Monday, June 25

It was a most interesting weather day on Monday in New Orleans.   Competitors left the dock at approximately 9:30 am CDT in very little wind and bright sunshine.  As the boats approached the Race Course, the wind arrived on time allowing the Race Committee to organize and begin the 4^th Race of the 2007 Youth Champs for all classes.

Over the course of the next hour the wind varied but remained generally below 5 knots.  Just after 11:00am the wind began to cooperate and both PROs began races in a building wind in advance of a coming summer rainstorm.

As racing progressed the race area was overcast by a  dark clouds off to the north and east of the race course.  The wind picked up and shifted somewhat to the South, making for very interesting racing.  As Race 4 was concluded in all classes, the front began to arrive and thunder was heard in the distance.  The RC signaled an abandonment with return to shore for lunch to await more favorable conditions. As the boats were put away the rain began to come down hard, verifying a good decision by the RC.

Unfortunately, after the passing storm the wind was less cooperative and the RC abandoned racing for the remainder of the day. 

With four races completed the 2007 Youth Champs has developed some very competitive racing among leaders in all classes.

In the 29er Class, Oliver Toole and Willie McBride are tied with Emily Dellenbaugh and Briana Provancha with each team posting 9 points.  One point back is Judge Ryan and Hans Henken.  The level of competition is intense and there have been many lead changes in the individual races and in the overall results.    

In the 420 Class Halsey Richartz and his sister Eliza made a strong move into first place after four races with 19 points after a 2^nd place finish  in Race 4,  Tyler Sinks and Morgane Renoir dropped into second with 21 points after posting a 15^th in Race 4.   Stephanie Hudson and Laura McKenna moved into 3^rd place with 35 points by winning Race 4.  Emily Lambert and Liv Gunnarsson finished 3^rd in Race 4 and are one point back in 4th place  tied with Sam Williams and Margaret Rew, with both teams posting 36 points.   With lots of racing left, the 420 Class is wide open among these top teams.

In the Laser Full Rig Class David Hernandez continued his strong performance, leading the fleet with 8 points after a 4^th place in Race 4.  Colin Smith has 14 points after winning Race 4 and Fred Strammer is in third place with 29 points after an 8^th in Race 4.

In the Laser Radial Class, two clear leaders have developed with Sam Padnos now leading with 18 points after winning Rae 4 on Monday.   Justin Doane  is one point back