Slow Start to North American Challenge Cup
by Morgan Kinney 6 Aug 2016 16:57 BST
5-7 August 2016
North American Challenge Cup day 1 © Grace Glenny / Chicago Yacht Club
Light winds and flat water set the tone for Day One of the North American Challenge Cup hosted by Chicago Yacht Club. After the Race Committee called for an hour postponement while waiting for wind.
"Today was exasperating because of the light air and the waiting period," said Antonio Sanpere of St. Thomas USVI. "When you are disabled, all this waiting takes an effort." The wind filled in from the west northwest at 4-5 knots enabling the Race Committee to squeeze in two races.
Bob Blackwell leads the Sonar class in first place after Day One while Bonnie Everheart of Arlington Heights, IL leads the Freedom 20s. "The main thing was to keep the boat moving and underway while reading the wind and the water," said Bonnie Everheart. "We've been working on communication and I'm learning to get better at giving commands."
Shifting winds played a big part in the sailing tactics of race one for both fleets. The left side of the race course was favored heading north to the weather mark. Antonio Sanpere from Christiansted, VI headed up the left side of the course while a majority of the other racers went right. Sanpere ended up with a 300 yard advantage at the finish line finishing in first.
"With the shifting conditions, its makes it really hard to try to set a square course because that's the biggest thing we're always shooting for is a fair, square course for our sailors," said Principal Race Officer Alina Dix. "My team did a great job adjusting for the conditions are setting up really fare courses." The forecast for tomorrow calls for 8-10 knots from the North. Racing continues through Sunday, August 7.
Full results can be found here.