Eric Oetgen wins Sunfish Master Worlds

Thirty-five brave sailors competed in the inaugural 2018 ISCA (International Sunfish Class Association) Master World Championship, held March 18 to 20 in Panama City, FL. Competitors endured a mixture of weather conditions over three days of racing which included light and moderate shifty breeze, sunny skies, morning fog, rain, and the complex currents of Saint Andrews Bay.

Eric Oetgen (GA) took the lead on day 2 after the throw-out came into effect and never looked back. Former ISCA World Champion Paul-Jon Patin (NY) recovered from a slow start and put on a strong challenge, but could not catch Oetgen’s 10-point lead. Martin Willard (NC) finished 3th, while former ISCA World Champion Donnie Martinborough (Nassau, Bahamas) took 4th overall. Gail Heausler (FL) finished 5th and earned the top female spot and the Grand Masters Division.

On the Senior Masters Division, Dick Tillman (FL) edged out Don Bergman (MI) to take the top spot. Other winners include Joe Blouin (FL), Great Grand Masters division. 2018 ISCA Master World Champion Oetgen also took the Masters Division.

The International Sunfish® Master Regatta was recently rebranded as the ISCA Master World Championship to help boost the class’ credibility by having a third world title, in addition to the Open and Youth World Championships.

Some of the Master Worlds participants will stay in Panama City for a few more days to join their younger counterparts to race at the 2018 USSCA (US Sunfish Class Association) National Championships at Midwinters and Pan-Am Games Country qualifier to be held March 22-24.

Results: Overall – Division winners