Camp Seafarer/Sea Gull in Arapahoe, NC hosted the 2017 Optimist Atlantic Coast Championship this year, and what a host they were. From the moment we arrived to the last hand-shake goodbye, the staff and volunteer regatta personnel worked incredibly hard to make us, and everyone, feel at home, enjoy themselves, and soak in the North Carolina hospitality and gorgeous surroundings. As a note to all one-design sailors, I would make this venue a priority for you, if possible, in the future.
Perfectly situated facing southeast on the north bank of the Neuse River, Camp Seafarer/Sea Gull is well-equipped to host USODA events, not always an easy task. Their spacious lawns, basketball courts, large swimming pool complete with zip line, enormous dining hall facility, was topped off only by a picture-perfect place to sail. We encountered almost no pleasure boat traffic, and had an amazingly gorgeous body of water all to ourselves. The weather seemed to know we were coming; forecasts of light winds were happily under-reported and the sailors were treated to two days of moderate-to-brisk NE-E winds from 5-22 knots over the six-race series. Epic sailing conditions.
When the dust settled, young sailing star Peter Foley, Coral Reef YC, FL, came somewhat from behind to defend his ACC title of last year, and win again. Peter was very good on day one, but started slowly (for him) with a 26 in the very first race in the lighter winds. Having to carry that deep race the rest of the way left little margin for error for Peter, but as the winds built, he became almost untouchably fast. His boat handling in the big waves (3-5 feet) and wind (14-23 knots) was impressive to watch. He was very fast upwind with great technique, and even faster on the reaches and downwind.
Consistency, and avoiding the big mistake, was key. Easy to say, but not easy to do in a competitive 103 boat fleet. The RC decided not to divide the fleet, so we were full-on with all 103 boats on one line. If you look at the scores, the top 5 in this event were the only boats that had all top-ten finishes (with throw-out). Within that competitive group, Peter was clearly dominant, with no finish (other than the throw-out) worse than second.
Congratulations to the Foley family for having two siblings in the top 5, and to all the competitors for an event well sailed. Most 
importantly, thanks to the kind people at Camp Seafarer/Sea Gull for gracefully sharing their magical venue with the Atlantic Coast’s top Optimist sailors. If you ever have a chance to visit this place, jump at that chance. FULL RESULTS
TOP 5 OVERALL:
- Peter Foley, CRYC
- Tommy Sitzmann, FBYC
- Laura Hamilton, LYC
- Audrey Foley, CRYC
- Vanessa Lahrkamp, American YC
2017 USODA Atlantic Coast Championship from Camp Sea Gull Camp Seafarer on Vimeo.
The racing sailors, cruising sailors, and our powerboat squadron events fall primarily in the following categories: offshore and one-design racing, powerboat predicted log contests, and the relaxed cruising of both the sail and power fleets.
at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, Connecticut. The Waszp class is a new exciting boat that is gaining attention throughout the country. If you hadn’t had a chance to check out these boats yet, its a must do! Check out the article 
stay in the pressure. Sam Blouin took the first race win, with Conner Blouin in 2nd, followed by Reed Baldridge in 3rd. The second race they shortened the course as the conditions seemed to be going in and out, and dying down to the 3-5 knot range. A lot of the same for the second race, staying in the breeze was key along with balancing your boat. Robyn Lesh took the 1st this race, followed by Connor Blouin in 2nd, and Sam Blouin in 3rd. After the sailors finished the second race, the race committee moved the course more East as wind conditions looked a little more consistent up the course. However, once the race committee set the course, the breeze had died out. Waszp sailors hung out while we all hoped for more breeze to fill back in throughout the course. Unfortunately, it wasn’t 
looking promising, so the race committee sent us all in for a wind delay on land. Once all the sailors reached land, we waited for a more consistent breeze. Sailors hung out enjoying some snacks while we all hoped for better conditions to transpire. After about an hour wind delay the breeze filled back to the 5-6 knot range, but due to the time of day and breeze predicted to die the group called it for the day. Once the call was made, the group derigged for the day and headed upstairs to enjoy a great taco dinner put on by the club. Sailors all left fed well and tired from the day of low riding, and most of all hoping for better breeze tomorrow.
All the sailors arrived at Cedar Point eager for better breeze; unfortunately, that was not the case. Foggy conditions and zero breeze were the conditions the sailors were greeted with on day two. However, despite the wind delay sailors rigged up their boats hopeful that breeze would fill as the fog lifted. During the wind delay, sailors chatted about the class and where to hold regattas in future. They also discussed the boats and different settings they have been using while sailing. Despite the lack of breeze, it was a great way for the class to get more exposure and get sailors of this new class coming together. At noon the race committee 
called the regatta for the weekend, and awards followed. 1st place Sam Blouin, 2nd Connor Blouin, and 3rd Robyn Lesh.
Photo taken from the 
Come spend an amazing summer on the coast of Maine. Castine Yacht Club is looking for a sailor and leader to 
Our classes begin with the Novice level for children just starting out – ages 6-8. This class meets three mornings a week and will include nautical games, hands on classroom lessons and time on-the-water in Turnabouts, Optis, powerboats, larger sailboats and rowboats. 
