDI | 407 | 56 | 53 | 47 | 51 | 36 | 53 | 52 | (59DNF) | 59DSQ | |
| 58 | 31 | BRA | 34 | VENTO NEGRO | JOSE ORTEGA | 409 | 55 | 52 | 54 | 53 | 35 | 56 | 54 | (59SCP) | 50 |
2011 Star North American Championship Results
| Pl | B# | Crew | Subgroup | From | 1 | 2 | 3 | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 34 | George Szabo & Mark Strube | San Diego Yacht Club, USSTAG | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | |
| 2 | 30 | Mark Bradford & David Giles | Royal Queensland Yacht Squadrn | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | |
| 3 | 32 | Lars Grael & Samuel Goncalves | ICRJ | 1 | 5 | 11 | 17 | |
| 4 | 24 | John MacCausland & Adam Dolezal | Masters | Cooper River | 6 | 6 | 5 | 17 |
| 5 | 22 | Tom Londrigan, Jr. & Steve Cutting | Island Bay YC | 5 | 11 | 4 | 20 | |
| 6 | 29 | Jim Buckingham & Erik Ledecis | Masters | NHYC | 19 | 1 | 1 | 21 |
| 7 | 33 | Christoph Gautschi & Dominik Schenk | Masters | Bregenz | 8 | 4 | 9 | 21 |
| 8 | 17 | Jack Jennings & Brian Sharp | Chicago Match Race Center | 4 | 8 | 10 | 22 | |
| 9 | 15 | Arthur Anosov & David Caesar | Seneca Yacht Club | 12 | 10 | 8 | 30 | |
| 10 | 19 | Brian Cramer & Cam Lymburner | Masters | RHYC | 9 | 7 | 15 | 31 |
| 11 | 37 | Jon VanderMolen & Caj Flynn | Gull Lake Yacht Club | 15 | 13 | 7 | 35 | |
| 12 | 11 | Don Massey & Isao Toyama | CCYS | 10 | 14 | 12 | 36 | |
| 13 | 28 | William Swigart & Valentin Veytsman | Masters | Cedar Point | 14 | 19 | 6 | 39 |
| 14 | 31 | Bill Allen & Jeff Imai | Grand Masters | Sheridan Shore | 16 | 12 | 14 | 42 |
| 15 | 27 | Claude Bonanni & Richard Burgess | DIYC | 18 | 15 | 16 | 49 | |
| 16 | 38 | Stuart Hebb & Mike Wolfs | CRYC | 13 | 9 | 30DNS | 52 | |
| 17 | 18 | Bob Teitge & Doug Weatherby | Grand Masters | Crescent Sail | 20 | 16 | 17 | 53 |
| 18 | 35 | Larry Whipple & Phil Trinter | Grand Masters | Seattle YC | 11 | 18 | 30DNS | 59 |
| 19 | 16 | Jack Rickard & Sam Eadie | Grand Masters | Sheridan Shore | 22 | 20 | 18 | 60 |
| 20 | 25 | John Chiarella & Bob Carlson | Grand Masters | Lake Sunapee YC | 17 | 21 | 23 | 61 |
| 21 | 36 | John Foster & Johnny Foster | Grand Masters | St. Thomas | 23 | 17 | 22 | 62 |
| 22 | 12 | Jens Burmester & Markus Mehlen | Grand Masters | SCE | 21 | 23 | 21 | 65 |
| 23 | 26 | Jim Revkin & Foss Miller | Masters | Milford Yacht Club | 24 | 22 | 20 | 66 |
| 24 | 39 | Doug Folsetter & Larry Scott | Royal Hamilton YC | 7 | 30DNF | 30DNS | 67 | |
| 25 | 14 | Barbara Beigel-Vosbury & Bert Collins | Masters | Severn Sailing Association | 30DNC | 30DNC | 13 | 73 |
| 26 | 10 | Rick Rundle & Scott Pirie | CCYC | 30DNC | 24 | 19 | 73 | |
| 27 | 20 | Fabio Bodra & Arthur Lopes | YCSA | 30DNC | 30DNC | 30DNC | 90T | |
| 27 | 21 | Olaf Richter & Joerg Ricken | Masters | NRV | 30DNC | 30DNC | 30DNC | 90T |
| 27 | 23 | Tomas Hornos & Ed Morey | 30DNC | 30DNC | 30DNC | 90T |
R.C.Chair: Mike Dawson
Jury Chair: Robert Duffey
Scorekeeper: Gail Meyer
12 Nov, ’11, 16:33
St. Pete Scorer
Sail1Designer of the Month – November – Boston College’s Annie Haeger
By Sail1Design’s Martha Pitt
Annie Haeger grew up in the Chicago suburb Lake Forest, sailing in high school there and sailing on Lake Beulah in Wisconsin in the summers. Her impressive resume reaches back into her opti and junior sailing days, where she did extensive training and competing around the country and the world that shaped the sailor that she has become today. Now a senior at Boston College, she has made the most of her last three and a half years, taking home more honors than most college sailors can even dream about, and is looking to finish her college career strong. Since her freshman year, Haeger has been named to the ICSA Women’s All-American team three times, most recently being named the Quantam Women’s Sailor of the Year this past spring. Her sophomore year she was also awarded Co-Ed All-American Honorable Mention Honors. During her time at BC, the Eagles have taken home eight national championships, and have won the Fowle Trophy twice (awarded to the team with the highest accumulative national championship performances for that academic year). While anyone on the Boston College team will tell you that any national championship is won because of the hard work put in by the entire team, three of those championships were won because of Haeger’s performances in the Singlehanded Championships.
Her most recent victory occurred a few weeks ago out in Chicago, IL on Haeger’s home waters of Lake Michigan. Though set back by one bad race on the first day of the three day event, Annie was able to come out clean on Day Two of the regatta and absolutely dominate the competition all day in a range of sailing conditions, finishing first in eight of the ten races that day and second in the other two. Sunday’s
racing was blown out after the first race, sailing in what many referred to as “survival conditions”, and Haeger completed her dominating performance with thirty-four points over Yale’s Claire Dennis with sixty-nine. At last year’s radial championship, Dennis beat Heager by one point for the title.
racing was blown out after the first race, sailing in what many referred to as “survival conditions”, and Haeger completed her dominating performance with thirty-four points over Yale’s Claire Dennis with sixty-nine. At last year’s radial championship, Dennis beat Heager by one point for the title.
I was able to talk to Annie Haeger about her most recent win in Chicago, and gain a little insight on what has made her so successful in the radial and in college sailing, as well as learn about what her thoughts are for her future sailing career beyond college sailing. She and fellow Eagle Briana Provancha have been juggling a 470 campaign on top of their college sailing career and academics, so they have been very busy over the past year in preparation. Haeger’s dedication to everything that she has done in sailing and beyond has been a double-edged sword at times, stretching her thin over many responsibilities, but the success that she has found because of it is second to none in her time. Congratulations to Annie Haeger and the Eagles on another national championship, and we can be sure that we will be seeing plenty more of the Haeger name at the top of the results in the coming months and years.
What type of training did you do to prepare for this championship?
Greg [Wilkinson, BC Head Coach] and I kind of formulated a plan last year after my loss to Claire Dennis. We looked at the loss objectively and pin pointed that one of the issues was time in the boat. I sailed with my kids that I was coaching this summer and also sailed two regattas. We also planned out how many days of the week in the fall I was going to dedicate to lasers. Lots of time in the gym later I was ready!
You dominated the competition throughout this year’s ICSA Women’s Singlehanded Nationals, in a range of conditions – what was working for you that allowed you to be so consistent and successful?
I think that Savin Hill (BC’s practice venue) helps a lot! We always have a variety of conditions there. From chop to flat water, and blowing 0-40; it’s all there.
How was sailing in Chicago? Do you think that you had a “home court advantage,” or was it like sailing at any other college venue?
I have sailed out of Belmont Harbor a lot so, that might have attributed to the win. It is definitely not like any other college sailing venue! The reverb from the waves against the wall was for sure a difficult condition. I had to take sea sick pills the first two days.
You are clearly on your own on the water in Laser sailing. Do you see this championship as a personal win, or a championship for the Eagles?
It’s a team win. Callie Naughton (sophomore) has improved so much from last year and really pushed me on the water leading up to nationals. Like we always say, it’s an “Eagle’s Sunday”!
This is the third time you have won the ICSA Women’s Singlehanded Nationals, missing last year’s championship by only one point, so you have clearly proven yourself in the Laser Radial on the college circuit. Is Laser sailing something that you have thought about continuing after this year, or does your future lie with the 470?
I think for right now I am still committed to 470 sailing. Briana Provancha and I have gotten so far in the boat and really think that we may have a chance for 2016. If I was about 4 inches taller I think the radial would be the boat for me!
Obviously the BC Eagles have been and are an important part of your sailing career, and with them you have found a great deal of success. What is the rest of your Eagles
career looking
like as you enter your final season this spring?
career looking
like as you enter your final season this spring?
This coming season we are looking forward to continue to improve from our fall performance. We ended the season getting some of our most talented alumni back to get us on the right track. We are going to keep pushing each other in practice and hopefully will end with all of our goals!
Team Haeger/Provancha – how has it been juggling the Olympic campaign with school and college sailing?
I would be lying if I said it was easy. Last year, it was hard for me to concentrate on everything that was going on. I had too many time commitments and it was very hard to balance all my time.
What does the future look like for Team Haeger/Provancha? Are you planning to focus on the campaign full time once you graduate in the spring?
Well first Briana and I need some money! I think both of us are trying to get a job for at least my first year out of school. We are planning on going full time later in the quad though, as we get closer to the 2016 games.
What other kinds of sailing have you been doing recently (besides college and 470)? What kind of impact does this other sailing have on your college and 470 sailing, if any?
I did my first keelboat, and match race regattas this year! They were an absolute blast. I sailed the match race regatta with skipper Stephanie Roble, Maggie Shea, Tyler Woodworth, and Nick Dugdale, and sailed the keelboat event with Roble, Shea and Darby Smith [who are currently doing a Women’s Match Race campaign together]. I think that these regattas, though competitive, showed me again why I love the sport so much. I learned a lot from all of them and hope to sail on more keelboats in the future.
Looking back on your sailing career, would you have done anything differently?
It’s always nice to look at things in retrospect. The one thing I might have done differently would be my time commitments last year. I was focused on doing well in school, doing well in college sailing, as well as 470s. When I do things I like to give them 100% and I felt as though I had too many things on my plate. I think next time, maybe focusing on my most immediate goal would get me the results that I want.
What kind of advice would you give any younger women’s skippers who are looking to be as successful as you have been in the past four years? What would you tell them is the biggest key to your success?
I think that one of the biggest keys would be determination. I have really pushed myself everyday at practice as I’ve grown older and have had fun with it while I am young! I think that’s my biggest advice is figure out what you love about the sport and always remind yourself of that even when you are down.
