Blessing Wins O’Pen BIC Midwinters

Published on November 19th, 2017

Charleston, SC (November 19, 2017) – The 2017 O’Pen BIC Midwinters were hosted by the Carolina Yacht Club and raced November 18-19. The purpose was to run a fun event for youth sailors in a more loosely competitive style in dynamic junior boats. Results are not nearly as important as everyone having a good time sailing. The goal was that the sailors improve their skills, make new friends, and have a ton of fun.

This event was combination of “conventional” style race formats with unorthodox “Un- Regatta” style courses and events. The participants were told not expect conventional round the buoys racing or upwind starts for all races and that capsizes, freestyle, speed and fun would be required.

The fleet was comprised of two Divisions: Open Division (all ages welcome) and competitors born after December 31, 2004. Twenty-nine skippers entered the regatta. Nine races were completed over the weekend, two throw-outs were allowed.

Walter Blessing, from Carolina Yacht Club won the regatta with 8 points, in second place was Olin Guck. Owen Wicks from Clearwater Community Sailing Center came in a close third. The three top sailors were in the U13 division.