2022 US Open Sailing Series #1

The six-event 2022 US Open Sailing Series got underway on January 15-17 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. With a focus on promoting competition in Olympic equipment, the first event had racing in the ILCA 4, 6, and 7 fleets.

While big shifts and light winds allowed for only two races on day one, and high winds, squalls, and tornado warnings kept boats off the water for day two, Mother Nature finally delivered to allow for four races on day three.

Roger Casellas (PUR) dominated the ILCA 4 fleet (43 boats), with Isabella Mendoza Cabezas as top girl in second overall. Robby Meek (USA) similarly crushing the ILCA 6 fleet (61 boats), with Christina Sakellaris (USA) beating Charlotte Rose (USA) on countback to finish second.

Marshall McCann (USA) won in the ILCA 7 (31 boats), finishing seven points clear of a three-way tie which was broken with Tom Ramshaw (CAN) in second and Leo Boucher (USA) in third.

“The fleet was so close it wasn’t until the last race that I knew I was in contention for first place,” said McCann. “I went out, sailed my own race, and kept it simple.”

New this year, sailors from the United States competing in Olympic classes will be eligible for prize money over the three Florida and three California events. Athletes will vie for $1000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third.

“It’s great to see some of the best sailors in the country, but it’s even better to see the developing sailors who were yesterday’s Optimists champions realizing how much more of a path lies ahead,” said Regatta Co-Chair Bob Meagher. “We’re happy that US Sailing and West Marine continue to make that path easier for them with the Series events.”

Series information – Fort Lauderdale details – Results

2022 US Open Sailing Series
January 15-17: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
January 21-23: Miami, Florida
February 3-6: Clearwater, Florida
June 17-19: San Diego, California
July 15-17: Long Beach, California
August 12-14: San Francisco, California

Organized by US Sailing and host yacht clubs at venues in Florida and California, the 6-stage West Marine US Open Sailing Series seeks to fulfill demand for a racing and training platform based in the United States to provide a path to the Olympic Games for prospective athletes.