Eugene Schmitt wins Sunfish Midwinters

Published on April 1st, 2017

Eugene Schmitt from New Orleans, LA sailed a consistent series to capture the 2017 Sunfish Midwinters held March 30 to April 1 at Port Charlotte FL. Forty-three sailors from the US, Guatemala, Italy, and Colombia sailed in challenging conditions with variable winds and moderate tide.

David Hernandez from Guatemala easily dominated day 1 by winning all 3 races. Sailing was canceled on day 2 due to heavy winds and challenging choppy conditions for the crash boats.

The weather forecast on the third day was not very promising, however, a light breeze developed and the Race Committee got the sailors out and ran 3 races in 4-6 knot winds.

David Hernandez accrued another bullet and a 2nd place finish, but a 12th place on race 5 cost him the regatta. Schmitt never sailed worse than 3rd place to clinch his second Sunfish Midwinter crown.

Diego Perez from Guatemala finish 3rd, Esteban Echavarria from Colombia was 4th, while USSCA President Rich Chapman was 5th. Gail Heausler was top woman, Eugene Schmitt was top Master, and Nick Patin was the top Youth.

Results: https://www.sunfishclass.org/documents/2017_Sunfish_Midwinter_National_Championship_Final.pdf