Good start for Laser North Americans

Long Beach, CA (July 12, 2018) – The Moorings 2018 Laser North American Championship got underway today, in breeze that built from 6 to 14 knots, with boisterous seas to match. Laser, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 competitors – 167 in all, hailing from 26 nations – enjoyed three races in the brisk southwesterly breeze on San Pedro Bay.

In addition to the North American Championship, the event also serves as a qualifier for next year’s Pan American Games. Hence, it wasn’t unusual to see Venezuela, Canada, Ecuador, Bermuda, Aruba rounding the marks in unison today, in racing that was tight and challenging, in the lively conditions.

Charlie Buckingham, USA, took an early but slim lead in the 69-boat Laser Standard division, with a 3-2-1 record, followed by fellow American Chris Barnard and Brazil’s Bruno Fontes, both with 7 points.

More close racing, in Laser Radials, saw Canadians Brenda Bowskill and Sarah Douglas separated by just one point. Tied for first place in Laser 4.7 were Abbie Carlson, USA and Spencer Leman, CAN.

Racing is planned for July 12 to 15.

Event details – Results

Source: Betsy Crowfoot