USA finishes strong at Star Worlds

Historically American sailors have sailed at a world class level.  Sailor such as: Lowell North, Dennis Conner and Buddy Melges have scored wins at the Worlds level.

This traditions was continued as the team of Doyle and Olson are the winners of the 1999 Star Worlds.  Consistency was their best weapon as they counted only 1 race with a score out of the Top 5. They ended up 2 points clear of the Canadian team of Macdonald and Bjorn. 

The American Star sailors showed the quality depth that exists in their team by taking a total of 6 of the top 15 spots.  In 3rd was the team of Reynolds and Liljedahl.  Their results included a 4th race victory.  In 10th were Sherber and Peters, with a top finish of 5th in race one.  11th were Brun and Meirens.  15th were Macausland and Iverson with a 4th race 2nd as a highlight.

All of these world class Star Sailors are looking for the Olympic berth to be decided during the Olympic trials next April.

J/44 North Americans

The 10th edition of the J44 North Americans were completed over the weekend in Larchmont NY.  Light air made the completed race very tough.

Final race winner Jim Bishop sailing Gold Digger also ended the regatta as North American champion.

Entering the fourth and final race Gold Digger and Jeff Willis' Challenge IV were tied.  In the day's first start Gold Digger was over early.  However, this race was abandoned.

Making the most of the 2nd chance Gold Digger won the last race.  Challenge IV ended up 2nd with defending champion Mabuhay II filling the final podium spot.

Farr 40 Worlds

The 2nd Farr 40 worlds are now two days and 5 races old.  2 races were sailed on Day 1 with 3 on the 2nd day, Sunday.

Day 1 saw two 10 mile windward/leeward races sailed.  For race 1 the fleet saw 10-12 knots, with an increase to 15-18 knots for the second contest. Defending champion Barking Mad began real well with a 1st and a 2nd.  Samba Pa Ti stayed close with a 3rd and a 1st.

Barking Mad began day 2 with a slip up in the form of an 8th place in race 3.  A mistake on the 2nd beat cost Barking Mad.

Top boat for day 2 sailed in conditions ranging from 10 to 32 knots was Mascalzone sailed an Italian crew.  They had Day 2 finished of 1-2-3.  Barking Mad did come back to win the final 2 races.  Jim Richardson's Barking Mad leads Mascalzone by 4 points.   3rd is Samba Pa Ti also with 17 points.  

4 races remain for this International fleet of offshore one designs to sort themselves out.