2022 Sunfish US Nationals at Midwinters Championship

Published on March 20th, 2022

Diego Silvestre (GUA) won the final race of the 2022 Sunfish US Nationals at Midwinters Championship to take the title after the nine race series on March 18-20 in Clearwater, FL. Caroline Young (USA) reveled in the light conditions that started the event, but with winds gusting in the 20s and big seas on the final day, Young dropped to second overall, three points off the lead, with Doug Kaukeinen (USA) another three points back in third.

“I weigh less than most of the top sailors in the class and, in winds under 15 knots, I can use that to my advantage,” noted Young. “The first race on day one was like that as were all four on day two – my five bullets.”

“Tactically,” Young continued, “with the wind from due south or due north just going along the shoreline, there aren’t major shifts, so you need to get off the starting line well, crank-up your straight-line speed, and go for the corners. Few tacks and just staying in the speed mode.

“In the only race on day three, with the winds in the 15-20 range with huge swells, my weight was at a disadvantage. I’m always happy to be in the top-10 in a blow, so I’m happy with my 8th. Unfortunately, Diego took the win and the regatta.”