Tight at the top of Lightning North Americans

San Diego, CA (July 26, 2018) – The 44 boats competing in this year’s Lightning North American Championship completed three races today in light and variable Pacific Ocean conditions on the waters West of Mission Beach. Ched Proctor and his team of Charlie Proctor and Meredith Killion scored a 5,7,2 to grab a share of the lead that Todd Wake held yesterday. These two teams sit even at the top with 28 points each, with Marvin Beckmann lurking close behind with 30.

The first race of the day saw 7-9 knots of breeze from a direction far left of the typical San Diego sea breeze. Bill Mauk with Albertito Gonzalez and Rafael Melendez came from behind to lead at 2 of the 4 marks, until finishing just ahead of team Wake after a grueling downwind. Mauk showed remarkable speed as he maneuvered around the likes of Marvin Beckmann, Ched Proctor, and Bob Martin.

The second and third races were won by 5 time Lightning world champion Tito Gonzalez, sailing with his daughter Trini and Ignacio Moroga. In race two, Gonzalez fought around the course with Matt Burridge and Kiko Quintero. Tito fought through the top group to find the lead at the finish.

By the last race of the day, the breeze had died to 4-7 knots with increased variability. Gonzalez, along with Tom Allen and Ched Proctor, tailed Bill Cabrall around the top mark. By the first leward mark, Gonzalez and Proctor had worked their ways into first and second, respectively. Gonzalez stayed ahead for the remaining three legs to take the win in a rapidly dying breeze. Proctor remained in second, with Tom Allen in third.

Racing tomorrow begins at 1200 local time with three races scheduled.

Racing will be held July 25-28.

Event details – Results – Facebook

Day Two Results:

Source: Doug Wake