Alonso Collantes wins Sunfish North Americans

Blue Point, NY (July 1, 2017) – No one could take the #1 spot from current Sunfish World Champion Alonso Collantes of Peru who led all three days at the 2017 Sunfish North American Championship. Paul-Jon Patin (USA), the 2nd place finisher and Top Master (40-49 yrs of age), said, “I didn’t beat myself; Alonso beat all of us.”

The final day’s winds calmed down somewhat, 13-18 knots, but the waves and chops still created havoc. Mastering them along with the steady wind shifts was the key to staying upright and sailing faster than the next boat. Doug Kaukeinen, Rochester Canoe Club, fought hard to keep his 3rd place standing against 4th place finisher Rich Chapman, USSCA President from the Lake Bluff Yacht Club. Eugene Schmitt of the Bay Waveland Yacht Club was the 5th place finisher who recently won the Sunfish Midwinter Championship in Port Charlotte, FL.

The top Female award went to Gail Murphy-Heausler, Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, FL, with a 25th overall finish. The Top Youth award went to 2016 Sunfish Youth World Champion Angello Giuria of Peru who also finished 9th overall. The coveted Sportsmanship Award went to Gustavio Alayon Rosario of Puerto Rico who voluntarily withdrew from his best race when he learned that hitting the committee boat prior to the start required a penalty turn which he didn’t do.

Next year’s Sunfish North Americans will be held at the Lake Bluff Yacht Club near Chicago, IL.

Full results… click here.

Above photo: Sayville YC Commodore Paul MacMenamin (L), 2017 Sunfish NAs Champion Alonso Collantes, and Sayville YC Board Member Ted Cremer.

Top Ten Finishers (Left to Right): Dan Hesse (6th), Rich Chapman (4th), Paul-Jon Patin (2nd), Alonso Collantes (1st), Doug Kaukeinen (3rd), Kenny Mockridge (10th), Eugene Schmitt (5th), Martin Willard (7th), Lee Montes (8th, Angello Giuria (9th).

Special Award Winners (Left to Right): Gail Heausler (Top Female), Paul-Jon Patin (Top Apprentice Master), Doug Kaukeinen (Top Master), Mark Weider (Top Grand Master), Angello Giuria (Top Youth), Gustavio Alayon Rosario (Sportmanship Award).

Source: Sunfish class