It’s that time of year again! S1D has already received nominations, so now is the time to write in and submit your nominations for:
Optimist Sailor of the Year
Optimist sailing, for so many, is where it all starts. In fact, there may be no healthier one-design class in North America than the US Optimist Class. Sail1Design is proud to salute this boat, the people involved in the class, but most importantly, the kids who get out there in sail in this great little boat. This is the Lone Wolf in training, the next great singlehanded sailor!
This award, announced each January, goes to the Optimist sailor, who in the evaluation of our judge panel, had the best overall sailing year, for the preceding calendar year. We actively encourage written submissions of nomination. If you’d like to nominate an Optimist sailor, please write a 200 word minimum letter, with regatta results, to editor@sail1design.com.
Youth Sailor of the Year
Dedication. Perseverance. Independence. These are just some of the attributes of the go-it-alone sailor, the lone wolf who is able to train, plan, and compete by her or himself, and do it successfully. This award, presented by KO Sailing, goes to the North American youth sailor who best personifies the qualities necessary to be a successful athlete in the single-handed sailing world. If you think you know a deserving candidate for this award, tell us why in a 200 word minimum letter, to editor@sail1design.com. This award is presented annually, in January, after the preceding year’s full sailing season.
Youth Sailing Team of the Year
Teamwork. Chemistry. Dedication. Cooperation. Being on the same page as your partner and/or teammates is never easy, especially when that shared vision has to endure, and not simply be a statement of purpose on the dock. These characteristics are requirement in youth sailing team success. Sail1Design is proud to recognize the top North American Youth Sailing Team, each year, with this prestigious award.
The award is presented annually, in January, and reflects the efforts of a youth sailing team throughout that previous calendar year. We actively encourage written submissions of nomination. If you’d like to nominate a team, please write a 200 word minimum letter, with regatta results, to editor@sail1design.com.
Club Profile: Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club
Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club (BHYC) in mid-coast Maine has been celebrating yachting for over 100 years, welcoming boaters who want to experience the fabled Downeast cruising grounds and picturesque Boothbay Harbor.
News Flash: BHYC is hiring a Junior Program Director!!!
Our location on the water in West Boothbay Harbor offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the boats that utilize it. We have an extensive mooring field and offer full time tender service in the summer months. A large number of rental moorings are available to visiting yachtsmen and yachtswomen. We also offer a full service waterfront dining facility open for lunch and dinner with professional chef and staff.
BHYC is home to over 300 members and families and is the perfect destination for visiting sailors. With extensive guest moorings and a full-service clubhouse, BHYC hosts both individual yachts and affiliate clubs with ease.
Our myriad activities offer programs for all ages and interests – sailing lessons for juniors and adults, as well as junior and adult tennis. Our summer cruise schedule is an exciting way to explore the Coast of Maine, and sailboat racing, including several annual regattas and our racing series, builds great memories and skills.
The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Junior Program provides a summer of outdoor fun with Sailing, Tennis and Golf programs available. Membership is not required for participation in the Junior Program (but members do get discounted fees!), and scholarships are available from the support of the BHYC Junior Program Foundation.
In 2015, ten weekly Monday through Friday sessions begin June 15th and end August 21st with special events throughout the summer. The schedules are arranged so that sailing, tennis, and golf may be pursued separately, or in combination.
News Flash: BHYC is hiring a Junior Program Director!!!
Sailing
The Junior Program Sailing program was established in 1954 with youngsters initially sailing in Turnabouts. Today, Junior Program sailors sail in either club-owned Optimists or 420 sailboats, with turnabouts available for older beginning sailors. Aimed toward youth ages 8 – 18, and with all levels of instruction from beginners to advanced racers, we invite you to find out more about the program.
High School Sailing in New Jersey on the Rise
By Rachel Bennung
High school sailing in New Jersey has been growing throughout the years. In the late 90’s there were only about five teams. Currently, there are twenty-one active teams in New Jersey. However, there are a lot more teams beginning to form and the existing teams continue to attract more sailors. This fall there have been some exciting regattas held in New Jersey. Here is a recap of the regattas so far this fall and a look into high school sailing in New Jersey.
On September 12th Toms River Yacht Club hosted the NJISA 2015 SailFest Regatta. Twelve teams attended, three of those schools were able to form two teams. Making a total of 15 boats on the line. SailFest Results
On September 19-20th Surf City Yacht Club hosted the Radial and Full Rig Laser MASSA Cressy Qualifier. A total of 30 laser radial sailors attended and 14 full rig sailors. These sailors were competing for a chance to attend Nationals which will be held at ODU in Norfolk, VA at the end of October. Two sailors from New Jersey will attend Nationals this year, Michael Ehnot in Radial from Christian Brothers Academy, and Michael Munger in Full Rig from Rumson-Fairhaven High School. Radial Results and Full Rig Results
October 10th Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club held the NJISA 2015 Fall Fleet Qualifier. A total of thirteen teams attended to battle it out for a chance to qualify for MASSA Fall Fleet Race Championship I and II held in Virginia the following weekend. Fall Fleet Qualifier Results
There are currently three major practice and regatta sites for high school sailing in New Jersey. The first is Toms River Yacht Club where the high school sailors are able to use the Ocean County Community College’s fleet of eighteen 420s. Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club is the second site where high school sailors use Monmouth University’s fleet of eighteen FJs. Finally, Perth Amboy hosts practices and regattas at a municipal at the southern end of Perth Amboy in FJs.
In addition to the regattas every week Perth Amboy and Toms River Yacht Club host a fall series. Perth Amboy holds their series on Tuesdays and typically have 5 teams attend. However, some teams are able to make multiple teams getting more kids on the water and more boats on the line. At Toms River the series typically has 10 schools attend, however, again some teams are able to form another team, typically getting 15-16 boats on the line.
Every season high school sailing in New Jersey continues to grow with more kids getting involved and more regattas every season. Just in the past couple years we have seen multiple new teams emerge. As the number of teams grow so does the talent. It’s an exciting time in New Jersey high school sailing and can only get bigger and better from here on!
Frostbite Racing at Boston Sailing Center
The Boston Sailing Center is kicking off their 24th year of Frostbite Racing in Boston Harbor! With an anticipated 18 J/24’s on the line again this season, there is space for a few new teams in this often sold out program. Racing begins on Saturday, November 7th and runs until March 26th. Racing is held in Boston’s Inner Harbor so teams can rig and be at the racing area in less than 30 minutes. The first race is at noon and boats are typically back to the dock before 4pm. Post-race wrap-ups feature video review of the day’s racing and a de-brief with race committee or guest speakers, along with spirits and chili. It’s a great way to keep your skills sharp in the offseason, and the Center provides the boats!
Contact the Boston Sailing Center if you would like to get involved. There is availability for either full time or half-time teams, as well as an extensive crew list. There are always opportunities to crew, so let the BSC know if you’re looking to get a spot on a team, or just sail for a Saturday or two. More information can be found here. http://www.bostonsailingcenter.com/racing/frostbite.asp
The Boston Sailing Center also offers two levels of Racing Classes for those new to racing, or for the seasoned skipper. http://www.bostonsailingcenter.com/instruction/racing.asp
2015 505 North American Championship Results & Report
North American 505 Fleet Gets Early Preview for Worlds; Hamlin/Zinn Lead the Way
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Warm Chesapeake water coupled with a pleasant September high pressure system forced the fleet of the 2015 International 505 North American Championship into three days of on-the-water chess in consistently light and shifty wind, before the northerly kicked in for a final honking day of high octane drag racing. This one-two combo may have been mentally draining and physically demanding for the 33 boats that attended this continental championship event hosted by Severn Sailing Association and Eastport Yacht Club September 17-20, but it will surely give them a leg up on the rest of the globe when they return to these waters in two year’s time to compete for the 505 World Championship.
A compact fleet on the second day of the 2015 International 505 North American Championship
Howard Hamlin and Andy Zinn managed to stay close enough to early leaders Ethan Bixby and Christopher Brady through the light stuff that their picket fence on Day 4 put them comfortably atop the podium. “I thought Ethan was totally untouchable,” said Howard after the victory. “He was going really well in the light stuff, but he just didn’t have it in breeze. We’re more all-around.” Bixby and Brady posted their only double digit scores in all three of the final day’s races and barely held onto second. Reigning World Champions Mike Holt and Carl Smit struggled early but found their stride on the last two days and finished third.
Peter Scannell / Patrick O’Bryan (left) and Lin Robson / Stephen Long (right) battle it out on Chesapeake Bay.
Hamlin and Zinn have been sailing together for ten years, near their home base in Long Beach and around the world, but this was their first taste of Annapolis. “It’s a nice feeling to be a California drag racer and be able to win in a shifty light place. We’re not going to read too much into it though—we won’t necessarily see the same conditions at Worlds.”
USA-7197 with a jump on the the fleet, in its hallmark “gate start” on the final day of racing.
Some of the other top contenders for 2017 are taking notes now. “We all work on our speed and the boats and everything else,” said Mark Zagol, who sailed with Drew Buttner and finished sixth this weekend, “but this event just shows how important the mental aspect of sailing is going to be for that regatta. Lots of lead changes, and challenging wind—gotta be ready to battle for an entire week.”
For Craig Thompson, who won the 505 East Coast Championship in August with regular crew Mike Curtin but struggled at this event, it was all about lessons learned: “In Annapolis, you can’t be one dimensional. That’s why Howard and Andy won. Big breeze, medium breeze and shifty, light wind, it doesn’t matter—they could even grind it back when they found themselves in the cheap seats.”
2015 North American Champions Howard Hamlin (helm) and Andy Zinn (crew) lead the pack on the final day.
While many 505’ers used this regatta to start preparing for Worlds, the primary focus for the 66 sailors hailing from all corners of the US and Canada was simply to perform the their very best at the pinnacle 505 event for 2015 against some of the world’s top 505 sailors. Local sailor Ramsay Key has been away from the boat for a time, but was sure to find himself a ride when he found out this regatta was coming to his hometown. “Having raced a number of different boats,” said Key, “I don’t think there is a better boat that the 505: its part tactical collegiate dinghy, part high performance skiff, and part engineering. Nothing is better than hoisting the chute in 15 to 25 knots and taking the sleigh ride downhill!”
This event caps off the major events for the class this year, but there’s plenty to look forward to in 2016. After the first three grand slam events, Key and anyone else from the International 505 fleet who can make it back to Annapolis will have another chance to tune up on the same racecourse as SSA and EYC team up again to host the 2016 505 East Coast Championship in preparation for the US to make a big showing at its home event in 2017.
Top ten:
1 Howard Hamlin/Andy Zinn 1, 4*, 4, 3, 3, 5*, 3, 4, 1, 1, 1, 21
2 Ethan Bixby/Christopher Brady, 2, 1, 5, 1, 2, 4, 2, 2, 15*, 12*, 10, 29
3 Mike Holt/Carl Smit , 16*, 2, 9*, 8, 4, 1, 1, 3, 4, 3, 5, 31
4 Jesse Falsone/Keith Davids, 10, 3, 13*, 7, 1, 2, 4, 1, 8, 7, 11*, 43
5 Riley Gibbs/Reeve Dunne 3, 6, 1, 15*, 16*, 6, 8, 13, 9, 2, 3, 51
6 Andrew Buttner/Mark Zagol, 4, 11*, 7, 2, 5, 8*, 5, 6, 7, 8, 7, 51
7 Tyler Moore/Rob Woelfel 5, 9, 8, 10*, 6, 3, 9, 14*, 2, 10, 2, 54
8 Stuart Park/Ryan Cox 13, 5, 17, 5, 21*, 20*, 6, 11, 3, 4, 9, 73
9 Jeff Boyd/Rachael Boyd 6, 16, 2, 4, 7, 7, 7, 12, 19*, 18, DNC*, 79
10 Henry Amthor/Dustin Romey, 18*, 22*, 3, 9, 17, 17, 10, 7, 10, 5, 4, 82
Complete results at http://www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=1440
Bridging Culture Through Sailing: The Youth Sailing Exchange 2015 in Review
By Sara Morgan Watters Three countries, eight junior Optimist sailors, one passion: the love for sailing. This is what the 2015 Youth Sailing Exchange (YSE) looked like in its third summer running. Optimist sailors from the U.S. and Spain got to experience first-hand the meaning of cultural exchange. During their five week journey, sailors traveled between Spain, Wales, and the U.S. to train, compete, and most importantly learn about each other’s culture, country, and language.
Unlike just competing at international regattas, the YSE allows sailors to get the international exposure while experiencing it at a much deeper personal level. Sailors are hosted by a family, a team, and a club where they gain cultural understanding by immersing themselves in that environment. Language learning, cultural understanding, new friendships, and traveling are considered equally important as improving competitive racing skills.
This summer was no exception as sailors competed at local, national, and international regattas representing their respective countries, while traveling and training as one team. They began in Barcelona, Spain where they trained with one of the most internationally recognized Optimist coaches, Magda Resano, and her team at Club Nautic El Balis. Their time sailing in Barcelona was balanced with activities, such as sightseeing around Barcelona, paddle boarding on the Mediterranean and learning about the Spanish and Catalan culture.
The schedule of the YSE intentionally coincides with a major national or international event, where sailors can test their skills against the top sailors of those countries. In this case, the team traveled to Pwllheli, Wales where they competed in the Volvo Gill Optimist British National Championship. Sailors performed well with Mariner Fagan, Annapolis Yacht Club, finishing 8th and Jordan Bruce, Annapolis Yacht Club, finishing 17th overall.
Together the group flew to Annapolis, Maryland, where they began the second phase of their summer. There they trained at Annapolis Yacht Club with coach Tomás Ruiz de Luque. Being based in Annapolis allowed sailors to enjoy the benefits of the Chesapeake Bay while being close enough to visit Washington D.C. and New York City, which their host families graciously integrated into their busy schedules.
The New England Championship served as their next major event, drawing close to 300 sailors from all over the U.S., making it one of the most competitive events offered in the States. YSE sailor Maddie Hawkins, Annapolis Yacht Club, placed second overall along with two other top 30 finishes from the YSE team.
While the sailors who participate in the program are competitive at an international level, they learn through this experience that their competitors are sailors like themselves and that racing is just part of the overall international experience. This helps foster understanding, empathy, and caring. Instilling these qualities at a young age is just one way sailing can contribute to making this world a better place.
The opportunities around the Youth Sailing Exchange are endless, but it takes the right groups of people to execute it. Keeping it affordable through structures like free hull chartering and volunteer host families, make this experience a community effort between the Club, the families and the coaches. The fun and joy this brings to the sailors and host families is unsurpassed and rewarding and we look forward to expanding this opportunity in 2016.
Do you want to take part in the YSE? We are currently looking for host families, Clubs and/or travel teams that would be interested in participating. We are also looking to begin to offer an exchange to sailors in the 420, laser, and windsurfing classes.
Sara Morgan grew up sailing in Maryland, but started the YSE while living in Barcelona, where she worked as an English teacher. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Cross-Cultural Psychology in Wellington, New Zealand. You can contact her for more information about how to become involved at saramorgan.watters@gmail.com
You can also check out the website www.youthsailingexchange.com or facebook page, www.facebook.com/sailingexchange
LaserPerformance Announces Class Approved Laser Standard Mark II Sail
LaserPerformance is pleased to announce that the new Standard Mark II Sail has just been signed off by the Laser class and ISAF for most competition. The sail will not be legal for ISAF World Cup competitions nor for the 2016 Olympics. Following the Olympic Games in Rio, the sail will be class legal for all competition. This new class approved sail is more durable due to its bi-radial construction, it is manufactured out of longer lasting 4.5 ounce Dacron cloth with optimized sail patches, tapered battens with Velcro batten pocket closures, and the new luff tube design is easier on the upper spars.
Official launch of the class approved Mark II sail is set for November 1st, 2015 and we will accept pre-orders starting today on Laserperformance.com and through our dealers for the retail price of £395/$505.
Now that the Mark II sail has been class approved, it is the perfect time to pre-order yours today.
If you purchased the Laser Mark II Training Sail earlier this year, remember to use your rebate coupon for £50/$50 towards your new class approved Mark II sail.
Specs:
- Bi-radial construction
- Larger window
- Tapered battens in Velcro fastened pockets
- Luff tube mast joint patch
- 4.5 oz Dacron sailcloth
- Optimized patching for durability
- Red sunburst
- ILCA Sail Button
For more information, please contact shaina.vlaun@laserperformance.com
Henri Lloyd Drysuit Promotion!
Henri Lloyd will be offering their top selling Cobra Dry Suit for a special fall promotion beginning September 15, 2015 ending October 10, 2015. Save 25% savings the list price of $575.00.
The Cobra Drysuit was borne out of working alongside some of the world’s best Dinghy sailors including Ben Ainslie. The Cobra Dry Suit features integral braces that ensure 100% waterproof protection, neoprene neck and cuff seals, latex boots and a front fastening T-Zip waterproof closure.
Available at Henri Lloyd Dealers and www.henrilloydonline.com
Henri Lloyd was established in 1963 in Manchester, England. Mr Henri, as he is known, founded the company based upon hard earned principles of honesty, integrity and freedom and it is these principles that are the foundations of the Henri-Lloyd brand today. One of Mr Henri’s many talents, passed on to his sons who have steered the business for the last 2 decades, is the ability to treat everyone with the same level of genuine interest, wit and charm whoever they are.
Henri Lloyd’s staff are committed to providing the best service to you, and are always happy to help should you need any assistance in selecting your products.
Club Profile: Annapolis Yacht Club
In 1904, the first records of meetings indicate a membership of 30. In 1910, the first wharfs were built, and the first club manager was hired in 1911 at a salary of $15 a month. Members began to acquire small sail boats and organize club regattas. These were uncomplicated affairs held on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shell and canoe races started up Spa Creek at Old Woman Cove and ended at the Eastport Bridge. There were also swimming races and diving competitions. The club owned several single and double shells, two four-oared shells, and was given an eight-oared shell in 1911 by the US Naval Academy.
A Post-War Renewal
World War I and the depression slowed boating activities until the mid-30s. A hurricane damaged the clubhouse and the wharf was reduced to pilings in 1933 and it was difficult to keep the club’s quota of 100 resident members. By 1936, there seemed to be little interest by members in the club and changes were needed. With renewal in mind, in 1937 the Annapolis Yacht Club was incorporated and the first formal regatta (Annual) was held that year. The Fall Series first year was in 1940 with five boats competing. World War II interrupted organized racing, but in 1946 the Spring Series was started with three classes – 30 Square Meters, Stars and Chesapeake 20s. By 1948, Moths, Comets and Hamptons were also taking part. The Annapolis to Newport Race (Newport to Annapolis back then) started in 1947 and has been run every two years since. A dining room was added to the club in the late 1940s and in 1948, the first Smoking Lamp newsletter appeared as a single page mimeographed sheet.
The Junior Fleet
AYC is hiring a full-time 420 Coach!
The junior fleet started in 1948, and the first junior trophy was presented in 1953. The first junior boat, Dolphins, were replaced by Penguins, which were next followed by 420s which the junior fleet still races. AYC’s Junior Fleet has had great success, and produces strong results all across the board:
- AYC sends at least 1 team to HS nationals every year
- AYC sailors won the first 2 C420 Triple Crown Series
- 1st at largest ever C420 event this summer (2015 C420 Nationals)
Additionally, the Club enjoys powerful and ample resources:
- annually update our fleet of coach boats
- High school 420 fleet gets replaced every 5 years
- full support from management and board of governors at the club
“I don’t have to tell other coaches how rewarding it is to see your athletes succeed, but the best part about coaching at AYC hasn’t been the top end success, it is the positive attitude that each sailor has. I always got the feeling that every sailor looked forward to showing up to practice every day. You feel like a part of a family, while still having that culture of excellence. ~Dillon Paiva
Wednesday Night Races: An Annapolis Tradition
Wednesday Night Races were the brainchild of P/C Gaither Scott. After seeing the Wednesday Night Races at East Greenwich YC in Rhode Island in 1958, Scott inaugurated midweek racing at AYC in 1959. No race committee, no prizes, no scoring but there was a picnic supper after sailing. “S” boats, H-23s, 5.5 meters, Bermuda One Design and Rainbows raced, but interest waned in the mid-60s. To correct this, smaller classes of boats were invited and in 1965 35 boats entered the series. By 1967 112 boats were taking part.
Frostbite Racing
Frostbite racing began in the winter of 1962-1963. Seven Rainbows were the inaugural class with five short races a day, starting and finishing at the club. Gladiators joined Frostbite racing in the fall of 1963 and MORC made the third class in 1964. The first Hangover Bowl (New Year’s Day) was on Jan. 1, 1966.
A Need for Growth
By 1959, membership had risen to 1000 and a new club building was badly needed. This was opened in 1963, with the first deck left unfinished due to lack of funds. Frostbite and Wednesday Night Racing soon demanded more club social space, and the Skipjack Lounge was finished in 1969.
The land across the Eastport Bridge where the junior fleet building is now (Holden Property) was purchased in 1969. The junior fleet was established there and a new building for them was completed in 1995. In 1989, women were welcomed as members, and the White Rocks Marina property (now the Harborside Sailing Center) was added in 1990. The club’s first official one-design fleet, the J/22, was started in 1991 with a crane added to Harborside for launching of the boats. The clubhouse again underwent a major renovation in 1995.
More than a Club…
Today, AYC is at full membership (1600 regular members) with very active social, racing, and cruising programs. Large international events such as the Star Class World Championship, Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship, and many North American championships are hosted every year at AYC. Harborside is filled with one design boats (J/22s, J/24s, Etchells, Stars, Melges 24) while the in-the-water boat slips are in high demand. AYC is known worldwide thanks to the members who are prominent in participating in, promoting, and organizing the sport of sailboat racing, as well as those who opt to leisurely cruise the waters of the Chesapeake and beyond.
Mission
To encourage and support a wide range of boating activities, and to provide and maintain a suitable clubhouse and associated facilities for the recreational and social use of its members.
Vision
The Annapolis Yacht Club will be a year-round private yacht club providing programs for its members, their families and their guests. The Club will support and endorse boating, boating education and dining and will provide social and recreational amenities that satisfy its membership. The Club will be family oriented and will maintain an inviting atmosphere that will encourage members to make it their first choice for entertaining their family, friends and associates. The Club will strive to be the “preferred community” for its members.
Sailing Team Profile: Tulane University Sailing Team
Tulane University’s Sailing Team is a Club Sport that is funded through Tulane’s Club Sports Office. We are a highly competitve team and travel to regattas all throughout SEISA (Southeastern Intercollegiate Sailing Association) as well as participate in numerous Intercollegiate and National regattas.
Tulane seeks a Head Sailing Coach!
This past Fall season we sent a team to the ICSA National Singlehanded Championships in Long Beach, CA and a team to the ICSA National Match Racing Championships in Fort Worth, TX. In the Spring we qualified for and sent a team to the 2013 ICSA National Semifinals in Hampton, VA. We are always looking for new sailors and accept people of all different backgrounds!
The Tulane Sailing Team practices 3 days a week from 2-6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We practice off site on Lake Ponchitrain which is about a 20 minute drive from our campus. 
On the weekends we travel to regattas throughout our district and other districts as well. We are a member of SEISA (Southeastern Intercollegiate Sailing Association) which is made up of teams that reside in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado and Alabama. In the past we have traveled to Texas, Alabama, Florida, Virginia, California, Oregon, and Washington for regattas both in our district and out of our district.
Tulane Sailing has a site right off of Southern Yacht Club’s premise on Lake Pontchartrain. It is about a 20 minute drive from Tulane’s Uptown Campus. Our site is owned by Southern Yacht Club and we have a great relationship with the management there. We currently own a fleet of 10 three year old 420s and a 16 foot Boston Whaler.
Light Air Leeward Mark Roundings
By Andrew Kerr
Like so many elements of sailing , rounding the leeward mark in light with the dual goals of the team exiting the mark at top speed and in clear air is a collection of small details , let ‘s look at the key elements to a good rounding:
- Approaching with speed is of top priority to be able to exit with speed, the way to avoid having to sail unusually low to get the mark is for the team to Jibe on a slightly wider Jibe angle on the final approach to keep the apparent wind up and on the sails and the boat moving fast.
- When making a gate mark selection a consideration is twofold – the need for clear air and ideally the easier rounding – a rounding that is the easier take down of the spinnaker and involves less crew movement will enable the team to keep speed out of the rounding.
- When going through the spinnaker takedown try to minimize the amount of crew movement – just enough to take the spinnaker down, while keeping weight to leeward to help keep the sails full and to help with the turn.
- Really good sail trim, throughout the takedown and rounding the goal is to trim the sails perfectly to every point of sail, a common error is to see a team trim the mainsail or Jib/ Genoa too quickly which is a speed killer, the trimmers need to take themselves out of the distractions of the rounding – other boats, noise and other factors and just focus on perfect trim to every point of sail.
- Practice – pick a mark and come in on different angles with different types of spinnaker take downs and critique how fast you are exiting the buoy; in all instances the goal is to minimize speed loss.
2015 505 East Coast Championship Results & Report
First Win for Thompson/Curtin Comes at Rooster Sailing and Rondar Raceboats US 505 East Coast Champs
Craig Thompson (Rye, NH) and Mike Curtin (Fairfield, CT) captured their first 505 class “Major” this weekend, the 2015 East Coast Championship at Wianno Yacht Club in Osterville, MA. The three-day regatta attracted 19 boats for eight races in a variety of challenging sailing conditions. This event is the third of the class’ annual grand-slam of major events which include the Midwinters and Pacific Coast Championships and the upcoming North American Championship in September.
“This season we did a lot of things well but were never able to put it all together,” said Thompson, “but at this event we were finally able to avoid mistakes that would put us in the back. We finally put the whole package together.” Thompson has been a fixture in the class since 2004 and this is his third season with Curtin, with his wife’s eldest brother. They sailed well enough in the first seven races to clinch the event before the final race on Sunday.
The closest competition for the newly crowned champions came from Augie Diaz and Drew Buttner, both established threats in their own right, but sailing together for the first time. “The 505 is largely driven by the crew, and I‘ve been very fortunate that I get to sail with superstars like Drew Buttner, Rob Woelfel, Fritz Lanzinger,” said Diaz (Miami, FL). The pair put together a string of top-three finishes, dropped a six, and won the final race on Sunday to tie the leaders on points and grab the silver podium position.
Class veterans Tyler Moore and Rob Woelfel took third, and Ethan Bixby / Erik Boothe managed a fourth place finish in a 505 borrowed from Macy Nelson, beating the provider of their charter boat by one place in the overall standings.
Weeks of perfect August weather on Cape Cod gave way to low pressure that covered much of the eastern seaboard this past weekend, leading to unpredictable sailing conditions throughout. Friday far surpassed forecasted expectations with a sunny day, big swell, and wind at 10-15 knots with gusts even higher at times. This gave the ultimate winners an early lead with four points after three races. On Saturday, the Nantucket Sound had an even worse forecast than Friday, but again surprised the fleet with a solid northerly at 10-15 knots on flat water. The three races on this day turned out to deliver the least consistent score lines across the fleet, with all boats recording at least one finish outside the top five. Sunday was the lightest of the three, beginning the day with marginal breeze, but eventually filling in to 5-10 knots for the final two races.
With warm Atlantic water from the gulf, a variety of Cape Cod sailing conditions, daily debriefs under the WYC tent, and 38 close friends gathered together, this year’s East Coast Champs had something for everyone. Several of these competitors will be back on the East Coast in a month for the 2015 505 North American Championship, September 16-20. The event is co-hosted by Eastport Yacht Club and Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, MD where the clubs will also host the 2016 East Coast Champs, and the 2017 World Championship.
Top ten:
1 Craig Thompson, Mike Curtin, 2, 1, 1, 6, 1, 3, 2, 14*, 16
2 Augie Diaz, Drew Buttner, 3, 2, 2, 3, 6*, 2, 3, 1, 16
3 Tyler Moore, Rob Woelfel, 1, 3, 3, 4, 4, 8, 9*, 2, 25
4 Ethan Bixby, Erik Boothe, 4, 5, 4, 2, 5, 13*, 5, 3, 28
5 Macy Nelson, Zack Marks, 6, 4, 5, 7, 8, 4, 1, 9*, 35
6 Henry Amthor, Dustin Romey, 7, 7, 6, 11*, 7, 1, 10, 10, 48
7 Tom Kivney, Gordon Russell, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 7, 13*, 12, 58
8 Ben Greenfield, Matt Gowell, 8, 8, 7, 13, 15*, 11, 14, 4, 65
9 Tom Sitzman, Jesse Falsone, 20*, 20, 20, 1, 3, 6, 12, 5, 67
10 Mike Komar, Ervin Grove, 20*, 9, 20, 12, 2, 12, 6, 7, 68
