August 8, 2008

Today was the first day of the 2008 U.S. Singlehanded Championship for the O'Day trophy.  For the first time in many years, the event is being sailed in Sunfish.  Sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. and LaserPerformance, this year's fleet includes some top Sunfish sailors including recent North American winner, Doug Kaukeinen.

The day started out with light and variable northerly winds, uncharacteristic for the Great South Bay. The top half of the fleet stayed fairly close together with several changes in the lead but ultimately David Loring, of James Island YC, finished first. Much of the second race went the same way as the first, until the final upwind leg when the wind speed dropped to near 0 knots. David chose the far right side of the course and it paid off well. He finished first again, this time with a considerable lead.

Anticipating a shift, the Race Committee waited for the wind to fill in before starting the third race. After only about 30 minutes it did, with a fairly steady westerly breeze of about 16 knots. The stronger wind seemed to suit Cam Cullman, of American Yacht Club, who took a comfortable first after finishing mid-fleet in the earlier races.

A fourth race was planned until SYC member Tim Collins, keeping an eye on the radar from the clubhouse, reported a storm front approaching rapidly from the west. PRO Bill Kirkpatrick took quick action to get the fleet ashore and the day ended without incident, just plenty of great competition!