Lauderdale livens up at US Open

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (January 16, 2021) – After no racing yesterday at 2021 West Marine US Open Sailing Series – Fort Lauderdale, conditions today were much improved with a pressure system to the west offering a northwesterly breeze that started at about 10 knots early in the day and continued to build throughout the afternoon with offshore gusts exceeding 20 knots.

All three Laser fleets, including the Full Rig, Radial, and 4.7, completed three races. Juan Maegli (GUA) takes an early lead in the Laser Full Rig fleet of 42 entries. He won Race 1 and 3, and posted a sixth place finish in Race 2 to take a three point lead.

The 70 Radial sailors were split into two blue and yellow fleets. Chapman Petersen (USA) led the way in the blue fleet with a 2-1-2 scoring line and Kaitlyn Hamilton (USA) had a strong day to pace the yellow fleet with scores, 2-2-5.

Umi Noritake (USA) won the first two races in the 4.7 fleet of 23 boats and added a fourth place finish in Race 3 to take a four point lead.

Steve Mitchell, US Sailing Team Laser Radial Coach, has been looking forward to the US Open Sailing Series events here in Florida after training with Laser Radial athletes in Miami, Clearwater, and Fort Lauderdale over the past three months.

“This is an opportunity to look at the young talent coming through,” said Mitchell. “The ODP (Olympic Development) pathway that started after the 2012 Games has been producing some amazing talent over the past few years. For us to be training with the ODP athletes, seeing the yacht club programs that are here, and watching how their programs are advancing is great.”

US Open information – Event details – Results

Source: US Sailing