Tough sledding at Hobie North Americans

Yankton, South Dakota (June 19, 2017) – Competitors were greeted with breezy conditions, warm temperatures and sun as they rigged their boats for day one of the Hobie 16 and Hobie 20 North American Championships but it was not to be.

Shortly after racing started the breeze moderated resulting in a shifty up and down condition with large shifts and wind velocity varying from 5 to 15+ knots. It quickly became a game of chutes and ladders as sailors struggled to stay in the favorable breeze. The north shore ultimately ended up being the favored side. A quote of the day “this is the North American championships and it’s supposed to be hard”.

Fifty three teams are competing in the Hobie 16 class, including two last minute entrants from Cuba and 21 teams are competing in the Hobie 20 class. Three races were completed for the Hobie 16 class and four races for the Hobie 20 class.

After day one in the Hobie 16 class Enrique FIGUEROA/Francesca VALDES (PUR) lead followed by Mike MONTAGE/Kathy WARD (USA). In the Hobie 20 class Mark and Kim ZIMMER (USA) lead followed by George PEDRICK/Gene HARRIS (USA).

Racing continues through Friday, June 23.

Event details – Results – Entry list – Facebook

Source: Rich McVeigh