Jason Hess takes early lead at Hobie 16 North Americans

Lewes, DE (September 22, 2014) – Forty-seven teams began racing today at the Hobie 16 North American Championships. A cold front came through Sunday night and provided sailors with a beautiful sunny day for the first day of racing. Three races were completed with winds from 15-20 knots from the northwest and waves from 2-3 feet.

Jason Hess and Irene Abascal from Guatemala lead the fleet with 7 points, Pedro Colon and Monica Cabrera from Puerto Rico are in 2nd with 8 points and Dan Borg and Liana Giovando from Canada are in 3rd with 14 points. The fleet is very deep with lots of very talented sailors.

The event is also a Pan Am Games Country qualifier, with the top team from the top 3 countries (not including the host country, Canada which automatically qualifies. qualifying for the 2015 Pan Am games to be held in Toronto, Canada. Currently the top 3 countries are Guatemala, Puerto Rico and the USA (excluding Canada) with Rich McVeigh and Carol Hilk tied with Jeff Newsome and Michelle Eatough for the top US spot.

Racing continues tomorrow thru Friday. Click here for results.

Report by Greg Raybon. Photos by Mike Walker Photography.