Epic waves test nerve at Sunfish Worlds

Published on October 9th, 2018

Wrightsville Beach, NC (October 9, 2018) – The second day of the Sunfish World Championship was postponed for three hours due to waiting for the right tide/current/wind formula to allow boats to sail safely through the channel outlet to the race course. When a 70-foot cabin cruiser almost tipped over before the channel-passing conditions were just right, the decision to postpone wasn’t difficult.

As a result, only two races were sailed today but in somewhat milder but still challenging conditions than yesterday. The winds seemed to be a little less, maybe 13-17 knots, but still with 6-10 foot seas to maneuver over, around and not under. No rescues had to be made today.

To clarify yesterday’s wind conditions, some on-the-water sailors estimated yesterday’s winds to be 20-25 with the caveat “we’re not wusses!” The local knowledge aboard the Signal boat, however, sticks by his 15-18 estimate but noting that with the high 6-8 foot seas breaking unevenly making it seem like the winds were greater.

The top five finishers at the end of Day Two show Jean Paul de Trazegnies (PER) still in the number one spot with two bullets, two 2nds and a 3rd. David Hernandez (GUA) moved up to spot number two with two bullets, two 3rds and a 6th. In 3rd place only two points behind David Hernandez is Alonso Collantes (PER).

The 4th place finisher is Martin Alsogaray (ARG), whose bullet in Race 2 on Day One holds him in the top five. And in 5th place is Jonathan Martinetti (ECU) who keeps moving up in the rankings.

The weather predictions for tomorrow aren’t looking too hopeful right now but remains hopeful that the wind/tide/current/storm conditions will allow for maximum safety while also providing the competitors a proper test for their world champion skill levels.

Up to 12 races planned for October 8-12.

Event details – Results – Facebook

Day Two Results (Top 10 of 73; 5 races)