Tied at the top of Melges 32 US Nationals

Newport, RI (August 15, 2014) – The racing conditions for the start of the 2014 Melges 32 U.S. National Championship dialed in a perfect suit of winds to complete three races.

With 15-18 knots for the start of Race One, reigning National Champion Jason Carroll on Argo guarded the pin end for the start, and launched out in front of the fleet for the lead. Overnight leader Ryan DeVos on Volpe was called OCS only to wind up fifth overall, while Carroll led the fleet around the track for a solid win. John Kilroy’s Samba Pa Ti came on strong to take second followed by Richard Goransson’s Inga From Sweden in third.

Race Two was by far the most exciting, and with the breeze settling in nicely to the 20+ knot range, it was Ryan who found the perfect groove to win Races Two and Three. With these two wins, DeVos now sits first place overall, tied with Carroll.

For Kilroy, Race Two opened as a strong one, however after losing a crew member overboard at the final top mark, disappointment ensued as Goransson and Ryan zoomed right past. By the time Kilroy had his boat in order, Carroll was rounding in tandem with speed. Kilroy recovered to finish sixth.

The last race of the day featured family-rivals Ryan and Dalton DeVos commanding the top two positions. Ryan won, Dalton took second. Rob Wilber on Cinghiale finished third.

The next warning signal is at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 16 with as many as another three races to be performed.

Day One Results (Top 5 of 9; 3 races)
1.) Ryan DeVos/James Spithill, Volpe; 5-1-1 = 7
2.) Jason Carroll/Anthony Kotoun, Argo; 1-2-4 = 7
3.) Dalton DeVos/Jonthan McKee, Delta; 4-5-2 = 11
4.) Richard Goransson/Morgan Larson, Inga From Sweden; 3-3-5 = 11
5.) John Kilroy/Paul Goodison, Samba Pa Ti; 2-4-6 = 12

Event website: http://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=1157

Report and photos by class media.