Etchells Atlantic Coast—¡Ay, Caramba!

published 05/21/2018

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Sail-World Article (05/20/18)
Sail-World Article (05/19/18)
Video

A total of 22 teams turned up for racing this past weekend, and congratulations Jose Fuentes and Caramba crew (Luke Lawrence and Ian Coleman) for winning the Etchells Atlantic Coast Championship hosted by American Yacht Club and Etchells Fleet 1. Senet Bichoff, sailing with brother Clay Bischoff and Stu Saffer, claimed the top Corinthian prize and fifth overall! Standing on the podium for Overall prizes were Goombay Smash team of William "Doug" Douglass, Chris Larson and Allan Terhune in second, and the America Jane 11 team of Scott Kaufman, Lucas Calabrese, Austen Anderson, and Jesse Kirkland. For the Corinthians, it was the two Youth teams on the podium, with Team Blue of Sean Cornell, Christopher Manson-Hing, Rachel Ann Daye, and Scott Ewing taking second prize and Team Red of Connor Needham, Jimmy Kennedy, Franny Schulte, and Brooks Daley claimed third.

The two days saw some pretty different conditions between Saturday and Sunday's racing

The attentiveness, perseverance, and athleticism of the Race Committee was certainly appreciated on Sunday when a strong Easterly brought 6-foot breaking waves and the wind gusted into the high-20's kts. Pumps were working non-stop and it was survival mode, but the RC managed to get in two solid races. Deteriorating visibility and dropping temperatures called off further races, and sailors appreciated the opportunity to dry off (sort of as the rain showers kept passing through). The wet sailors were greeted by hot chili and plentiful drink to help ward off the cold.

On Sunday, the day opened in fog as a warm front moved through. The RC headed out to set up for an on-time start, and the fog lifted in appreciation! Despite the fluky NW breeze, the Race Committee put in four races to give a discard.

Nice weekend everyone! Big shout outs to David Barton, PRO, and Jeff Jamison, Regatta Chairman.

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