driveHG.ca J/24 North American Championship at Port Credit Yacht Club - Day 1
by Christopher Howell 10 Sep 2016 08:22 BST
9-11 September 2016
Will Welles on day 1 of the J/24 North American Championship © Christopher Howell
Will Welles' Cougar bookended two bullets on the opening day of the J/24 driveHG.ca North American Championship at Port Credit Yacht Club in Mississauga, Ontario Canada.
Despite an 8 in Friday's middle contest, Welles' first-place tallies in races one and three give him 10 points and the early advantage in the 46-boat fleet. Even Petley-Jones' Lifted stands three points back in second (8,2,3), and Travis Odenbach's HoneyBadger/Sea Bags Sailing Team is in third with 16 points (9,5,2).
Teams tolerated a brief on-water postponement in the morning, until the breeze filled at 6-8 knots. Following Welles in the first battle were local Rossi Milev's Clear Air and James Freedman's Miss Conduct. Todd Fedyszn's Spoony Tactics earned line honours in the next race, trailed by Petley-Jones and Milev. Welles secured the day's overall lead by winning the last meeting, as Odenbach recorded his best finish thus far with Petley-Jones rounding out the top three.
Racing continues through Sunday. Complete results may be found at 2016j24nac.org, and photos are available on the J/24 Class Facebook page.