Qualifying Continues at Lightning NA’s

Rochester, NY (August 17, 2016) – Qualifying racing concluded today at the 2016 Samson Lightning North American Championship and for the second time in a row, Chilean Tito Gonzalez won the Qualifying Series. Sailing with his daughter Trinidad and son Alberto, Jr. the Team posted three bullets. When asked how the team dynamics work on the boat, Alberto Jr. said, ” We all have our jobs and we do them, and we help each other. We train a lot together. We have good communication and don’t blame one another if there is a bad call.”

Canadian, Adam MacDonald, 2012 Lightning Youth World Champion posted won two of his three races to qualify in second. “It was fun sailing, with tough competition, but we all start over tomorrow. It’s all about the next two days” said MacDonald. Sailing with Abby Bennett and Allie Jones, Team MacDonald is one of 10 teams that are all under 30 competing in the regatta.

Defending North American Champion, Jody Starck from Amherst, NY sailing with longtime crew Ian Jones and Rob Crane posted a 6, 2, 2 to qualify in third place. Starck commented, “the Race Committee did a great job of being patient in the tough conditions.” Teams Starck and Gonzalez were 1-2 at the 2015 North American Championship. Both Teams are again sailing well. Will it be another showdown between the two or will one of the other 32 teams comprising of World Champions Matt Fisher, Larry MacDonald, David Starck and North American Champions, Tom Allen, Steve Hayden, Ched Proctor, Allan Terhune, Jr. Adam MacDonald or locals, James Barnash, Richard Hallagan, Mark Sertl or Nick Sertl?

While discussing the fleet splits, the Fleet celebrated the 10th Anniversary of our prestigious Boat Grant Program this evening. Evening festivities included Quantum Sails Rochester Rum Party, Saranac Beer tasting, Karaoke and fantastic door prizes from APS, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, Sperry, Sailor Bags and Samson. A delicious cookout was provided by Rochester Yacht Club. Program creators Bill Fastiggi and Allan Terhune recapped the past 10 years that included 31 Teams and over 96 participants of which 9 have purchased their own boat. Boat Grant Alumni Robert King was the winner of the Tom Fallon Trophy that is awarded to the last person to qualify for the Championship Blue Fleet.

Racing for the Championship (Qualifying Finishes 1-34), President’s Cup (35-55) and Governor’s Cup (56-76) begins with a 1000 warning on Thursday, August 18th.

Event Website – Results

Source: International Lightning Class Association