Nearly 200 sailors, both junior and senior, competed in the annual Dutch Shoe Marathon (DSM) today. This iconic regatta begins at the San Diego Yacht Club and finishes at the Coronado Yacht Club, a trek that for most junior sailors is their longest distance race yet. This year marks the 47th annual running of this Southern California right-of-passage.
Mission Bay Yacht Club’s Paige Tillson, 11, (C Fleet) came in first with a solid lead throughout the entirety of the race. Behind Tillson in second place was Siena Nichols (C Fleet) of Balboa Yacht Club, who pulled into the position in the second half of the race. Battling hand in hand with Nichols was Caleb Everett (C Fleet) of Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. The three were able to hold their position in the front of the fleet right from the start.
When asked how it felt to win the Dutch Shoe Marathon, Tillson answered, “It’s exciting, but I’m also really tired.”
Across the pond and to the lake we go! I just completed the 18 Foot Skiff European Championships in Lake Garda, Italy. We had an outstanding, twenty-one boat, 18 Foot Skiff fleet competing on the legendary Lake Garda.
The “ora” did not provide its typically conditions, but the racing was fun and tough nonetheless. For those that have raced on Lake Garda, they know that the wind comes from the South at 20+ knots in the morning, then dies from about 10:00-13:00, and then switches 180 degrees and comes from the North at 20+ knots. Unfortunately, we did not have those glamour conditions. However, the conditions provided tricky winds, various rigs, and crucial tactical decisions.
Ben Poucher, the National Director of Warrior Sailing, joins us on the Sailcast during his fifth year at SDYC for the Warrior Sailing Training Camp. Ben tells us what the organization is all about, how the week-long camp works, and why this event is so unique compared to other wounded veteran programs.
Ben starts by talking about what the camp entails, about the boats, and about some of the special equipment they use to accommodate wounded veterans. Warrior Sailing rarely uses clinical equipment. “It’s really a lot of veterans just helping each other,” Ben explains.
“It’s my favorite part of the week. Not necessary the sailing, but getting the boat ready and breaking it down. Everybody’s participating and I think that’s what’s missed in a lot of activities that these guys and gals do,” he continues.
After an exciting win at the NYYC One-Design Regatta, Team SDYC stayed in Newport, RI for a full week of training with coach Vince Brun and wrapped up their 10 day trip by competing, and winning, the 35th Anniversary Newport Regatta hosted by Sail Newport! The event was challenging with a wide range of breeze conditions, providing, at times, the strongest heavy-breeze practice they saw all week. Playing conservatively and being one of eight boats to avoid a black flag penalty enabled the team to not only solidify 1st place finish but also secure the honor of being awarded the Dr. Robin Wallace Trophy awarded to the "Boat of the Week" by Sail Newport. The team is ready for some serious rest but eager to train again in San Diego later this summer before returning to Newport for the NYYC Invitational Cup in September! Tyler Sinks, Nick Martin, Carissa Crawford, Jake La Dow, Nick Kaschak, Max Hutcheson, Tori Porter, and Rick Merriman.