Wilde dominates start of Sonar Worlds

Rochester, NY (September 19, 2019) – The opening day of the 2019 Sonar World Championship hosted by the Rochester Yacht Club was dominated by local sailor Michael Wilde. Wilde’s scoreline was 2-1-2-1, and there likely would have been another first had a race in which he had a significant lead not been abandoned. Playing the shifts was key as there was a persistent backing breeze all day.

“Overall, it was a difficult first day, but we enjoyed a solid breeze once it filled in from the left,” said Wilde. “It was unfortunate we had to abandon one race due to a major wind shift. That was a disappointment to me as I was in the lead, but I feel good about today.

“It was a boat speed game today combined with getting off the line well in the 24-boat fleet. Once we were out in front, we could sail our own race. My crew told me to ‘drag race off the line.’ It was important to be in the neighborhood of the favored end but it was also critical to have clear air so you could focus on your boat speed.”

A maximum of 12 races are planned from September 19 to 22.

Event details – Results – Facebook

Day One Results (Top 10 of 24; 4 races)
1. Goin’ Left, Michael Wilde , USA – 2 -1 -2 -1 ; 6
2. Rafiki, Eric Voss , USA – 6 -2 -1 -4 ; 13
3. Rockheads, Jack Odenbach , USA – 1 -8 -4 -2 ; 15
4. Ping, Andreas Josenhans , CAN – 5 -3 -3 -5 ; 16
5. Resonance, Brian Doyle , USA – 3 -7 -5 -9 ; 24
6. Fast Forward, Paul Steinborn , USA – 8 -12 -6 -3 ; 29
7. Asubfour, Eric Snavely , USA – 17 -4 -8 -6 ; 35
8. Valiant, Rick Doerr , USA – 4 -6 -9 -17 ; 36
9. Beat Dawn S, Skip Shumway , USA – 7 -9 -11 -10 ; 37
10. Batmobile Rises, Hans Dickel , USA – 9 -10 -7 -11 ; 37

Source: Sonar Class