High winds, Rough surf keeps Hobie 16 North Americans on the beach

Lewes, DE (September 24, 2014) – Racing was postponed today due to high winds and rough surf before all of the sailors except one team had left the beach. The race committee was on the water and beginning to set a course in the lee of the breakwater near the Cape May Lewes Ferry terminal. Winds were already near 18 knots and gusting to the high 20’s and were forecasted to go to above 30 later in the day.

Multi-national champion Greg Thomas and John Williams (California) were the first to try to launch through the surf and promptly capsized just off the beach. Racing was then postponed for the day when it was clear that most of the fleet would not be able to reach the racing area.

Two other hearty teams rigged up to test their skills against the elements with onboard video cameras that are part of a video production directed by Gary Jobson Sailing. Mark Modderman and Tommy Butler (New Jersey) and Regatta Chairman Rich McVeigh and Sue Korzeniewski managed to get in a short sail with some blazing speed an only a few capsizes that will be sure to provide some exciting sailing video.

Gary Jobson was the featured speaker at the Mid-week dinner and entertained the competitors with stories from the last Americas Cup in San Francisco.

Racing continues tomorrow thru Friday. Click here for results.

Report by Greg Raybon. Photos by Mike Walker and Ron MacArthur.