Opening Day for Hobie 16 North Americans

Pensacola, FL (September 21, 2015) – Seventy-three teams started the 45th Hobie 16 North American Championship today at Pensacola Yacht Club in gusty north winds that varied from 8 to 25 knots. Four races were completed, with most of the races sailed with winds in the upper teens, and amid large congregating jelly fish near the weather mark.

The race committee is using a split fleet format with competitors divided into four groups. The groups rotate sailing against each other with two starts for each race. After three days the fleet will be cut into gold and silver for the remainder of the competition.

After four races, Jason Hess/Irene Abascal (GUA) are in the lead followed by Mark Modderman/Grace Modderman (USA) and Rich McVeigh/Carol McVeigh (USA). Racing continues through Friday.

Event website: http://www.regattanetwork.com/event/10102

Report by Rich McVeigh.