My brother Jack and I met in early October in Stamford, CT at the Stamford Yacht Club to compete at US Sailing’s Annual Championship of Champions. As the name indicates, it is the collection of champions from various North American and US National championship regattas.
Sailors ranged across many classes and SDYC was well represented with Jack and I, as US 29er Nationals winners along with Kelly Holthus, Open Bic NA winner sailing with Bill Hardesty.
The regatta is sailed over 3 days of competition and the host yacht club determines the boat, this year's boat was the Ideal 18, a smallish day sailor built for 2 sailors. Needless to say, the Ideal 18 was a bit different than the 29er. An indication of this was on the first day when the racing consisted of sailing the first race with spinnakers, the second without spinnakers as the wind came up and the third race started with a reefed main and that race was abandoned as the wind conditions were considered too strong.
Jack and I had a lot to learn about sailing the Ideal 18, we fought hard for the 3 days and enjoyed sailing in the boat together. Stamford YC were tremendous hosts and thanks to all the organizers and volunteers. Every detail was thought about and we enjoyed meeting and getting to know other competitors from different fleets. The age range among sailors was over 50 years between the youngest sailors Kelly (14) and myself (15) and the oldest competitors.
It was am honor to represent the 29er Class at this event and SDYC. Thanks for the support of the yacht club and we look forward to earning our way to being apart of this great event in the future.